King James Version

What Does Mark 10:18 Mean?

Mark 10:18 in the King James Version says “And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.”

Mark 10:18 · KJV

Context

16

And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

17

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?

18

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

19

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

20

And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

Read Mark 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A man asked Jesus, 'Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?' (Διδάσκαλε ἀγαθέ, τί ποιήσω ἵνα ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσω;). The address 'Good Master' (Didaskale agathe, Διδάσκαλε ἀγαθέ) prompts Jesus' response about goodness (v. 18). The question 'what shall I do' reveals works-righteousness assumption—earning eternal life through personal achievement. The verb 'inherit' (klēronomēsō, κληρονομήσω) oddly pairs with 'do'—inheritance is received, not earned. This theological confusion prompts Jesus' corrective teaching: salvation comes through God's grace, not human merit (vv. 21-27). The man's question represents humanity's universal error—attempting to achieve righteousness through works rather than receiving it by faith (Romans 3:20-28; Ephesians 2:8-9).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism emphasized Torah obedience as path to righteousness, though also recognizing God's grace and covenant mercy. Rabbinic teaching included debates about which commandments were weightiest and how much obedience sufficed. The Pharisaic emphasis on meticulous law-keeping created culture of performance-based righteousness. Jesus consistently challenged this (Mark 2:17; 7:6-13; Luke 18:9-14). Paul, former Pharisee, articulated gospel correction: righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not works of law (Romans 3:21-4:8; Galatians 2:15-21; Philippians 3:7-9). The rich man's question demonstrates sincere spiritual seeking but fundamental misunderstanding—he sought to 'do' what must be 'received' as gift.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the rich man's question 'what shall I do?' reveal the universal human tendency toward works-righteousness?
  2. What does the contradiction between 'do' and 'inherit' teach about salvation as gift rather than achievement?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὁ1 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς3 of 16

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἶπεν4 of 16

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ5 of 16

“unto him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Τί6 of 16

“Why”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

με7 of 16

“me”

G3165

me

λέγεις8 of 16

“callest thou”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἀγαθὸς9 of 16

“good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

οὐδεὶς10 of 16

“there is none”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἀγαθὸς11 of 16

“good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

εἰ12 of 16
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ13 of 16
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εἷς14 of 16

“one”

G1520

one

ὁ15 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεός16 of 16

“that is God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 10:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 10:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 18:19Matthew 19:17Romans 3:121 John 4:161 Samuel 2:21 John 4:8

Test Your Knowledge

Mark 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMark Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Mark 10 with CommentaryAll Mark ChaptersComplete Mark QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes