Matthew 19:17
"Why do you ask Me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments."
Why do you ask Me about what is good?
In this phrase, Jesus challenges the young man's understanding of goodness. The Greek word for "good" here is "ἀγαθός" (agathos), which implies moral excellence and virtue. Jesus redirects the focus from human standards of goodness to divine standards, emphasizing that true goodness is not merely a human construct but is rooted in God's nature. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding that God alone is the source of all goodness, as seen in the Old Testament.

There is only One who is good
This statement underscores the monotheistic belief central to Judaism and Christianity that God alone embodies perfect goodness. The Greek word "εἷς" (heis) for "One" emphasizes the singularity and uniqueness of God. This aligns with Deuteronomy 6:4, the Shema, which declares the oneness of God. Jesus is affirming that all moral and ethical standards derive from God's character, and human goodness is a reflection of divine goodness.

If you want to enter life
Here, "life" refers to eternal life, a concept deeply rooted in Jewish eschatology and further developed in Christian theology. The Greek word "ζωή" (zōē) signifies not just physical life but a quality of life that is eternal and in communion with God. Jesus is inviting the young man to consider not just temporal existence but the eternal implications of his actions and beliefs.

keep the commandments
The phrase "keep the commandments" is a call to obedience and faithfulness to God's law. The Greek word "τηρέω" (tēreō) means to guard or observe, indicating a continuous, active commitment. In the historical context, the commandments refer to the Mosaic Law, which was central to Jewish life and worship. Jesus is not dismissing the law but rather affirming its role in guiding believers toward righteousness and a relationship with God. This reflects the conservative Christian view that while salvation is by grace through faith, obedience to God's commandments is evidence of genuine faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to a question about what is good, emphasizing the nature of goodness and the importance of the commandments.

2. Rich Young Ruler
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context involves a wealthy young man seeking eternal life, prompting Jesus' response.

3. Commandments
Refers to the laws given by God, particularly those found in the Old Testament, which Jesus highlights as essential for entering life.

4. Eternal Life
The ultimate goal of the rich young ruler's inquiry, representing salvation and life with God.

5. God
Referred to as the "One who is good," emphasizing the divine standard of goodness.
Teaching Points
Understanding True Goodness
Jesus emphasizes that only God is truly good, challenging us to recognize our need for divine grace and guidance.

The Role of the Commandments
Keeping the commandments is essential for entering life, highlighting the importance of obedience in the Christian walk.

The Nature of Eternal Life
Eternal life is not just about following rules but involves a relationship with God, who is the source of all goodness.

Self-Reflection on Goodness
We are called to examine our own lives in light of God's standard of goodness, recognizing our shortcomings and need for a Savior.

The Call to Discipleship
Jesus' response invites us to a deeper commitment to following Him, beyond mere rule-keeping, to a life transformed by His teachings.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' response in Matthew 19:17 challenge our understanding of what it means to be "good"?

2. In what ways do the Ten Commandments serve as a guide for living a life pleasing to God?

3. How can we reconcile the idea that only God is good with our call to live righteously?

4. What does Jesus' emphasis on keeping the commandments teach us about the relationship between faith and works?

5. How can we apply Jesus' teaching in Matthew 19:17 to our daily lives, especially in our pursuit of eternal life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20
The Ten Commandments are foundational to understanding what Jesus refers to when He speaks of keeping the commandments.

Romans 3:10-12
Paul echoes the idea that no one is inherently good, reinforcing Jesus' statement that only God is truly good.

James 2:10
Highlights the importance of keeping the whole law, connecting to Jesus' emphasis on the commandments.

Mark 10:17-22
A parallel account of the rich young ruler, providing additional context and details to Jesus' teaching.

