CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 19:17 "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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/19-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/40_Mat_19_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 19:17 - The Rich Young Man" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/19-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/19-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/19.htm">Chapter 19</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/19-16.htm" title="Matthew 19:16">◄</a> Matthew 19:17 <a href="/matthew/19-18.htm" title="Matthew 19:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/19.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220Why do you ask me about what is good?&#8221 Jesus replied. &#8220There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/19.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” <a href="/esv/matthew/19.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” <a href="/bsb/matthew/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “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.” <a href="/blb/matthew/19.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And He said to him, "Why do you ask Me about what is good? Only One is good. But if you desire to enter into life, keep the commandments." <a href="/kjv/matthew/19.htm">King James Bible</a> And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/19.htm">New King James Version</a> So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” <a href="/nasb/matthew/19.htm">NASB 1995</a> And He said to him, &#8220Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” <a href="/lsb/matthew/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” <a href="/amp/matthew/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Jesus answered, “Why are you asking Me about what is [essentially] good? There is only One who is [essentially] good; but if you wish to enter into eternal life, keep the commandments.” <a href="/csb/matthew/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Why do you ask me about what is good? ” he said to him. “There is only one who is good. If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220Why do you ask Me about what is good?&#8221 He said to him. &#8220There is only One who is good. If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/19.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he said unto him, Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good: but if thou wouldest enter into life, keep the commandments. <a href="/cev/matthew/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jesus said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? Only God is good. If you want to have eternal life, you must obey his commandments." <a href="/erv/matthew/19.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he said unto him, Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good: but if thou wouldest enter into life, keep the commandments. <a href="/gwt/matthew/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Jesus said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you want to enter into life, obey the commandments." <a href="/gnt/matthew/19.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Why do you ask me concerning what is good?" answered Jesus. "There is only One who is good. Keep the commandments if you want to enter life." <a href="/isv/matthew/19.htm">International Standard Version</a> Jesus asked him, "Why ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you want to get into that life, you must keep the commandments." <a href="/msb/matthew/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Why do you call Me good?? Jesus replied. ?There is no one who is good but God. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.? <a href="/net/matthew/19.htm">NET Bible</a> He said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." <a href="/nheb/matthew/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? No one is good but one. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." <a href="/wbt/matthew/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he said to him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. <a href="/wey/matthew/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Why do you ask me," He replied, "about what is good? There is only One who is truly good. But if you desire to enter into Life, keep the Commandments." <a href="/web/matthew/19.htm">World English Bible</a> He said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one [is] good except one—God; but if you will to enter into life, keep the commands.” <a href="/blb/matthew/19.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And He said to him, "Why do you ask Me about what is good? Only One is good. But if you desire to enter into life, keep the commandments." <a href="/ylt/matthew/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he said to him, 'Why me dost thou call good? no one is good except One -- God; but if thou dost will to enter into the life, keep the commands.' <a href="/slt/matthew/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he said to him, Why sayest thou me good? None is good except one, God; but if thou wouldst come into life, keep the commands.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Who said to him: Why asketh thou me concerning good? One is good, God. But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said to him: “Why do you question me about what is good? One is good: God. But if you wish to enter into life, observe the commandments.” <a href="/nabre/matthew/19.htm">New American Bible</a> He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> He said to him, Why do you call me good? There is no one who is good except the one God; but if you want to enter into life, obey the commandments. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/19.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But he said to him, “Why do you call me good? There is none good except God alone. But if you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/19.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Why do you call me good? There is none good but one, that is God. But if you desire to enter into life, keep the commandments. <a href="/godbey/matthew/19.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And He said to him, <FR>Why do you ask me concerning the good One? One is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/19.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then he said to him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, even God: but if thou art desirous of entering into life, keep the commandments. <a href="/mace/matthew/19.