What does Luke 10:29 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 10:29, "But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?" is part of the parable of the Good Samaritan, told by Jesus.

The context of the question is critical: it is asked by a lawyer who had questioned Jesus about what he must do to inherit eternal life.

Jesus responds by reciting the commandment to love God and love one's neighbor as oneself.

Eager to justify himself and seeking to define the limits of his obligation, the lawyer then asks this question, prompting the story of the Good Samaritan.

The question indicates the lawyer's self-justification, his attempt to establish the boundaries of the obligation to 'love thy neighbor,' curiously seeking an exemption or a rule that would make this commandment more manageable.

Instead of answering directly, Jesus tells a story that dramatically expands the definition of a neighbor.

The deeper meaning here is that our obligation to extend love and compassion should not be limited by religious, cultural, or social differences.

Historical Context

This verse is situated in the Gospel of Luke, which was authored by the physician Luke, a companion of the apostle Paul, in the first century A.D. The parable was told in a context where Jews had defined cultural and religious boundaries about who could be considered a "neighbor".

Historically, the Jews and Samaritans were hostile towards each other. By using a Samaritan as the hero of the story, Jesus challenges the prevailing prejudices and culturally defined limits on compassion and fellowship.

Theological Insights

Within Christianity, differing viewpoints extend from the literal to the allegorical.

From a literal perspective, the Good Samaritan parable serves as an imperative for Christians to engage in selfless and universal love.

Theologically, some scholars see the parable as reflecting Jesus' teaching on the nature of God's love, an inclusive love that transcends cultural and religious barriers.

Others find an allegorical meaning, viewing the Samaritan as representing Christ Himself, who provides care, at His own expense, for a fallen humanity represented by the injured man. Through this lens, the parable is not just a moral lesson but a story revealing the redemptive work of Christ.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse encourage individuals to extend kindness and assistance beyond their immediate circle of family and friends.

In daily life, this can manifest as acts of charity and compassion towards strangers or people of different backgrounds.

It instructs to embrace an inclusive understanding of community and to respond to the needs of others without prejudice.

Cross-References

• Luke 10:25-28: The prelude to the parable where Jesus discusses the greatest commandments.
• Luke 10:30-37: The parable of the Good Samaritan.
• Leviticus 19:18: "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
• Matthew 22:39: "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
• Galatians 6:2: "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

Language Study

The key term in the original Greek text of this verse is "πλησίον" (plēsion), which translates as 'neighbor' or 'one who is near.' It implies physical proximity but also bears a connotation of fellowship or being part of a community.

In the lawyer's question, "πλησίον" suggests a desired limitation, a definition dictating to whom one's duty of care applies.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient myths and religious systems, the idea of a "neighbor" is limited to those within one's tribe or social group.

For example, in Ancient Greek culture, duties and allegiances were strongly tied to the city-state or polis.

The teachings of Jesus in the parable of the Good Samaritan, then, stand out as counter-cultural by transcending these limitations and suggesting a universal approach to love and compassion.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern social psychology might look at this verse and the subsequent parable in terms of in-group and out-group dynamics.

The deconstruction of social boundaries to help another person reflects what is known as 'altruism,' a topic of interest in evolutionary biology and psychology.

Scientists explore why individuals might act in the interest of others, even when there is no personal gain, and how these behaviors enhance social cohesion and survival.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have offered varying interpretations of this verse.

Historically, Church Fathers such as Augustine interpreted the parable allegorically, seeing the Good Samaritan as a figure of Christ.

Modern commentators, like John Piper, emphasize the need to show practical love that crosses ethnic and religious boundaries.

Others, such as the scholar Kenneth Bailey, focus on the challenge Jesus presents to his listeners to rethink their cultural norms and prejudices.

Overall, commentaries on this verse agree that it is a call to an expansive and action-oriented understanding of who is a neighbor.