What Does Luke 18:18 Mean in the King James?
And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The question asks for a task, but its own word “inherit” describes life as a share received.
THE MEANING
You reach for life that belongs to the ages, and frame your longing as a question about what action will secure it. Yet “inherit” speaks of receiving a share; the sentence holds the urge to achieve beside the language of belonging.
THE ROOT
κληρονομήσω
klēronomēsō
GROWS FROM
κληρ- (klēr-), from κλῆρος
A lot, portion, or share allotted to someone.
“inherit” in this verse is klēronomēsō. The verb for inheriting grows from the language of an allotted share. Beside the question’s “what shall I do,” it brings receiving and achieving into tension.
ALSO GROWS
klēros: lot; allotted share
κλῆρος
The share at the root of inheritance makes the verse’s language of receiving concrete.
klēronomos: heir
κληρονόμος
An heir receives a share through belonging to the household, not by making the inheritance.
klēronomia: inheritance; allotted possession
κληρονομία
This related noun names the portion itself, keeping the focus on what is received.
αἰώνιον
aiōnion
GROWS FROM
αἰών-
aiōn-
Age, era, or span of time.
The adjective belongs to the word for an age. “Eternal life” can therefore open onto the life of the ages, describing its belonging and quality as well as its duration.
ALSO GROWS
aiōn: age; era
αἰών
This is the core word beneath “eternal,” bringing the ages into view.
aiōnios: of the age; age-related
αἰώνιος
The adjective used here links the life in question to the age.
aiōnes: ages
αἰῶνες
The plural form keeps the language of life connected to the ages, rather than reducing it to a measure of duration.
ποιήσας
poiēsas
GROWS FROM
ποιε-
poie-
Do, make, or bring about.
The question reaches for something to do that will secure life. Beside the root of “inherit,” this verb reveals the tension between making an outcome and receiving a share.
ALSO GROWS
poiēma: a thing made; workmanship
ποίημα
This related word names what has been made, showing the root’s sense of producing or forming.
poiētēs: doer; maker
ποιητής
This branch describes one who acts or makes, echoing the question’s search for a decisive deed.
THE PATTERN
Life and inheritance are pictured as a received share grounded in relation, rather than a reward manufactured by a task.
And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.THE THREAD
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.The Greek word translated “heirs” comes from the same κληρ- family as “inherit” here. The verse answers the question’s tension by placing the share within the language of being children.
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