Luke 10:25 (KJV)

What does Luke 10:25 mean?

Luke 10:25 describes a moment when a lawyer stands up to test Jesus by asking, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The verse shows someone knowledgeable in religious law trying to challenge Jesus with a question about how to receive everlasting life.

The scene takes place as Jesus is teaching, and a “lawyer” (an expert in Jewish law) addresses him publicly. The lawyer’s question is not just curiosity; the text says he “tempted” (or tested) Jesus, suggesting he wanted to see how Jesus would answer a difficult or important theological issue. This sets the stage for the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan, which follows.

The Greek behind Luke 10:25

• “Lawyer” (νομικός, nomikos): This word refers to someone skilled in the Mosaic Law, not a legal professional in the modern sense. The presence of a nomikos signals that the question is about religious, not civil, matters.
• “Tempted” (ἐκπειράζω, ekpeirazō): This Greek word is often understood as “to test” or “to try,” not always with hostile intent, but here it suggests the lawyer is probing Jesus, perhaps hoping to catch him in a mistake or controversial statement.
• “Inherit” (κληρονομέω, klēronomeō): This word means to receive something as a rightful possession, often used for receiving an inheritance. The lawyer’s question frames eternal life as something to be received, not merely achieved.

Why Luke 10:25 matters

• Luke 10:25 clarifies that the conversation about eternal life is prompted by a challenge, not just a genuine search for truth, which shapes how we read Jesus’ response.
• The verse highlights the role of religious experts in questioning Jesus, showing the tension between Jesus and those who saw themselves as authorities on the law.
• Understanding the lawyer’s motive and background helps explain why Jesus responds with a question of his own, leading into the deeper teaching that follows.