Luke 18:18-23
Another parallel account, offering further insight into the interaction and Jesus' response.
A New Year's Personal InquiryJ. Burns, LL. D.Matthew 19:16-22
A Sorrowful DepartureJ. Vaughan, M. A.Matthew 19:16-22
But How is This Spiritual Lack to be SuppliedW. G. T. Shedd, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
Christ and Good PeopleE. Dryander, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
Coming to JesusThe HiveMatthew 19:16-22
Deteriorating Influence of RichesF. W. Robertson, M. A.Matthew 19:16-22
Estimate of the RulerA. L. R. Foote.Matthew 19:16-22
Formal Obedience InsufficientW. Rudder, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
Giving Up All for ChristJ. B. Brown.Matthew 19:16-22
Good Things to DoMatthew 19:16-22
Great Possessions a Hindrance in the Way to HeavenSalter.Matthew 19:16-22
Heaven Won by Being, not DoingF. W. Farrar, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
Human PerfectibilityA. L. R. Foote.Matthew 19:16-22
Jesus' Answer to the Young Ruler's AddressThomas Twining.Matthew 19:16-22
Man not Left in Doubt as to the GoodF. W. Farrar, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
Man Ruled by His AffectionsR. South, D. D., R. South, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
Men's Persuasions of Their Own ObedienceAnthony Burgess.Matthew 19:16-22
Morality Made a SnareGurnall.Matthew 19:16-22
Morality not to be DespisedH. W. Beecher.Matthew 19:16-22
Nobility Worthy of the Highest CultureJ. W. Thew.Matthew 19:16-22
Not Wise to Go from GodDr. Dotage.Matthew 19:16-22
Obedience to This Command not Necessarily LiteralBishop H. C. Potter.Matthew 19:16-22
On Being Right in the MainJ. Parker, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
Possessions that PossessDr. Dotage.Matthew 19:16-22
Refined SelfishnessH. W. Beecher.Matthew 19:16-22
Religion More than an Outward AdditionH. W. Beecher.Matthew 19:16-22
Religious Impressions Soon Shaken OffH. W. Beecher.Matthew 19:16-22
Selfishness May be Associated with Many VirtuesH. W. Beecher.Matthew 19:16-22
Self-RighteousnessJ. P. Lange, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
Self-SatisfactionJohn Trapp.Matthew 19:16-22
Sincerity TestedR. South, D. D., R. South, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
Sins as Great PossessionsJ. Donate.Matthew 19:16-22
Sins of OmissionDr. Shedd.Matthew 19:16-22
The Centred Principle of CharacterH. W. Beecher.Matthew 19:16-22
The Christian's Life-Long Work After ConfirmationJ. H. Norton, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
The Commandment Regarded as OrdinaryF. W. Farrar, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
The Danger and Misery of Self-DeceptionE. Cooper.Matthew 19:16-22
The Evil Temper VariedR. South, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
The First Step Towards RighteousnessF. W. Farrar, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
The Great Question AnsweredJ. W. Holt.Matthew 19:16-22
The Great RefusalW.F. Adeney Matthew 19:16-22
The Lack of One Thing the Lack of AllJ. Parker, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
The Need of an Inner Spiritual ChangeH. W. Beecher.Matthew 19:16-22
The Perfection of GoodnessJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 19:16-22
The Price of a Great AmbitionJ. W. Thew.Matthew 19:16-22
The Regulation of ConductDr. Parker.Matthew 19:16-22
The Remorse Occasioned by Enlightened Reason on the RejecR. South, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
The Rich Young RulerG. Brooks., M. Dods, D.D.Matthew 19:16-22
The Rich Youth's Application to ChristJ. Thorp.Matthew 19:16-22
The Spiritual Must Supplant the Physical LifeMatthew 19:16-22
The True Spirit of RenunciationBishop H. C. Potter.Matthew 19:16-22
The Way to HappinessSamuel Johnson.Matthew 19:16-22
The Whole SurrenderW. I. Keay.Matthew 19:16-22
The Worth of HeavenJohn Trapp.Matthew 19:16-22
The Young RulerD. Macmillan.Matthew 19:16-22
What He LackedAnon.Matthew 19:16-22
What Lack I YetH. W. Beecher.Matthew 19:16-22
What Lack I?Pulpit Germs., J. P. Lange, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
Why Wealth is to be RenouncedW. Rudder, D. D.Matthew 19:16-22
WMr are the Senses in Which None is Good But God?Dr. Shedd.Matthew 19:16-22
Youth's Obstructions in Their Way to Christ and Eternal LifeJohn Guyse, D.D.Matthew 19:16-22
People
Jesus, Peter
Places
Galilee, Jordan River, Judea
Topics
Askest, Asking, Callest, Commandments, Commands, Desire, Enter, Except, Goodness, Law, None, Obey, Questioning, Replied, Rules, Truly, Wilt, Wish, Wouldest
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 19:17

     1050   God, goodness of
     2057   Christ, obedience
     5103   Moses, significance
     6023   sin, universality
     8203   character
     8244   ethics, and grace
     8405   commands, in NT

Matthew 19:13-30

     5554   status

Matthew 19:16-19

     5731   parents

Matthew 19:16-21

     5310   exploitation
     8116   discipleship, cost
     8142   religion

Matthew 19:16-22

     2426   gospel, responses
     5503   rich, the
     6701   peace, search for
     8131   guidance, results
     8822   self-justification

