King James Version

What Does Mark 10:19 Mean?

Mark 10:19 in the King James Version says “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Mark 10:19 · KJV

Context

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.

21

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus responded, 'Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God' (Τί με λέγεις ἀγαθόν; οὐδεὶς ἀγαθὸς εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ θεός). This isn't Jesus denying His goodness or deity but forcing the man to consider what 'good' means. If only God is good, and the man calls Jesus good, he must grapple with Jesus' identity. Is Jesus merely a human teacher or is He God incarnate? The question also exposes human inability to achieve goodness—'none good' includes all humanity apart from God. The man sought to 'do good' to earn life, but Jesus reveals that true goodness belongs exclusively to God. This prepares for Jesus' teaching that salvation is impossible for humans but possible for God (v. 27). Reformed theology emphasizes total inability—humans cannot achieve the goodness God requires; salvation requires divine intervention.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish theology affirmed God's exclusive goodness and holiness (Psalm 145:9; Isaiah 6:3). Yet the man addressed Jesus as 'good' using term typically reserved for God. Jesus' question forced deeper reflection: was this mere flattery or recognition of Jesus' divine identity? The Pharisees rejected Jesus' deity, viewing His claims as blasphemy (Mark 2:7; 14:61-64). Jesus' question subtly pointed toward His true identity while exposing the man's incomplete understanding. Early Christological debates centered on Jesus' deity—Arians denied it, orthodoxy affirmed it (Nicene Creed). This passage became key text: Jesus' question doesn't deny deity but prompts recognition that if He is 'good,' He must be God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' question challenge superficial religious respect versus genuine recognition of His divine identity?
  2. What does Jesus' statement 'none good but God' teach about human moral inability and the necessity of divine grace?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
τὰς1 of 20
G3588

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

ἐντολὰς2 of 20

“the commandments”

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

οἶδας·3 of 20

“Thou knowest”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

Μὴ4 of 20

“not”

G3361

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

μοιχεύσῃς5 of 20

“Do”

G3431

to commit adultery

Μὴ6 of 20

“not”

G3361

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

φονεύσῃς7 of 20

“Do”

G5407

to be a murderer (of)

Μὴ8 of 20

“not”

G3361

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

κλέψῃς9 of 20

“Do”

G2813

to filch

Μὴ10 of 20

“not”

G3361

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

ψευδομαρτυρήσῃς11 of 20

“Do”

G5576

to be an untrue testifier, i.e., offer falsehood in evidence

Μὴ12 of 20

“not”

G3361

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

ἀποστερήσῃς13 of 20

“Defraud”

G650

to despoil

Τίμα14 of 20

“Honour”

G5091

to prize, i.e., fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere

τὸν15 of 20
G3588

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

πατέρα16 of 20

“father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

σου17 of 20

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ18 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν19 of 20
G3588

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

μητέρα20 of 20

“mother”

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

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 10:19 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 10:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 20:12-17Romans 13:9James 2:11Luke 18:20Matthew 19:17-191 Corinthians 6:7-9

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