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<!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>Luke 18:19 "Why do you call Me good?" Jesus replied. "No one is good except God alone.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/18-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/42_Luk_18_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 18:19 - The Rich Young Ruler" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Why do you call Me good? Jesus replied. 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No one is good except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/18.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/luke/18.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/luke/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none <i>is</i> good, save one, <i>that is</i>, God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/18.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_/luke/18.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/luke/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And Jesus said to him, &#8220Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/18.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/luke/18.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/luke/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is [essentially and morally] good except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/18.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/luke/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />&#8220Why do you call Me good?&#8221 Jesus asked him. &#8220No one is good but One—God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/18.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/luke/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jesus said, "Why do you call me good? Only God is good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/18.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/luke/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/18.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/luke/18.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/luke/18.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/luke/18.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/luke/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Jesus asked 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/luke/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Why do you call me good?" replied Jesus; "there is no one good but One, namely God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jesus asked 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/luke/18.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/luke/18.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/luke/18.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/luke/18.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/luke/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Jesus said to him: Why dost thou call me good? None is good but God alone. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then 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="/nabre/luke/18.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/luke/18.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/luke/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? there is no one good, except one, that is God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Yeshua said to him, “Why do you call me good? There is no one good except the one God.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And 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/luke/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And Jesus said to him, <FR>Why do you call me good? No one is good, except One, God.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good, but one, even God.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Jesus replied, 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/luke/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Why do you call me good?" replied Jesus; "there is no one good but One, namely God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/18.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/luke/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And Jesus said unto him, <FR>Why callest thou 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/luke/18-19.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/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=7218" 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/luke/18.htm">The Rich Young Ruler</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18</span>Then a certain ruler asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” <span class="reftext">19</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">20</span>You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, 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="/mark/10-18.htm">Mark 10:18</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="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5</a></span><br />And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/25-8.htm">Psalm 25:8</a></span><br />Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/86-5.htm">Psalm 86:5</a></span><br />For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving, rich in loving devotion to all who call on You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/145-9.htm">Psalm 145:9</a></span><br />The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6</a></span><br />Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nahum/1-7.htm">Nahum 1:7</a></span><br />The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-12.htm">Romans 3:12</a></span><br />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="/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_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a></span><br />For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-21.htm">Isaiah 45:21</a></span><br />Speak up and present your case—yes, let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior; there is none but Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-4.htm">Deuteronomy 32:4</a></span><br />He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-2.htm">1 Samuel 2:2</a></span><br />There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God.</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? none is good, save one, that is, God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/1-35.htm">Luke 1:35</a></b></br> And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/11-13.htm">Luke 11:13</a></b></br> If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall <i>your</i> heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/14-4.htm">Job 14:4</a></b></br> Who can bring a clean <i>thing</i> out of an unclean? not one.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/13-8.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/luke/17-18.htm">Except</a> <a href="/luke/18-18.htm">Good</a> <a href="/luke/18-16.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/mark/12-31.htm">Namely</a> <a href="/luke/17-33.htm">Save</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/24-18.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/john/1-33.htm">Except</a> <a href="/luke/19-17.htm">Good</a> <a href="/luke/18-22.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/3-13.htm">Namely</a> <a href="/luke/19-10.htm">Save</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Of the importunate widow.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/18-9.htm">Of the Pharisee and the tax collector.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/18-15.htm">Of Children brought to Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/18-18.htm">A ruler would follow Jesus, but is hindered by his riches.