New Testament
Matthew 19:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
A man came up to Jesus and asked, "Good Teacher, what good thing must I do to receive eternal life?"
Compare translations
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
What Matthew 19:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a man approaches Jesus with a question about eternal life, addressing Him as 'Good Teacher.' This title indicates the man's respect for Jesus and his desire for guidance. The question reflects a common concern about what actions are necessary to attain eternal life, a central theme in Christian belief. The man is seeking a specific 'good thing' he can do, which suggests he may be focused on works or deeds rather than understanding the deeper spiritual relationship with God. Jesus' response to this question will reveal important truths about the nature of goodness, the law, and the requirements for eternal life. This interaction sets the stage for a deeper discussion about faith, grace, and the heart of true discipleship. It challenges the reader to consider their own understanding of what it means to be good and how one can truly attain eternal life, emphasizing that it is not merely about actions but about one's relationship with God.
How to apply Matthew 19:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own understanding of eternal life. Are we focused on our actions, or do we recognize the importance of a relationship with Jesus? It challenges us to seek deeper spiritual truths rather than just surface-level answers.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16–30)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 19:16
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 19:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 19:16 mean?
Matthew 19:16 describes a man who approaches Jesus to ask what he must do to gain eternal life. This highlights the man's respect for Jesus and his desire for guidance on achieving a significant spiritual goal.
What is the significance of 'Good Teacher' in Matthew 19:16?
The title 'Good Teacher' reflects the man's respect for Jesus and indicates his recognition of Jesus' authority. It sets the tone for a serious inquiry about eternal life and the nature of goodness.
What does the question about eternal life in Matthew 19:16 reveal?
The man's question reveals a common human concern about salvation and the requirements for eternal life. It suggests a focus on actions or deeds, prompting a deeper discussion about faith and relationship with God.
What themes are present in Matthew 19:16?
Key themes in Matthew 19:16 include eternal life, the concept of goodness, faith, and the nature of discipleship. This verse invites readers to explore their understanding of what it means to be good in the context of their relationship with God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.