King James Version

What Does Matthew 19:17 Mean?

Matthew 19:17 in the King James Version says “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 li... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 19:17 · KJV


Context

15

And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

16

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17

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.

18

He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

19

Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' response 'Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God' challenges the rich young ruler's superficial address. Jesus isn't denying His deity but forcing the man to consider the implication—if only God is good, and you call Me good, who am I? The follow-up 'but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments' shows that eternal life requires perfect obedience (which no one achieves), leading to recognition of need for grace.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The rich young ruler approached Jesus as a respected teacher, not divine Lord. His question 'what good thing shall I do?' (v. 16) revealed works-based thinking. Jesus' response exposes that no one is good enough to earn eternal life—the law shows our need for a Savior. Only God's goodness (in Christ) saves.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' question challenge your understanding of goodness and deity?
  2. In what ways do you still try to earn salvation through good works?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
1 of 25
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 25

And

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 25

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ4 of 25

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

Τί5 of 25

Why

G5101

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

με6 of 25

me

G3165

me

λέγεις7 of 25

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

ἀγαθός·8 of 25

good

G18

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

οὐδεὶς9 of 25

there is none

G3762

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

ἀγαθός·10 of 25

good

G18

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

εἰ11 of 25

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ12 of 25
G3361

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

εἷς13 of 25

one

G1520

one

14 of 25
G3588

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

Θεός.15 of 25

that is God

G2316

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

εἰ16 of 25

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ17 of 25

And

G1161

but, and, etc

θέλεις18 of 25

thou wilt

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

εἰσελθεῖν19 of 25

enter

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς20 of 25

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν21 of 25
G3588

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

ζωὴν22 of 25

life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

τήρησον23 of 25

keep

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

τὰς24 of 25
G3588

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

ἐντολάς25 of 25

the commandments

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 19:17 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 Matthew 19:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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