Matthew 19:17
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 25
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
Why
G5101
Τί
Why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 25
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
λέγεις
callest thou
G3004
λέγεις
callest thou
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 25
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
οὐδεὶς
there is none
G3762
οὐδεὶς
there is none
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
9 of 25
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 25
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεός.
that is God
G2316
Θεός.
that is God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
15 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
θέλεις
thou wilt
G2309
θέλεις
thou wilt
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
18 of 25
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
20 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τήρησον
keep
G5083
τήρησον
keep
Strong's:
G5083
Word #:
23 of 25
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
Cross References
Leviticus 18:5Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.Romans 10:5For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.1 Samuel 2:2There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.1 John 4:16And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' question challenge your understanding of goodness and deity?
- In what ways do you still try to earn salvation through good works?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.