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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>Matthew 19:16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/19-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/40_Mat_19_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 19:16 - The Rich Young Man" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/19-16.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/19-16.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 16</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="/ad1.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/19-15.htm" title="Matthew 19:15">◄</a> Matthew 19:16 <a href="/matthew/19-17.htm" title="Matthew 19:17">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </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> Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, &#8220Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/19.htm">New Living Translation</a> Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” <a href="/esv/matthew/19.htm">English Standard Version</a> And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” <a href="/bsb/matthew/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?” <a href="/blb/matthew/19.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And behold, one having come to Him said, "Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I might have eternal life?" <a href="/kjv/matthew/19.htm">King James Bible</a> And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? <a href="/nkjv/matthew/19.htm">New King James Version</a> Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do so that I may obtain eternal life?” <a href="/nasb/matthew/19.htm">NASB 1995</a> And someone came to Him and said, &#8220Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And behold, one came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” <a href="/lsb/matthew/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And behold, someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” <a href="/amp/matthew/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what [essentially] good thing shall I do to obtain eternal life [that is, eternal salvation in the Messiah’s kingdom]?” <a href="/csb/matthew/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Just then someone came up and asked him, “Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life? ” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Just then someone came up and asked Him, &#8220Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/19.htm">American Standard Version</a> And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? <a href="/cev/matthew/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> A man came to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?" <a href="/erv/matthew/19.htm">English Revised Version</a> And behold, one came to him and said, Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? <a href="/gwt/matthew/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then a man came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, what good deed should I do to gain eternal life?" <a href="/gnt/matthew/19.htm">Good News Translation</a> Once a man came to Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what good thing must I do to receive eternal life?" <a href="/isv/matthew/19.htm">International Standard Version</a> Just then a man came up to Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what good deed should I do to have eternal life?" <a href="/msb/matthew/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, “Good Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?” <a href="/net/matthew/19.htm">NET Bible</a> Now someone came up to him and said, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to gain eternal life?" <a href="/nheb/matthew/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And look, someone came to him and said, "Teacher, what good thing must I do, that I may have everlasting life?" <a href="/wbt/matthew/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And behold, one came and said to him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life? <a href="/wey/matthew/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Teacher," said one man, coming up to Him, "what that is good shall I do in order to win the Life of the Ages?" <a href="/web/matthew/19.htm">World English Bible</a> Behold, one came to him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And behold, one having come near, said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing will I do that I may have continuous life?” <a href="/blb/matthew/19.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And behold, one having come to Him said, "Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I might have eternal life?" <a href="/ylt/matthew/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And lo, one having come near, said to him, 'Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have life age-during?' <a href="/slt/matthew/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And, behold, one having come said to him, Good teacher, what good shall I do, that I might have eternal life?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And behold one came and said to him: Good master, what good shall I do that I may have life everlasting? <a href="/cpdv/matthew/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And behold, someone approached and said to him, “Good Teacher, what good should I do, so that I may have eternal life?” <a href="/nabre/matthew/19.htm">New American Bible</a> Now someone approached him and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then a man came up and said to him, O good Teacher, what is the best that I should do to have life eternal? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/19.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And one came near and said to him, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/19.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And behold, one came and said to him: Good teacher, what good thing must I do that I may have eternal life? He said to him: <a href="/godbey/matthew/19.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Behold, one coming to Him said, Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do, in order that I may have eternal life? <a href="/haweis/matthew/19.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And lo! a person coming to him, said, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, in order to attain eternal life? <a href="/mace/matthew/19.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Immediately one came near him, saying, good master, what good shall I do, to obtain eternal life? <a href="/wey/matthew/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Teacher," said one man, coming up to Him, "what that is good shall I do in order to win the Life of the Ages?" <a href="/worrell/matthew/19.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, behold, one, having come near, said to Him, "Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" <a href="/worsley/matthew/19.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And behold, there came one to Him, and said, Good master, what good shall I do, that I may have eternal life? <a href="/parallel/matthew/19-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=5494" 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> 15And after He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there. 16<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Just then</a> <a href="/greek/2400.htm" title="2400: idou (V-AMA-2S) -- See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!"