Matthew 19:16
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσελθὼν
came
G4334
προσελθὼν
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
4 of 15
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 15
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
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
9 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ποιήσω
shall I do
G4160
ποιήσω
shall I do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
11 of 15
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
John 3:15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.Jude 1:21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.1 John 1:2(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.Matthew 25:46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.Titus 3:7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.Acts 16:30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?1 John 2:25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.1 Timothy 6:19Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.1 Timothy 6:12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Historical Context
Jewish theology emphasized Torah obedience as the path to righteousness, though recognizing need for God's mercy. The question 'what good thing shall I do' reflects prevalent thinking that accumulated good deeds secured divine favor. Jesus' answer uses the law as a mirror (James 1:23-25) to show the questioner his need. The encounter parallels the parable of the Pharisee and publican (Luke 18:9-14).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'good things' do you rely on for acceptance with God?
- How does the law expose your inability to save yourself?
- What would Jesus identify as your 'one thing thou lackest'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The rich young ruler's question 'what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?' reveals works-righteousness thinking—attempting to earn salvation. Jesus' response redirects to God's goodness and commandment-keeping, not to endorse works salvation but to expose the man's self-righteousness. Reformed soteriology emphasizes that the law's purpose includes revealing sin and driving sinners to grace. The young man's confidence in his law-keeping (19:20) shows he doesn't understand God's perfect standard.