New Testament

Matthew 19:18

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this passage, a man approaches Jesus to ask which commandments he should follow to gain eternal life.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

"Which ones?" the man asked. Jesus said, "'Do not murder.' 'Do not commit adultery.' 'Do not steal.' 'Do not give false testimony.'

KJVKing James Version

He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, a man approaches Jesus to ask which commandments he should follow to gain eternal life. Jesus responds by listing several key commandments from the Mosaic Law, emphasizing moral behavior. The commandments mentioned focus on interpersonal ethics, such as prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, and false testimony. By highlighting these specific laws, Jesus underscores the importance of living a life that respects others and upholds integrity. This interaction illustrates that following God's commandments is essential for a righteous life, and it invites deeper reflection on the nature of true obedience and moral responsibility. The man’s question and Jesus’ answer reveal that understanding and practicing these commandments is crucial for anyone seeking a relationship with God and eternal life. It also sets the stage for further discussion about the nature of righteousness and the heart behind the law, which is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings.

How to apply Matthew 19:18 to your life

This passage encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the moral choices we make daily. By adhering to these commandments, we can foster better relationships and live with integrity. It challenges us to consider how our actions align with our faith and values.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 19:18 mean?

Matthew 19:18 features a conversation between a man and Jesus, where the man asks which commandments he should follow for eternal life. Jesus lists several key moral commandments, highlighting the importance of ethical behavior in relationships.

What commandments are mentioned in Matthew 19:18?

In Matthew 19:18, Jesus mentions four commandments: 'Do not murder,' 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not steal,' and 'Do not give false testimony.' These commandments focus on moral conduct and integrity in interactions with others.

What is the significance of the question in Matthew 19:18?

The man's question in Matthew 19:18 signifies a search for guidance on how to attain eternal life. It sets the stage for Jesus to emphasize the importance of following God's commandments as a foundation for a righteous life.

How does Matthew 19:18 relate to moral behavior?

Matthew 19:18 relates to moral behavior by listing commandments that govern interpersonal ethics. Jesus' response underscores that living a life of integrity and respect for others is essential for those seeking a relationship with God.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Premium

Unlock the full Matthew summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.