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Mark 10:18 "Why do you call Me good?" Jesus replied. "No one is good except God alone.
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No one is good except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/mark/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one <i>is</i> good, except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/mark/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? <i>there is</i> none good but one, <i>that is</i>, God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/mark/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one <i>is</i> good but One, <i>that is,</i> God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/mark/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/mark/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/mark/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/mark/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/mark/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is [essentially] good [by nature] except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/mark/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Why do you call me good? ” Jesus asked him. “No one is good except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/mark/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus asked him. “No one is good but One—God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/mark/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good save one, even God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/mark/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jesus replied, "Why do you call me good? Only God is good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/mark/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good save one, even God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/mark/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/mark/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked him. "No one is good except God alone. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/mark/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked him. "Nobody is good except for one—God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/mark/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Why do you call Me good?? Jesus replied. ?No one is good except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/mark/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/mark/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except one--God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/mark/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good, but one, that is God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Why do you call me good?" asked Jesus in reply; "there is no one truly good except One--that is, God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/mark/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except one—God. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/mark/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one [is] good except one—God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one <i>is</i> good, except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/mark/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jesus said to him, 'Why me dost thou call good? no one is good except One -- God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/mark/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jesus said to him, Why sayest thou me good? none good, except the one God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/mark/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? None is good but one, that is God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/mark/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But Jesus said to him, “Why call me good? No one is good except the one God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/mark/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/mark/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/mark/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? There is no one who is good, except the one God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/10.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Yeshua said to him, “Why do you call me good? There is no one good but The One God.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/mark/10.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Jesus said to him: Why do you call me good? None is good but one, that is God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/mark/10.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And Jesus said to him, <FR>Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, God.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/mark/10.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Then said Jesus unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, even God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/mark/10.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, why do you call me good? there is but one, who is good, that is God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Why do you call me good?" asked Jesus in reply; "there is no one truly good except One--that is, God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/mark/10.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And Jesus said to Him, <FR>"Why do you call Me good? No one is good, but One?God.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/mark/10.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And Jesus said unto him, <FR>Why dost thou call me good? <Fr><i>there is</i><FR> none good, but one, <Fr><i>that is</i><FR> God.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/mark/10-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=3253" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/mark/10.htm">The Rich Young Man</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17</span>As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up and knelt before Him. “Good Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">“Why</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legeis (V-PIA-2S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">do you call</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me</a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathon (Adj-AMS) -- A primary word; good.">good?” </a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsous (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">replied.</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: oudeis (Adj-NMS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">“No one is</a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathos (Adj-NMS) -- A primary word; good.">good</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">except</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: heis (Adj-NMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">alone.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">19</span>You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat others, honor your father and mother.’ ”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-17.htm">Matthew 19:17</a></span><br />“Why do you ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-19.htm">Luke 18:19</a></span><br />“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a></span><br />Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-10.htm">Romans 3:10-12</a></span><br />As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. / There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. / All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Psalm 14:1-3</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good. / The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. / All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/53-1.htm">Psalm 53:1-3</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their ways are vile. There is no one who does good. / God looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. / All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:20</a></span><br />Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-8.htm">1 John 1:8</a></span><br />If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a></span><br />for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-10.htm">1 John 1:10</a></span><br />If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-68.htm">Psalm 119:68</a></span><br />You are good, and You do what is good; teach me Your statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/16-34.htm">1 Chronicles 16:34</a></span><br />Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-1.htm">Psalm 106:1</a></span><br />Hallelujah! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-1.htm">Psalm 107:1</a></span><br />Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/118-1.htm">Psalm 118:1</a></span><br />Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Jesus said to him, Why call you me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.</p><p class="hdg">Why.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/19-17.htm">Matthew 19:17</a></b></br> And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? <i>there is</i> none good but one, <i>that is</i>, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/18-19.htm">Luke 18:19</a></b></br> And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none <i>is</i> good, save one, <i>that is</i>, God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/5-41.htm">John 5:41-44</a></b></br> I receive not honour from men… </p><p class="hdg">that is.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-2.htm">1 Samuel 2:2</a></b></br> <i>There is</i> none holy as the LORD: for <i>there is</i> none beside thee: neither <i>is there</i> any rock like our God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/36-7.htm">Psalm 36:7,8</a></b></br> How excellent <i>is</i> thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/86-5.htm">Psalm 86:5</a></b></br> For thou, Lord, <i>art</i> good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/9-2.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/mark/9-29.htm">Except</a> <a href="/mark/10-17.htm">Good</a> <a href="/mark/10-17.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/mark/9-29.htm">Save</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/12-32.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/mark/13-20.htm">Except</a> <a href="/mark/10-29.htm">Good</a> <a href="/mark/10-21.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/mark/11-9.htm">Save</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/10-1.htm">Jesus disputes with the Pharisees concerning divorce;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/10-13.htm">blesses the children that are brought unto him;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/10-17.htm">resolves a rich man how he may inherit everlasting life;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/10-23.htm">tells his disciples of the danger of riches;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/10-28.htm">promises rewards to those who forsake all for the gospel;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/10-32.htm">foretells his death and resurrection;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/10-35.htm">bids the two ambitious suitors to think rather of suffering with him;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">46. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/10-46.htm">and restores to Bartimaeus his sight.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/mark/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“Why do you call Me good?”</b><br>In this passage, Jesus addresses a rich young ruler who approaches Him with a question about eternal life. The ruler calls Jesus "good teacher," a title that prompts Jesus to question the man's understanding of goodness. In Jewish culture, the term "good" was often reserved for God, reflecting His perfect nature. By asking this question, Jesus challenges the ruler to consider the implications of calling Him "good" and to recognize His divine nature. This moment also serves to highlight the ruler's superficial understanding of goodness, which is often based on human standards rather than divine holiness.<p><b>Jesus replied.</b><br>Jesus' response is direct and thought-provoking, characteristic of His teaching style. He often used questions and statements to lead individuals to deeper spiritual truths. This method encourages self-reflection and a deeper understanding of one's beliefs and assumptions. In the context of the Gospels, Jesus frequently engages with individuals in a way that reveals their hearts and challenges their preconceived notions about God, righteousness, and the kingdom of heaven.<p><b>“No one is good except God alone.”</b><br>This statement underscores the biblical teaching of God's unique holiness and moral perfection. In the Old Testament, passages such as <a href="/psalms/14-3.htm">Psalm 14:3</a> and <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:20</a> affirm that all humans fall short of God's standards of goodness. By declaring that only God is truly good, Jesus emphasizes the need for divine grace and the futility of relying on human efforts for salvation. This assertion also subtly points to Jesus' own divine identity, as He embodies the goodness of God. Theologically, this phrase aligns with the doctrine of total depravity, which asserts that sin affects all aspects of human nature, making divine intervention necessary for redemption.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to a question from a rich young ruler. His response highlights His teaching method and His understanding of divine goodness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/rich_young_ruler.htm">Rich Young Ruler</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the rich young ruler is the one who approaches Jesus with a question about eternal life, prompting Jesus' response.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a></b><br>Present during this interaction, the disciples are witnesses to Jesus' teaching and are often the recipients of further explanation from Him.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/judea.htm">Judea</a></b><br>The region where this event takes place, as Jesus is traveling towards Jerusalem.