></a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: heis (Adj-NMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">a man</a> <a href="/greek/4334.htm" title="4334: proselthōn (V-APA-NMS) -- From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.">came up</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.">to 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.">and inquired,</a> <a href="/greek/1320.htm" title="1320: Didaskale (N-VMS) -- A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.">“Teacher,</a> <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.">what</a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathon (Adj-ANS) -- A primary word; good.">good thing</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsō (V-ASA-1S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">must I do</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">to</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: schō (V-ASA-1S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">obtain</a> <a href="/greek/166.htm" title="166: aiōnion (Adj-AFS) -- From aion; perpetual.">eternal</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> 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.”…<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/10-17.htm">Mark 10:17-22</a> 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?” / “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone. / 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.’” ... <a href="/luke/18-18.htm">Luke 18:18-23</a> Then a certain ruler asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” / “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone. / You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.’” ... <a href="/matthew/22-36.htm">Matthew 22:36-40</a> “Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?” / Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. ... <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Romans 13:8-10</a> Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. <a href="/james/2-10.htm">James 2:10-11</a> Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. / For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. <a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Galatians 5:14</a> The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” <a href="/1_john/2-3.htm">1 John 2:3-6</a> By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. / If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. / But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him: ... <a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a> If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. <a href="/john/15-10.htm">John 15:10</a> If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. <a href="/1_timothy/6-18.htm">1 Timothy 6:18-19</a> Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. <a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Proverbs 3:1-2</a> My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; / for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life. <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="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a> Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a> He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? <a href="/psalms/119-1.htm">Psalm 119:1-3</a> Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD. / Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart. / They do no iniquity; they walk in His ways.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And, behold, one came and said to him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?one.<a href="/mark/10-17.htm">Mark 10:17</a> And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?<a href="/luke/18-18.htm">Luke 18:18</a> And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?what.<a href="/luke/10-25.htm">Luke 10:25</a> And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?<a href="/john/6-27.htm">John 6:27-29</a> Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed… <a href="/acts/16-30.htm">Acts 16:30</a> And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?eternal.<a href="/matthew/25-46.htm">Matthew 25:46</a> And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.<a href="/daniel/12-2.htm">Daniel 12:2</a> And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.<a href="/john/3-15.htm">John 3:15</a> That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/4-3.htm">Age-During</a> <a href="/matthew/6-13.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-15.htm">Deed</a> <a href="/matthew/18-8.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/matthew/19-10.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/19-14.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/18-9.htm">Life</a> <a href="/matthew/18-34.htm">Master</a> <a href="/matthew/13-54.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/matthew/15-35.htm">Order</a> <a href="/matthew/13-28.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/matthew/17-24.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-28.htm">Win</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/25-41.htm">Age-During</a> <a href="/matthew/25-41.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/matthew/26-10.htm">Deed</a> <a href="/matthew/19-29.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/matthew/19-17.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/19-17.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/19-17.htm">Life</a> <a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Master</a> <a href="/matthew/21-22.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/matthew/21-4.htm">Order</a> <a href="/matthew/26-71.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/matthew/22-16.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/matthew/23-15.htm">Win</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/matthew/19.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Just then a man came up to Jesus This phrase sets the scene for a personal encounter with Jesus, emphasizing the immediacy and directness of the interaction. The Greek word for "man" here is "ἄνθρωπος" (anthrōpos), which can refer to a human being in general, highlighting the universality of the question about eternal life. The approach to Jesus signifies a recognition of His authority and wisdom, as people often sought out rabbis for guidance. Historically, this reflects the Jewish custom of seeking a teacher for spiritual and moral instruction.and inquired The act of inquiring suggests a genuine search for knowledge or truth. The Greek word "ἐπηρώτησεν" (epērōtēsen) implies a respectful question, indicating the man's earnestness. This reflects the human condition of seeking answers to life's ultimate questions, a theme prevalent throughout the Scriptures. It also underscores the importance of approaching Jesus with a heart open to learning and transformation.Teacher The term "Teacher" is translated from the Greek "Διδάσκαλε" (Didaskale), a title of respect for someone who imparts wisdom and instruction. In the Jewish context, a teacher or rabbi was a revered figure who guided others in understanding the Law and living a righteous life. By addressing Jesus as "Teacher," the man acknowledges His authority and insight, setting the stage for a deeper revelation of Jesus' identity and mission.what good thing must I do This phrase reveals the man's mindset, focused on actions and deeds. The Greek word for "good" is "ἀγαθόν" (agathon), which denotes moral excellence or virtue. The question reflects a common Jewish belief in the necessity of performing good works to attain righteousness. However, it also sets up a contrast with Jesus' teaching that eternal life is not earned by deeds but is a gift of grace through faith.to obtain eternal life "Eternal life" in Greek is "ζωὴν αἰώνιον" (zōēn aiōnion), referring to life that is not only unending but also of a divine quality. This concept is central to Christian theology, representing the ultimate goal of human existence—union with God. The man's question highlights a universal human desire for immortality and purpose, pointing to the deeper spiritual truth that eternal life is found in relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) Behold, one came and said . . .