Question 1

What does Luke 10:29 mean?

Accepted Answer

Luke 10:29 shows a man asking Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” because he wants to defend or excuse himself. The verse highlights the man’s attempt to limit the meaning of “neighbour,” prompting Jesus to clarify what true neighborliness means. The setting is a conversation between Jesus and a lawyer (an expert in Jewish law). The lawyer, after hearing Jesus say to “love your neighbour as yourself,” tries to justify his own behavior by asking who exactly counts as his neighbor. This question sets the stage for Jesus to tell the Parable of the Good Samaritan, which expands the idea of who should be considered a neighbor.

Question 2

The Greek behind Luke 10:29

Accepted Answer

δικαιῶσαι (dikaiōsai, “justify”): This word means to declare oneself righteous or to show oneself as right. The verse uses it to show the lawyer’s motive—he is not just curious, but wants to prove he is already doing what the law requires. πλησίον (plēsion, “neighbour”): This Greek word refers to someone who is near or close by, but its meaning in Jewish law could be narrowly interpreted. The lawyer’s question hints at wanting to define “neighbour” in a limited way, possibly to exclude certain people.

Question 3

Why Luke 10:29 matters

Accepted Answer

Luke 10:29 makes clear that the lawyer’s question is not just academic; it is an attempt to limit his responsibility and justify his actions. The verse sets up the famous Parable of the Good Samaritan, showing that Jesus will challenge narrow definitions of “neighbour.” Understanding the lawyer’s motive helps readers see why Jesus responds with a story that radically broadens the idea of who deserves love and compassion.

Luke 10:29 (KJV)