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/18-28.htm">The reward of those who leave all for his sake.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/18-31.htm">He foretells his death;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/18-35.htm">and restores a blind man to 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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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/luke/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“Why do you call Me good?”</b><br>In this phrase, Jesus addresses the rich young ruler who approached Him, calling Him "Good Teacher." This question challenges the ruler's understanding of goodness and prompts reflection on the nature of Jesus' identity. In Jewish culture, the term "good" was often reserved for God, indicating moral perfection. By questioning the ruler, Jesus is not denying His own goodness but is instead leading the ruler to consider the divine nature of true goodness. This moment invites the audience to reflect on the identity of Jesus as more than a mere teacher, hinting at His divine nature.<p><b>Jesus replied.</b><br>This indicates a direct response from Jesus, emphasizing His role as a teacher and authority. In the Gospels, Jesus often uses questions and responses to provoke deeper thought and self-examination among His listeners. His reply here is a teaching moment, encouraging the ruler and the audience to think critically about their assumptions and beliefs. This method of teaching is consistent with rabbinic traditions of the time, where dialogue and questioning were key components of learning.<p><b>“No one is good except God alone.”</b><br>Here, Jesus affirms the Jewish understanding that ultimate goodness is an attribute of God alone. This statement underscores the concept of God's holiness and moral perfection, which is a central theme throughout the Bible. It also serves to highlight human sinfulness and the need for divine grace. By making this declaration, Jesus is subtly pointing to His own divine nature, as He embodies the goodness of God. This phrase connects to other scriptures that emphasize God's unique holiness, such as <a href="/isaiah/6-3.htm">Isaiah 6:3</a> and <a href="/psalms/145-9.htm">Psalm 145:9</a>. It also aligns with the broader biblical narrative that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (<a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a>), reinforcing the need for a Savior.<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 posed by a ruler. His response highlights His teaching method and His understanding of divine goodness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_rich_young_ruler.htm">The Rich Young Ruler</a></b><br>Although not named in this specific verse, the context involves a wealthy young man seeking eternal life, which prompts Jesus' response.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>Referred to by Jesus as the only one who is truly good, emphasizing the divine nature and holiness of God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a></b><br>Present during this interaction, they are witnesses to Jesus' teaching and are learning about the nature of goodness and divinity.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/judea.htm">Judea</a></b><br>The region where this interaction takes place, providing a cultural and religious backdrop to the conversation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_true_goodness.htm">Understanding True Goodness</a></b><br>Jesus challenges the ruler's understanding of goodness, pointing to God as the ultimate standard. This teaches us to evaluate our own perceptions of goodness in light of God's holiness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_jesus'_divinity.htm">Recognizing Jesus' Divinity</a></b><br>By questioning why He is called good, Jesus subtly points to His divine nature. This invites believers to reflect on the identity of Christ as both fully God and fully man.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_self-assessment.htm">Humility in Self-Assessment</a></b><br>The passage encourages humility, reminding us that human goodness is insufficient without God's grace. We are called to rely on God's righteousness rather than our own.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_discipleship.htm">The Call to Discipleship</a></b><br>Jesus' interaction with the ruler is a call to deeper discipleship, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with God over material wealth or personal achievements.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_eternal_life.htm">The Nature of Eternal Life</a></b><br>The context of the conversation is about inheriting eternal life, prompting us to consider what truly matters in our spiritual journey and how we align our lives with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_teachings_events_in_luke.htm">What are the key teachings and events in Luke?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'camel_needle'.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'camel through eye of needle'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_all_sin_(rom_3_23_vs._job_1_1).htm">Does everyone sin? (Romans 3:23 vs. Job 1:1)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_luke_18_18-30_teach_faith.htm">How does Luke 18:18-30 align with other Bible passages that teach salvation through faith rather than works or possessions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(19) <span class= "bld">Why callest thou me good?</span>--The agreement with St. Mark is again closer than with St. Matthew.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 19.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God</span>. The title "good" was a singular one for the young ruler to have used. It was never used to the most famous rabbis by their pupils. It implied an intense reverence, but nothing more. The young man distinctly did not then believe the Master was Divine, else he had never made the great refusal recorded directly afterwards. "To be a good man is impossible... God alone could have this honour" (Plate, 'Phaed.,' 27). "You are looking at me," said the Master, "as a man: why give me this strange, lofty title? You are looking on me only as an earthly Teacher." The great Heart-reader was reading the young man's thoughts, thoughts which soon crystallized, as we shall see, into the <span class="accented">refused</span> to do what he, whom he chose to style "good," directed him to carry out. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/18-19.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/luke/18-19.htm">Luke 18:19 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/18-19.htm">Luke 18:19 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/18-19.htm">Luke 18:19 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/18-19.htm">Luke 18:19 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/18-19.htm">Luke 18:19 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/18-19.htm">Luke 18:19 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/18-19.htm">Luke 18:19 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/18-19.htm">Luke 18:19 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/18-19.htm">Luke 18:19 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/18-19.htm">Luke 18:19 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/18-19.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 18:19 Jesus asked him Why do you call (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/18-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 18:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 18:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/18-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 18:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 18:20" /></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>