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and he said to him, why do you stile me good? there is but one that is good, that is God, but if you would enter into life, keep the commandments. <a href="/wey/matthew/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Why do you ask me," He replied, "about what is good? There is only One who is truly good. But if you desire to enter into Life, keep the Commandments." <a href="/worrell/matthew/19.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And He said to him, <FR>"Why do you question Me concerning the good? One is the Good. But, if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/19.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And He said unto him, <FR>Why callest thou me good? <Fr>there is<FR> none good but one, <Fr>that is,<FR> God: but if thou desirest to enter into life, keep the commandments.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/19-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=5504" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/19.htm">The Rich Young Man</a> 16Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?” 17<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/2065.htm" title="2065: erōtas (V-PIA-2S) -- Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.">do you ask</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/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">about</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what is</a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathou (Adj-GNS) -- 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/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">Jesus 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/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">“There is</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: heis (Adj-NMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">only One</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.">who is</a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathos (Adj-NMS) -- 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/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: theleis (V-PIA-2S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">you want</a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: eiselthein (V-ANA) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.">to enter</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2222.htm" title="2222: zōēn (N-AFS) -- Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.">life,</a> <a href="/greek/5083.htm" title="5083: tērēson (V-AMA-2S) -- From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.">keep</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1785.htm" title="1785: entolas (N-AFP) -- An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.">commandments.” </a> 18“Which ones?” the man asked. Jesus answered, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/mark/10-18.htm">Mark 10:18</a> “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone. <a href="/luke/18-19.htm">Luke 18:19</a> “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone. <a href="/romans/3-12.htm">Romans 3:12</a> All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” <a href="/james/2-10.htm">James 2:10</a> Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. <a href="/romans/7-12.htm">Romans 7:12</a> So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good. <a href="/galatians/3-10.htm">Galatians 3:10</a> All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” <a href="/1_john/3-7.htm">1 John 3:7</a> Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. <a href="/romans/2-13.htm">Romans 2:13</a> For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous. <a href="/romans/10-5.htm">Romans 10:5</a> For concerning the righteousness that is by the law, Moses writes: “The man who does these things will live by them.” <a href="/leviticus/18-5.htm">Leviticus 18:5</a> Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD. <a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</a> And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. <a href="/deuteronomy/30-16.htm">Deuteronomy 30:16</a> For I am commanding you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and increase, and the LORD your God may bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. <a href="/nehemiah/9-29.htm">Nehemiah 9:29</a> You admonished them to turn back to Your law, but they were arrogant and disobeyed Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances, by which a man will live if he practices them. They turned a stubborn shoulder; they stiffened their necks and would not obey. <a href="/ezekiel/20-11.htm">Ezekiel 20:11</a> And I gave them My statutes and made known to them My ordinances—for the man who does these things will live by them. <a href="/ezekiel/20-13.htm">Ezekiel 20:13</a> Yet the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness. They did not follow My statutes and they rejected My ordinances—though the man who does these things will live by them—and they utterly profaned My Sabbaths. Then I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and put an end to them in the wilderness.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he said to him, Why call you me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if you will enter into life, keep the commandments.there.<a href="/1_samuel/2-2.htm">1 Samuel 2:2</a> There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.<a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">Psalm 52:1</a> To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.<a href="/psalms/145-7.htm">Psalm 145:7-9</a> They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness… but.<a href="/leviticus/18-5.htm">Leviticus 18:5</a> Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.<a href="/ezekiel/20-11.htm">Ezekiel 20:11,12</a> And I gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them… <a href="/luke/10-26.htm">Luke 10:26-28</a> He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/13-18.htm">Askest</a> <a href="/matthew/15-9.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/matthew/15-9.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/matthew/16-25.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/matthew/18-9.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/matthew/19-16.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/19-16.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/19-16.htm">Life</a> <a href="/matthew/12-50.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/matthew/17-10.htm">Questioning</a> <a href="/matthew/15-9.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/matthew/17-4.htm">Want</a> <a href="/matthew/17-4.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/matthew/17-4.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/matthew/15-5.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/4-9.htm">Askest</a> <a href="/matthew/19-18.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/matthew/22-40.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/matthew/20-15.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/19-18.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/20-19.htm">Life</a> <a href="/matthew/23-3.