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>Central to Jesus' response, God is identified as the only one who is truly good, emphasizing the divine nature of goodness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_true_goodness.htm">Understanding True Goodness</a></b><br>Jesus challenges the common understanding of goodness, pointing to God as the ultimate standard. This calls us to evaluate our own perceptions of goodness in light of God's character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_human_limitations.htm">Recognizing Human Limitations</a></b><br>By stating that only God is good, Jesus reminds us of our own limitations and the need for humility. We should acknowledge our dependence on God's grace and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_jesus.htm">The Nature of Jesus</a></b><br>Jesus' question invites reflection on His identity. While He is fully human, He is also fully divine, sharing in the goodness of God. This dual nature is central to Christian faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/moral_and_spiritual_reflection.htm">Moral and Spiritual Reflection</a></b><br>This passage encourages believers to reflect on their own moral and spiritual state, recognizing that true goodness comes from a relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuing_godly_character.htm">Pursuing Godly Character</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue a character that reflects God's goodness, relying on the Holy Spirit to transform us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_mark_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Mark 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_you_consider_yourself_morally_good.htm">Do you consider yourself morally good?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_plato's_form_of_the_good.htm">What is Plato's Form of the Good?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'overcome_by_the_blood'_mean.htm">What were the teachings of Jesus?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'god_is_good'_mean.htm">What does "God is good" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/mark/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">Why callest thou me good</span>?--Our Lord's question is, in St. Mark's report, in harmony with that of the seeker after life eternal. Its obvious drift was to force him back upon the conditions of absolute goodness, to make him ask himself how far, and under what conditions, that word might be used relatively of any child of man.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/mark/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Why callest</span> <span class="cmt_word">thou me good</span>? According to the best authorities, the words in St. Matthew (<a href="/matthew/21-17.htm">Matthew 21:17</a>) run thus: "Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good." The word "good" is the pivot on which our Lord's answer turns, both in St. Matthew and here. The question is doubtless put to test the young ruler's faith. If, as may be supposed, the young man used the term, "good Master," as a mere conventional expression, it was not the proper epithet to apply to our Lord, who at once transfers the praise and the goodness to God, that he might teach us to do the same. This ruler, by his mode of accosting our Lord, showed that he had not as yet a right faith in him - that he did not believe in his Godhead. Our Lord, therefore, desired to rouse him and lift him up to a higher faith. He seems to say to him, "If you call me good, believe that I am God; for no one is good, intrinsically good, but God. God alone is essentially good, and wise, and powerful, and holy. It is from him that angels and men derive a few drops, or rather some faint adumbration, of his goodness. There is none essentially, entirely, absolutely good but one, that is, God. Therefore seek after him, love him, imitate him. He alone can satisfy your longing desires, as in this life with his grace, so in the life to come with his glory; yea, with himself. For in heaven he manifested himself as the supreme good, to be tasted and enjoyed by the blessed for ever." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/mark/10-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">“Why</span><br /><span class="grk">Τί</span> <span class="translit">(Ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do you call</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγεις</span> <span class="translit">(legeis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">Me</span><br /><span class="grk">με</span> <span class="translit">(me)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good?”</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγαθόν</span> <span class="translit">(agathon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary word; 'good'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jesus</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἰησοῦς</span> <span class="translit">(Iēsous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied.</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶπεν</span> <span class="translit">(eipen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“No one [is]</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐδεὶς</span> <span class="translit">(oudeis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3762.htm">Strong's 3762: </a> </span><span class="str2">No one, none, nothing. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">good</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγαθὸς</span> <span class="translit">(agathos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary word; 'good'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">except</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰ</span> <span class="translit">(ei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεός</span> <span class="translit">(Theos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">alone.</span><br /><span class="grk">εἷς</span> <span class="translit">(heis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> </span><span class="str2">One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/10-18.htm">Mark 10:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/mark/10-18.htm">Mark 10:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/mark/10-18.htm">Mark 10:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/mark/10-18.htm">Mark 10:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/mark/10-18.htm">Mark 10:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/10-18.htm">Mark 10:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/10-18.htm">Mark 10:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/10-18.htm">Mark 10:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/mark/10-18.htm">Mark 10:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/mark/10-18.htm">Mark 10:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/mark/10-18.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 10:18 Jesus said to him Why do you (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/10-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 10:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 10:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/10-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 10:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 10:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>