New Testament
Matthew 19:17
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. But if you want to enter into life, obey the commandments."
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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.
What Matthew 19:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus responds to a man who calls him 'good.' He questions the use of the term, emphasizing that true goodness belongs solely to God. This statement highlights the divine nature of goodness and suggests that humans should not elevate anyone, including Jesus, to a status that belongs to God alone. Jesus then shifts the focus to the importance of obeying God's commandments as a pathway to eternal life. This indicates that while Jesus is indeed good, he wants the man to understand that following God's laws is essential for spiritual fulfillment and salvation. The interaction serves as a reminder that acknowledging God's supremacy is crucial in our understanding of goodness and morality. It also emphasizes the necessity of living according to God's commandments as a demonstration of faith and commitment to God’s will.
How to apply Matthew 19:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our understanding of goodness and to recognize that true goodness comes from God. It challenges us to prioritize obedience to God's commandments in our daily lives as a means to grow spiritually and seek eternal life.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16–30)
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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 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 Jesus mean by saying no one is good except God?
In Matthew 19:17, Jesus emphasizes that true goodness is an attribute of God alone. By questioning the man's use of the term 'good,' Jesus highlights the divine nature of goodness and reminds us that humans, while capable of good actions, are not inherently good in the same way God is. This statement encourages humility and recognition of God's supreme moral authority.
How can I obey God's commandments to achieve eternal life?
Obeying God's commandments involves understanding and following the teachings found in the Bible. This includes loving God, loving others, and living a life that reflects God's values. By prioritizing these commandments in your daily actions and decisions, you demonstrate your faith and commitment to God, which is essential for spiritual growth and the pursuit of eternal life.
Why did Jesus question the man calling him good?
Jesus questioned the man calling him 'good' to redirect the focus from human accolades to the divine source of goodness. He wanted to clarify that while he embodies goodness, it ultimately originates from God. This interaction serves to teach the importance of recognizing God's supremacy and the need for humility in our understanding of morality.
What is the significance of obeying commandments in this verse?
In this verse, Jesus links obedience to God's commandments with the path to eternal life. This signifies that following God's laws is not just about moral behavior but is essential for spiritual fulfillment and salvation. It underscores the idea that genuine faith is demonstrated through our actions and adherence to God's will.
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