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/mark/2-6.htm">Questioning</a> <a href="/matthew/22-40.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Want</a> <a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 19</div>1. <a href="/matthew/19-1.htm">Jesus heals the sick;</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/19-3.htm">answers the Pharisees concerning divorce;</a> 10. <a href="/matthew/19-10.htm">shows when marriage is necessary;</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/19-13.htm">receives the little children;</a> 16. <a href="/matthew/19-16.htm">instructs the young man how to attain eternal life;</a> 20. <a href="/matthew/19-20.htm">and how to be perfect;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">tells his disciples how hard it is for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God;</a> 27. <a href="/matthew/19-27.htm">and promises reward to those who forsake all to follow him.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/matthew/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>“Why do you ask Me about what is good?” In this phrase, Jesus addresses a question posed by a rich young ruler about what good deed is necessary to obtain eternal life. The question reflects a common Jewish understanding of the time that eternal life could be earned through good works. Jesus challenges this notion by redirecting the focus from human deeds to the nature of goodness itself. This question also serves to highlight the deeper issue of understanding who Jesus is, as He is the embodiment of divine goodness.Jesus replied. This indicates a direct response from Jesus, emphasizing His authority and wisdom. In the Gospels, Jesus often uses questions to provoke deeper reflection and understanding. His reply is not just an answer but an invitation to consider the true nature of goodness and the source of eternal life.“There is only One who is good.” Here, Jesus points to God as the ultimate standard of goodness. This statement aligns with the Jewish Shema, a central declaration of faith in one God (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4</a>). It underscores the belief that true goodness originates from God alone, contrasting with human attempts to define or achieve goodness independently. This also subtly affirms Jesus' divinity, as He later reveals Himself as one with the Father (<a href="/john/10-30.htm">John 10:30</a>).If you want to enter life, The phrase "enter life" refers to eternal life, a concept deeply rooted in Jewish eschatology. Eternal life is not just a future promise but a present reality that begins with a relationship with God. Jesus emphasizes that entering life is not merely about following rules but involves a transformative relationship with God.keep the commandments.” Jesus refers to the commandments given in the Torah, which were central to Jewish life and practice. By instructing the young man to keep the commandments, Jesus acknowledges their importance but also sets the stage for revealing the limitations of the law in achieving righteousness. This points to the necessity of faith and grace, themes further developed in the New Testament (<a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20-24</a>). Jesus fulfills the law and offers a new covenant, inviting believers to follow Him as the way to eternal life (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to a question about what is good, emphasizing the nature of goodness and the importance of the commandments. 2. <a href="/topical/r/rich_young_ruler.htm">Rich Young Ruler</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context involves a wealthy young man seeking eternal life, prompting Jesus' response. 3. <a href="/topical/c/commandments.htm">Commandments</a> Refers to the laws given by God, particularly those found in the Old Testament, which Jesus highlights as essential for entering life. 4. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_life.htm">Eternal Life</a> The ultimate goal of the rich young ruler's inquiry, representing salvation and life with God. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> Referred to as the "One who is good," emphasizing the divine standard of goodness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_true_goodness.htm">Understanding True Goodness</a> Jesus emphasizes that only God is truly good, challenging us to recognize our need for divine grace and guidance. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_commandments.htm">The Role of the Commandments</a> Keeping the commandments is essential for entering life, highlighting the importance of obedience in the Christian walk. <a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_eternal_life.htm">The Nature of Eternal Life</a> Eternal life is not just about following rules but involves a relationship with God, who is the source of all goodness. <a href="/topical/s/self-reflection_on_goodness.htm">Self-Reflection on Goodness</a> We are called to examine our own lives in light of God's standard of goodness, recognizing our shortcomings and need for a Savior. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_discipleship.htm">The Call to Discipleship</a> Jesus' response invites us to a deeper commitment to following Him, beyond mere rule-keeping, to a life transformed by His teachings.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 19</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'overcome_by_the_blood'_mean.htm">What were the teachings of Jesus?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_abolish_the_law.htm">Did Jesus come to abolish the law? (Matthew 5:17 vs. Ephesians 2:15)</a> <a href="/q/swear_oaths__leviticus_vs._matthew.htm">Should we swear oaths? (Leviticus 19:12 vs. Matthew 5:34)</a> <a href="/q/does_jesus'_action_conflict_with_exodus_20_12.htm">Matthew 12:46-50: Does Jesus' apparent dismissal of his own mother and brothers conflict with the commandment to honor one's parents (Exodus 20:12)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) Why callest thou me good?--Here again the older MSS. give a different form to our Lord's answer: "Why askest thou Me concerning that which is good? There is One that is the Good." The alteration was probably made, as before, for the sake of agreement with the other Gospels. In either case the answer has the same force. The questioner had lightly applied the word "good" to One whom he as yet regarded only as a human teacher, to an act which, it seemed to him, was in his own power to perform. What he needed, therefore, was to be taught to deepen and widen his thoughts of goodness until they rose to Him in whom alone it was absolute and infinite, through fellowship with whom only could any teacher rightly be called good, and from whom alone could come the power to do any good thing. The method by which our Lord leads him to that conclusion may, without irreverence, be permitted to call up the thought of the method in which Socrates is related to have dealt with like questioners, both in the grave, sad irony of the process, and in the self-knowledge in which it was designed to issue.Keep the commandments.