--The vagueness with which a man who must have been conspicuous is thus introduced, without a name, is every way significant. He was, like Nicodemus, "a ruler of the Jews" (<a href="/luke/18-18.htm" title="And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?">Luke 18:18</a>), i.e., probably, a member of the Sanhedrin or great Council, like Joseph of Arimathaea. He was, beside this, conspicuously rich, and of high and ardent character. There is one other case in the first two Gospels which presents similar phenomena. In the narrative of the supper at Bethany, St. Matthew and St. Mark record the passionate affection which expressed itself in pouring the precious ointment of spikenard upon our Lord's head as the act of "a woman" (<a href="/matthew/26-7.htm" title="There came to him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.">Matthew 26:7</a>; <a href="/mark/14-3.htm" title="And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she broke the box, and poured it on his head.">Mark 14:3</a>), leaving her unnamed. In St. <a href="/john/12-3.htm" title="Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.">John 12:3</a> we find that the woman was Mary, the sister of Lazarus. The train of thought thus suggested points to the supposition that here also there may have been reasons for suppressing in the records a name which was familiar to the narrator. What if the young ruler were Lazarus himself? The points of agreement are sufficiently numerous to warrant the conjecture. The household of Lazarus, as the spikenard ointment shows, were of the wealthier class. The friends who came to comfort the bereaved sisters, were themselves, in St. John's language, "of the Jews"--i.e., of the chief rulers (<a href="/john/11-19.htm" title="And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.">John 11:19</a>). The young ruler was obviously a Pharisee, and the language of Martha (<a href="/john/11-24.htm" title="Martha said to him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.">John 11:24</a>) shows that she too believed in eternal life and the resurrection of the dead. The answer to the young ruler, as "One thing thou lackest" (as given by St. Mark and St. Luke), is almost identical with that to Martha, "One thing is needful" (<a href="/luke/10-42.htm" title="But one thing is needful: and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.">Luke 10:42</a>). In such a case, of course, nothing can be attained beyond conjectural inference, but the present writer must avow his belief that the coincidences in this case are such as to carry the evidence to a very high point of probability. It is obvious that the hypothesis, if true, adds immensely to the interest both of the narrative now before us, and to that of the death and resurrection of Lazarus in John 11 . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 16-22. - Answer to the inquiry of the rich young ruler concerning eternal life. (<a href="/mark/10-17.htm">Mark 10:17-22</a>; <a href="/luke/18-18.htm">Luke 18:18-23</a>.) Verse 16. - And, behold. The exclamation, as usual, denotes the suddenness and unexpected nature of the occurrence. It took place probably on the next day after the blessing of the children. One came (εϊς προσελθών). This is more emphatic than the enclitic τις, and we learn from St. Luke that he was "a ruler," i.e. of the synagogue, and he must have been of noted piety and worth to have arrived at this dignity while still a youth (ver. 22). St. Mark gives more details - he "came running, and kneeled to him." He was eager for an answer to his question, and recognized in Jesus a Rabbi worthy of all honour and veneration, though he saw in him nothing more. lie comes with no sinister intention, as the Pharisees did, but in all good faith, hoping to have a religious difficulty solved. Good Master. Thus the received text in the three synoptists. The epithet "good" is omitted by many excellent manuscripts, and has been expunged by most modern editors. It is required if the received text of the next verse is retained. It occurs in Mark and Luke without variation. The young man may have used the expression with the view of winning Christ's favour, or, at any rate, with the idea of showing the light in which he regarded him. What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? His notion was that eternal happiness was obtained by the performance of certain acts, and he is not sure that he has done enough for the reward, and wishes to know particularly what further good work will secure it. The other synoptists have merely, "What shall I do? but of course, good work is implied, if not expressed. This was a question much mooted in the rabbinical schools, and one to which the answers were as various as they were puerile. Some taught that the commandments were not equally important, and that what they deemed the lesser might be violated with impunity, if the others were observed. Some made the gift of perfection to depend on the daily recitation of certain prayers or psalms, others on giving due honour to the aged. Amid such perplexing rules, the youth desires an authoritative decision, which he may put in practice, and thus be sure of a happy place in Messiah's kingdom - be, as the Jews termed it, "a son of the age to come." <a href="/commentaries/matthew/19-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Just then, Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. a man 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. came up προσελθὼν (proselthōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4334.htm">Strong's 4334: </a> From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to. to [Jesus] αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. [and] inquired, 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. “Teacher, Διδάσκαλε (Didaskale) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1320.htm">Strong's 1320: </a> A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor. what 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. good [thing] ἀγαθὸν (agathon) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> A primary word; 'good'. must I do ποιήσω (poiēsō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. obtain σχῶ (schō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. eternal αἰώνιον (aiōnion) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_166.htm">Strong's 166: </a> From aion; perpetual. 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. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/19-16.htm">Matthew 19:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/19-16.htm">Matthew 19:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/19-16.htm">Matthew 19:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/19-16.htm">Matthew 19:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/19-16.htm">Matthew 19:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/19-16.htm">Matthew 19:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/19-16.htm">Matthew 19:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/19-16.htm">Matthew 19:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/19-16.htm">Matthew 19:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/19-16.htm">Matthew 19:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/19-16.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 19:16 Behold one came to him and said (Matt. 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