Question 1

What does Luke 10:26 mean?

Accepted Answer

Luke 10:26 shows Jesus responding to a question by asking the man what is written in the Jewish law and how he personally understands it. Jesus turns the question back to the man, inviting him to reflect on the Scriptures himself. In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a lawyer—someone trained in the Jewish law—who has just asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. Instead of giving a direct answer, Jesus points the man to the law (the Torah) and asks not only what is written but also how the man reads or interprets it, highlighting the importance of personal engagement with Scripture.

Question 2

The Greek behind Luke 10:26

Accepted Answer

The word for "law" is νόμος (nomos), which refers specifically to the Jewish religious law, especially the Torah. Jesus is directing the man to the foundational texts of Jewish faith. The phrase "how readest thou?" uses the Greek πῶς (pōs, "how") and ἀναγινώσκεις (anaginōskeis, "you read"). This combination shows Jesus is not just asking for a quotation but is inviting the man to share his own understanding or interpretation of the law.

Question 3

Why Luke 10:26 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clears up the idea that Jesus always gave direct answers; here, he encourages personal responsibility in understanding Scripture. Luke 10:26 emphasizes that knowing what is written is not enough—how one interprets and applies it also matters. This exchange sets up the famous parable of the Good Samaritan, showing that the heart of the law is not just in the words but in how they are understood and lived out.

Luke 10:26 (KJV)