But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
Read it in contextThe Parable of the Good Samaritan and its Introduction
Start reading at Luke 10:25 (Luke 10:25 to Luke 10:37).
The verse is part of the dialogue between Jesus and a lawyer, which begins with the lawyer's question about eternal life and concludes with the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
10:25And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
10:26He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
10:27And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
10:28And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
10:29But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
10:30And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
10:31And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
10:32And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
10:33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
10:34And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
10:35And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
10:36Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
10:37And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 10:1–10:42): Jesus commissions the seventy and addresses them on their return. A lawyer questions Him; afterward Martha and Mary receive Him at their home. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main event is a lawyer's question to Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?", asked with the intent to justify himself after Jesus affirmed his correct understanding of the Law regarding inheriting eternal life.
What is God revealing? God is revealing the human tendency towards self-justification and the desire to limit the scope of one's moral obligations, rather than embracing the full breadth of love commanded by the Law.
What is the literary style? The literary style is narrative dialogue, recording a direct conversation between Jesus and the lawyer.
When
When was it written? c. A.D. 60 to 62.
When does the event take place? c. A.D. 30.
Where
Where did it happen? The specific location of this dialogue is not stated in the text. It occurs during Jesus' ministry, likely in Judea as he journeys towards Jerusalem.
Where was the author located? Uncertain; possibly Caesarea or Rome.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Parable of the Good Samaritan and its Introduction (Luke 10:25 to Luke 10:37).
Start reading at Luke 10:25. The verse is part of the dialogue between Jesus and a lawyer, which begins with the lawyer's question about eternal life and concludes with the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse immediately follows Jesus' affirmation of the lawyer's correct summary of the Law (love God and neighbour) as the way to inherit eternal life. The lawyer's question "who is my neighbour?" is a direct response, revealing his desire to limit his obligation and justify his current actions or inactions, leading into Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? The lawyer's question, motivated by a desire to justify himself, highlights humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill the law's demands for love and righteousness. This demonstrates the need for Christ's perfect righteousness and His atoning sacrifice to provide eternal life, which cannot be earned by self-justification. Christ himself perfectly exemplified true neighborly love in His ministry and sacrifice, becoming the ultimate 'neighbour' to fallen humanity. interpretation
How do I apply it today? This passage challenges believers to examine their own motives when considering their obligations to others. Instead of seeking to limit who we must love, we should strive to extend compassion and mercy to all, recognizing that true love for God is demonstrated through selfless love for our fellow human beings, regardless of their background or our personal biases. interpretation
Cited: Luke 10:25, Luke 10:27-28, Luke 10:29, Luke 10:30-37
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of PaulFrom early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name. Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 10
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Connection to the wholeThe mission instructions and return focus the disciples' joy beyond exercised authority toward their relationship with God and received revelation.
Connection to the wholeThe household scene brings attention to hearing Jesus, complementing the preceding call to practical mercy without reducing discipleship to distraction.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.