Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

LUKE 18:20KJV
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Luke 18:20 (KJV)

What does Luke 18:20 mean?

Luke 18:20 lists several of the Ten Commandments, reminding the listener of basic moral laws: do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear false witness, and honor your father and mother. The verse shows Jesus pointing someone back to these well-known commandments as a standard for good behavior.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a man who has asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. Instead of giving a new teaching, Jesus first refers to commandments from the Hebrew Scriptures that the man would already know. This sets up the conversation for what comes next, where Jesus will challenge the man further about what it truly means to follow God.

The Greek behind Luke 18:20

  • "knowest" (οἶδας, oidas): This Greek word means "you know" or "you are aware," emphasizing that Jesus expects the man to already be familiar with these commandments.
  • "commandments" (ἐντολάς, entolas): This word refers to authoritative instructions or orders, specifically pointing to the well-known laws given by God.
  • "not" (μὴ, mē): This is the standard Greek word for negation, used repeatedly to stress the prohibitive nature of these commands ("do not...").
  • "Honour" (τίμα, tima): This verb means to value, respect, or show proper regard, especially toward one's parents, highlighting the importance of family relationships in the commandments.

Why Luke 18:20 matters

  • Luke 18:20 clarifies that Jesus did not dismiss the moral law but affirmed its ongoing importance as a foundation for right living.
  • The verse shows that Jesus starts with what is familiar and accepted before moving to deeper spiritual issues, helping the listener recognize his own limitations.
  • By listing these specific commandments, Luke 18:20 connects Jesus' teaching to the broader biblical story and the ethical expectations God has for his people.

Where else these words appear

“Do” Greek G5576 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
  • Mark 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
  • Mark 14:57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,

“Do” Greek G5407 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
  • Matthew 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
  • James 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

“Do” Greek G3431 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
  • Mark 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
  • Romans 2:22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

“Do” Greek G2813 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • Matthew 27:64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
  • John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.