New Testament
Mark 10:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus said to him, "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? there is none good but one, that is, God.
What Mark 10:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus responds to a man who calls him 'good.' He questions why the man uses this term, emphasizing that true goodness is found only in God. This statement highlights Jesus' humility and his desire to redirect the focus from himself to God. By doing so, he teaches that while humans can strive for goodness, ultimate goodness belongs solely to God. This interaction also serves to challenge the man's understanding of goodness and encourages deeper reflection on the nature of God and morality. Jesus is not denying his divinity but is instead inviting the man to recognize the divine source of goodness. This moment illustrates the importance of acknowledging God as the ultimate standard of goodness, rather than placing human beings on a pedestal. It encourages believers to seek a relationship with God, who embodies true goodness, rather than merely adhering to moral standards.
How to apply Mark 10:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our understanding of goodness. We should recognize that true goodness comes from God alone. In our daily lives, we can strive to embody God's goodness by showing love, kindness, and humility towards others, acknowledging our dependence on Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17–31)
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Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 10:18 mean?
In Mark 10:18, Jesus questions why a man calls him 'good,' emphasizing that true goodness is found only in God. This highlights Jesus' humility and redirects the focus from himself to God, teaching that ultimate goodness belongs solely to the divine.
How does Mark 10:18 relate to humility?
Mark 10:18 illustrates humility by showing Jesus redirecting praise away from himself and towards God. This teaches that acknowledging God as the ultimate standard of goodness is essential for understanding true humility.
What can we learn from Mark 10:18 about goodness?
Mark 10:18 teaches that true goodness comes from God alone, encouraging us to seek a relationship with Him. It reminds us to embody qualities like love and kindness while recognizing our dependence on God's goodness.
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