The young ruler was a man of irreproachable character. He might have said of himself all that the Apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:4, etc. But he was restless and unsatisfied. He felt that Jesus had the key to a life deeper than he had experienced, and he longed to possess it. He was so much in earnest that he knelt in the crowded thoroughfare before the despised Nazarene, Mark 10:17.
He did not know himself. He thought he possessed that love which fulfills the Law, Romans 13:10. Our Lord desired to prove to him that he was deficient in that love, and therefore could not have the eternal life which is love. He did this by suggesting that the young ruler should renounce all and accompany Him in a self-giving for others that must end in a cross. But he shrank back. He dared not face a life of simple faith in God for the supply of temporal needs, and of absolute self-giving to a cross. For all who dare this, whatever is right and good is given back to be held and used under God's direction. [source]
Chapter Summary: Luke 18
1Of the importunate widow 9Of the Pharisee and the tax collector 15Of Children brought to Jesus 18A ruler would follow Jesus, but is hindered by his riches 28The reward of those who leave all for his sake 31He foretells his death; 35and restores a blind man to sight
Greek Commentary for Luke 18:26
Then who [και τις] Literally, and who. The και kai calls attention to what has just been said. Wealth was assumed to be mark of divine favour, not a hindrance to salvation. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 18:26
John 9:36And who is he, Lord, that I may believe on him? [Και τις εστιν κυριε] The initial κυριε kai (and) is common (Mark 10:26; Luke 10:29; Luke 18:26). Probably by ινα πιστευσω εις αυτον kurie he means only “Sir.” It usually comes at the beginning of the sentence, not at the end as here and John 9:38. That I may believe on him (hina pisteusō eis auton). Ellipsis to be supplied before this final clause. He catches up the words of Jesus in the preceding verse, though he does not yet know who the Son of Man (or Son of God) is, but he trusts Jesus. [source]
What do the individual words in Luke 18:26 mean?
Saidthenthosehaving heardThenwhois ableto be saved
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: δύναμαι
Sense: to be able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom.
Greek Commentary for Luke 18:26
Literally, and who. The και kai calls attention to what has just been said. Wealth was assumed to be mark of divine favour, not a hindrance to salvation. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 18:26
The initial κυριε kai (and) is common (Mark 10:26; Luke 10:29; Luke 18:26). Probably by ινα πιστευσω εις αυτον kurie he means only “Sir.” It usually comes at the beginning of the sentence, not at the end as here and John 9:38. That I may believe on him (hina pisteusō eis auton). Ellipsis to be supplied before this final clause. He catches up the words of Jesus in the preceding verse, though he does not yet know who the Son of Man (or Son of God) is, but he trusts Jesus. [source]