New Testament
Luke 18:19
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Jesus replied, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
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And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
What Luke 18:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus challenges the notion of goodness. When someone calls Him 'good,' He points out that true goodness belongs only to God. This statement emphasizes the divine nature of goodness and suggests that human standards of goodness are flawed. Jesus is not denying His goodness but is redirecting the focus to God, highlighting that He is the ultimate source of goodness. This interaction serves to remind us that while we may strive to be good, our understanding of goodness is limited compared to God's perfect nature. It also invites us to reflect on our own perceptions of goodness and to recognize that true goodness is found in a relationship with God, who embodies all that is good and right. This moment illustrates Jesus' humility and His role in revealing God's character to humanity, encouraging us to seek a deeper understanding of what it means to be good in the eyes of God.
How to apply Luke 18:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate our understanding of goodness. Instead of relying solely on our definitions, we should seek to understand goodness through God's perspective. This can lead to a more profound relationship with God and a more accurate reflection of His character in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Rich Young Ruler (Luke 18:18–30)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 18:19
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 18:19 mean?
In Luke 18:19, Jesus questions why someone calls Him 'good,' stating that only God is truly good. This highlights that human perceptions of goodness are limited and emphasizes the divine nature of goodness.
How does Luke 18:19 relate to humility?
This verse illustrates Jesus' humility by redirecting praise for goodness to God. It shows that even in His role as a teacher and leader, Jesus acknowledges the supremacy of God's goodness.
What does this verse teach about our understanding of goodness?
Luke 18:19 encourages us to reflect on our definitions of goodness, suggesting that they may fall short compared to God's standard. It invites us to seek a deeper understanding of goodness through a relationship with God.
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