--The questioner is answered as from his own point of view. If eternal life was to be won by doing, there was no need to come to a new Teacher for a new precept. It was enough to keep the commandments, the great moral laws of God, as distinct from ordinances and traditions (<a href="/matthew/15-3.htm" title="But he answered and said to them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?">Matthew 15:3</a>), with which every Israelite was familiar.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - Why callest thou me good? Such is the reading of the received text here, and without any variation in the parallel passages of Mark and Luke. Our Lord takes the ruler to task for applying this epithet to him. unless the youth believed in his Divinity. You think of me only as a learned Teacher: how, then, can you speak of me in a term which can really be predicated of no child of man? Christ answers the ruler's address before he touches the subject of his interrogation, reproving him for using a form of words without realizing its full import. This is all plain enough; but many good manuscripts, including א B, D, etc., Vulgate, and other versions, read, Why askest thou me concerning the good? Most modern editors and the Revised Version have adopted this reading, which they hold to be genuine, and to have been altered subsequently in order to conform it to the other synoptists. If this is so, it is difficult to see whence Mark and Luke obtained their wording, unless - which is improbable - our Lord used both interrogations on the same occasion. The revised reading expresses Christ's astonishment at having this question asked; and it may be taken, as Bengel suggests, "He who is good ought to be interrogated about the good;" or, "What is right to do, you ought to know; it can only be obedience to the Author of all goodness." There is none good but one, that is, God. Here again the reading varies. The other synoptists agree with the received text of Matthew, except that Luke has εῖς Θεὸς instead of εῖς Θεός. Late editors, following א, B, D, etc., have printed, εῖς ἐστὶν ὁ ἀγαθός: one there is who is good, or one is the good. God alone is the absolutely good; he alone can instruct you and put you certainly in the right way. Persons have been found to argue from this sentence that Christ renounces all claim to be God Almighty. But it is not so. He replies to what was in the young man's mind. The ruler regarded Jesus as man only; Jesus intimates that, in comparison with God, no man is good. He does not deny the applicability of the epithet to himself, but turns the questioner's thoughts to the Source of all good. He will not have himself regarded simply as a pre-eminently good man, but as Son of God, one with the Father. If thou wilt (θέλεις, willest to) enter into life; i.e. enjoy eternal life. Christ uses a term equivalent to that of the ruler in ver. 16. So Christ said on another occasion to a lawyer who tempted him. "This do, and thou shalt live" (<a href="/luke/10-28.htm">Luke 10:28</a>). There is no real life without obedience. Keep the commandments of him who is good. The Law was given to prepare men to receive Christianity, and in proportion as they carefully observed it, so were they made ready to inherit the life which Christ gives. No mere external compliance without faith is here approved, but it is laid down that, in order to win eternal life, there must be strict observance of God's laws - not some one extraordinary performance, but constant attention to known duties from the highest motive. Faith, indeed, is belief in action, and is dead and profitless if inoperative; so that true obedience is the outcome of true faith. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/19-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“Why Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. do you ask ἐρωτᾷς (erōtas) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2065.htm">Strong's 2065: </a> Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request. Me με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. about περὶ (peri) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. what is τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. good?” ἀγαθοῦ (agathou) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> A primary word; 'good'. [Jesus] replied, εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “There is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. only One εἷς (heis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. who is ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. good. ἀγαθός (agathos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> A primary word; 'good'. If εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. you want θέλεις (theleis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. to enter εἰσελθεῖν (eiselthein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1525.htm">Strong's 1525: </a> To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. life, ζωὴν (zōēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2222.htm">Strong's 2222: </a> Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life. keep τήρησον (tērēson) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5083.htm">Strong's 5083: </a> From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold. the τὰς (tas) Article - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. commandments.” ἐντολάς (entolas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1785.htm">Strong's 1785: </a> An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/19-17.htm">Matthew 19:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/19-17.htm">Matthew 19:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/19-17.htm">Matthew 19:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/19-17.htm">Matthew 19:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/19-17.htm">Matthew 19:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/19-17.htm">Matthew 19:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/19-17.htm">Matthew 19:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/19-17.htm">Matthew 19:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/19-17.htm">Matthew 19:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/19-17.htm">Matthew 19:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/19-17.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 19:17 He said to him Why do you (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/19-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 19:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 19:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/19-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 19:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 19:18" /></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>