Luke 18:18
New International Version
A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

New Living Translation
Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: “Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”

English Standard Version
And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Berean Standard Bible
Then a certain ruler asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Berean Literal Bible
And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, "Good Teacher, having done what, will I inherit eternal life?"

King James Bible
And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

New King James Version
Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

New American Standard Bible
A ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

NASB 1995
A ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

NASB 1977
And a certain ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And a ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

Amplified Bible
A certain ruler asked Him, “Good Teacher [You who are essentially and morally good], what shall I do to inherit eternal life [that is, eternal salvation in the Messiah’s kingdom]?”

Christian Standard Bible
A ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A ruler asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

American Standard Version
And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Contemporary English Version
An important man asked Jesus, "Good Teacher, what must I do to have eternal life?"

English Revised Version
And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
An official asked Jesus, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Good News Translation
A Jewish leader asked Jesus, "Good Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?"

International Standard Version
Then an official asked Jesus, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Majority Standard Bible
Then a certain ruler asked Him, ?Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life??

NET Bible
Now a certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

New Heart English Bible
A certain ruler asked him, saying, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit everlasting life?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Weymouth New Testament
The question was put to Him by a Ruler: "Good Rabbi, what shall I do to inherit the Life of the Ages?"

World English Bible
A certain ruler asked him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And a certain ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what having done—will I inherit continuous life?”

Berean Literal Bible
And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, "Good Teacher, having done what, will I inherit eternal life?"

Young's Literal Translation
And a certain ruler questioned him, saying, 'Good teacher, what having done -- shall I inherit life age-during?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Teacher, having done what, shall I inherit eternal life?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And a certain ruler asked him, saying: Good master, what shall I do to possess everlasting life?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And a certain leader questioned him, saying: “Good teacher, what should I do to possess eternal life?”

New American Bible
An official asked him this question, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

New Revised Standard Version
A certain ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
A nd one of the leaders asked him and said to him, O good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit life everlasting?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And one who was a nobleman asked him and said to him, “Good teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And a certain ruler asked him, saying: Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Godbey New Testament
And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, Good Teacher, having done what, shall I inherit eternal life?

Haweis New Testament
And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, by doing what shall I inherit eternal life?

Mace New Testament
Then a person of distinction ask'd him this question, good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?

Weymouth New Testament
The question was put to Him by a Ruler: "Good Rabbi, what shall I do to inherit the Life of the Ages?"

Worrell New Testament
And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, "Good Teacher, by doing what shall I inherit eternal life?"

Worsley New Testament
And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, Good master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Rich Young Ruler
17Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 18Then a certain ruler asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone.…

Cross References
Matthew 19:16-22
Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?” / “Why do you ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” / “Which ones?” the man asked. Jesus answered, “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, ...

Mark 10:17-22
As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up and knelt before Him. “Good Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” / “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone. / You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat others, honor your father and mother.’” ...

Exodus 20:12-16
Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. / You shall not murder. / You shall not commit adultery. ...

Deuteronomy 5:16-20
Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. / You shall not murder. / You shall not commit adultery. ...

Romans 13:8-10
Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

James 2:10-11
Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. / For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

Matthew 22:36-40
“Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?” / Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. ...

Leviticus 19:18
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

Proverbs 11:4
Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.

Philippians 3:4-9
though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: / circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; / as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. ...

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Matthew 5:17-20
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. / So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ...

Galatians 3:10-12
All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” / Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” / The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.”

Romans 7:7-12
What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been mindful of sin if not for the law. For I would not have been aware of coveting if the law had not said, “Do not covet.” / But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from the law, sin is dead. / Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. ...

1 John 2:3-6
By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. / If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. / But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him: ...


Treasury of Scripture

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

a certain.

Matthew 19:16
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

Mark 10:17
And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

Good.

Luke 6:46
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Ezekiel 33:31
And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.

Malachi 1:6
A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

what.

Luke 10:25
And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Acts 2:37
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Acts 16:30
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

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Age-During Ages Eternal Good Inherit Life Master Question Questioned Rabbi Ruler Teacher
Luke 18
1. Of the importunate widow.
9. Of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
15. Of Children brought to Jesus.
18. A ruler would follow Jesus, but is hindered by his riches.
28. The reward of those who leave all for his sake.
31. He foretells his death;
35. and restores a blind man to sight.














A certain ruler
The phrase "a certain ruler" introduces us to a specific individual, a person of authority and influence within the community. The Greek word used here is "ἄρχων" (archon), which denotes someone who holds a position of power, possibly a leader in the synagogue or a member of the local council. This ruler's approach to Jesus signifies the recognition of Jesus' authority and wisdom, even by those in high positions. Historically, rulers were often seen as custodians of the law and tradition, making this encounter significant as it highlights the ruler's quest for spiritual truth beyond his societal status.

asked Him
The act of asking indicates a genuine inquiry or search for understanding. The Greek word "ἐπηρώτησεν" (eperōtēsen) suggests a formal or earnest question, reflecting the ruler's respect for Jesus and his desire for a meaningful answer. This interaction is a reminder of the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from those who are spiritually enlightened, as well as the humility required to ask questions, regardless of one's own status or knowledge.

Good Teacher
The ruler addresses Jesus as "Good Teacher," which is significant in both its respect and theological implications. The Greek word "διδάσκαλε" (didaskale) means teacher, but the addition of "good" (ἀγαθός, agathos) elevates Jesus' status beyond that of a mere instructor. In Jewish tradition, goodness is an attribute of God, and by calling Jesus "good," the ruler inadvertently acknowledges a divine quality in Him. This salutation sets the stage for Jesus' response, which challenges the ruler's understanding of goodness and its source.

what must I do
This phrase reflects the ruler's concern with action and personal responsibility in achieving eternal life. The Greek "ποιήσας" (poiēsas) implies a focus on deeds or works. This question is central to the human condition, as it addresses the universal quest for purpose and salvation. It also reveals a common misconception that eternal life can be earned through human effort alone, a theme that Jesus will address in His response.

to inherit eternal life?
The concept of "inheriting eternal life" is deeply rooted in Jewish eschatological hope. The Greek word "κληρονομήσω" (klēronomēsō) means to inherit, suggesting a gift or legacy rather than something earned. Eternal life, "ζωὴν αἰώνιον" (zōēn aiōnion), is a life that transcends the temporal, a life in communion with God. This question encapsulates the ruler's desire for assurance of his place in the world to come, a desire that resonates with all who seek a relationship with the divine. Jesus' forthcoming dialogue will illuminate the true path to this inheritance, emphasizing faith and the heart's posture over mere adherence to the law.

(18-23) And a certain ruler asked him, . . .--See Notes on Matthew 19:16-25; Mark 10:17-22. St. Luke alone describes the inquirer as a "ruler." As used without any defining genitive, and interpreted by Luke 23:13; Luke 23:35, John 3:1; John 7:26; John 7:48, et al., it seems to imply that he was a member of the Council or Sanhedrin. The term "youth," in Matthew 19:20, is not at variance with this inference. It is defined by Philo as including the period between twenty-one and twenty-eight--an age at which a place in the Council was probably open to one who was commended both by his wealth and his devotion. St. Paul obviously occupied a position of great influence at a time when he is described as a "young man" (Acts 7:58). . . . Verse 18. - And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life! This incident is related in the three synoptical Gospels. St. Matthew speaks of him as the young man. St. Luke here styles him a ruler; by some the title is supposed simply to denote that he was the ruler of a synagogue or congregation; others, however, consider that it denotes that the subject of the narrative was a ruler of the Jews, and possibly, but this is of course doubtful, a member of the Sanhedrin. His youth (Matthew 19:20) is not at variance with this inference. Youth is defined by Philo as including the period between twenty-one and twenty-eight. All the three evangelists mention his great wealth. Dean Plumptre suggests that his large possessions and evident devotion had probably opened to him, at a comparatively early age, a place in the great council. His question concerning eternal life indicates that he was a Pharisee, and he evidently represented the noblest phase of this religious party. He had sedulously followed out the precepts of the best rabbinic schools of his day, but there was something lacking, he felt, and his intercourse with Jesus and the influence of the Master's words led him to take this question point-blank to the famous Teacher, who he felt - alone of any master whom he had met - was able to satisfy this longing desire of his heart.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Then
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

a certain
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

ruler
ἄρχων (archōn)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 758: Present participle of archo; a first.

asked
ἐπηρώτησέν (epērōtēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1905: To interrogate, question, demand of. From epi and erotao; to ask for, i.e. Inquire, seek.

Him,
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

“Good
ἀγαθέ (agathe)
Adjective - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

Teacher,
Διδάσκαλε (Didaskale)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.

what
τί (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

must I do
ποιήσας (poiēsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

to inherit
κληρονομήσω (klēronomēsō)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2816: To inherit, obtain (possess) by inheritance, acquire. From kleronomos; to be an heir to.

eternal
αἰώνιον (aiōnion)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 166: From aion; perpetual.

life?”
ζωὴν (zōēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2222: Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.


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NT Gospels: Luke 18:18 A certain ruler asked him saying Good (Luke Lu Lk)
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