Matthew 19:16-24

     8812   riches, ungodly use

Matthew 19:16-30

     5381   law, letter and spirit

Matthew 19:17-18

     8716   dishonesty, examples

Matthew 19:17-19

     5685   fathers, responsibilities

Library
The Requirements of the King
'And, behold, one came and said unto Him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17. 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. 18. 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, 19. Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xix. 17, "If Thou Wouldest Enter into Life, Keep the Commandments. "
1. The Lord said to a certain young man, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." [2792] He did not say, "If thou wilt enter into life eternal," but "If thou wilt enter into life;" laying down that as life, which is to be life eternal. Let us first then set forth the value of the love of this life. For even this present life, under whatever circumstances, is loved; and men fear and dread to end it of whatever kind it be; however full of trouble and misery. Hence may we see, hence consider,
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xix. 21,"Go, Sell that Thou Hast, and Give to the Poor," Etc.
1. The Gospel by the present lesson has reminded me to speak to you, Beloved, of the heavenly treasure. For our God hath not, as unbelieving covetous men suppose, wished us to lose what we have: if what hath been enjoined us be properly understood, and piously believed, and devoutly received; He hath not enjoined us to lose, but rather shown a place where we may lay up. For no man can help thinking of his treasure, and following his riches in a kind of journeying of the heart. If then they are buried
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xix. 28, "Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour and are Heavy Laden," Etc.
1. We heard in the Gospel that the Lord, rejoicing greatly in Spirit, said unto God the Father, "I confess to Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered unto Me of My Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him." [2306] I have
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On Riches
"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:24. 1. In the preceding verses we have an account of a young man who came running to our Lord, and kneeling down, not in hypocrisy, but in deep earnestness of soul, and said unto him, "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" "All the commandments," saith he, "I have kept from my youth: What lack I yet?" Probably he had kept them in the literal
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Love Thy Neighbour
I shall notice, first of all, the command; secondly, I shall try and bring some reasons for your obedience to it; and afterwards, I shall draw some suggestions from the law itself. I. First, then, THE COMMAND. It is the second great commandment. The first is, "Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God," and there, the proper standard is, thou shalt love thy God more than thyself. The second commandment is, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour," and the standard there is a little lower, but still preeminently high,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

The First Last, and the Last First
"But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first."--Matthew 19:30. "So the last shall be first, and the first last."--Matthew 20:16. WE MUST BE SAVED if we would serve the Lord. We cannot serve God in an unsaved condition. "They that are in the flesh cannot please God." It is vain for them to attempt service while they are still at enmity against God. The Lord wants not enemies to wait upon him, nor slaves to grace his throne. We must be saved first; and salvation is all of grace.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Way.
If thou wouldest be perfect.'--ST. MATTHEW xix 21. For reasons many and profound, amongst the least because of the fragmentary nature of the records, he who would read them without the candle of the Lord--that is, the light of truth in his inward parts-- must not merely fall into a thousand errors--a thing for such a one of less moment--but must fail utterly of perceiving and understanding the life therein struggling to reveal itself--the life, that is, of the Son of Man, the thought, the feeling,
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

A Treatise on Good Works
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments.
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works

Journey to Jerusalem. Concerning Divorce.
^A Matt. XIX. 1-12; ^B Mark X. 1-12. ^a 1 And it came to pass when Jesus had finished these words [the words contained in Matt. xviii., which are the last teachings in Galilee recorded by any of the Evangelists, p. 435 and p. 439 he departed from Galilee [Having come into the borders of it again from Ephraim. It seems likely that Matthew takes in at one view both departures from Galilee, viz.: that mentioned on p. 441 and that at [4]Sec. XCV., for Matthew records none of the intervening events and
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Blessing Children. Concerning Childlikeness.
(in Peræa.) ^A Matt. XIX. 13-15; ^B Mark X. 13-16; ^C Luke XVIII. 15-17. ^a 13 Then were there brought ^b 13 And they were bringing ^a unto him little children, { ^c also their babes,} that he should touch them: ^a that he should lay his hands on them, and pray [According to Buxtorf, children were often brought to the presidents of the synagogue in order that they might pray over them. The prayers of a good man in our behalf have always been regarded as a blessing; no wonder, then, that the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

On the Journey to Jerusalem - Departure from Ephraim by Way of Samaria and Galilee - Healing of Ten Lepers - Prophetic Discourse of the Coming
The brief time of rest and quiet converse with His disciples in the retirement of Ephraim was past, and the Saviour of men prepared for His last journey to Jerusalem. All the three Synoptic Gospels mark this, although with varying details. [4875] From the mention of Galilee by St. Matthew, and by St. Luke of Samaria and Galilee - or more correctly, between (along the frontiers of) Samaria and Galilee,' we may conjecture that, on leaving Ephraim, Christ made a very brief detour along the northern
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Last Incidents in Peræa - the Young Ruler who Went Away Sorrowful - to Leave all for Christ - Prophecy of his Passion - The
As we near the goal, the wondrous story seems to grow in tenderness and pathos. It is as if all the loving condescension of the Master were to be crowded into these days; all the pressing need also, and the human weaknesses of His disciples. And with equal compassion does He look upon the difficulties of them who truly seek to come to Him, and on those which, springing from without, or even from self and sin, beset them who have already come. Let us try reverently to follow His steps, and learn of
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Third Day in Pasion-Week - the Last Series of Parables: to the Pharisees and to the People - on the Way to Jerusalem: the Parable
(ST. Matt. xix. 30, xx. 16; St. Matt. xxi. 28-32; St. Mark xii. 1-12; St. Luke xx. 9-19; St. Matt. xxii. 1-14.) ALTHOUGH it may not be possible to mark their exact succession, it will be convenient here to group together the last series of Parables. Most, if not all of them, were spoken on that third day in Passion week: the first four to a more general audience; the last three (to be treated in another chapter) to the disciples, when, on the evening of that third day, on the Mount of Olives, [5286]
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Journey through Perea to Jerusalem
166. The fourth gospel says that after the visit to Jerusalem at the feast of Dedication Jesus withdrew beyond Jordan to the place where John at the first was baptizing (x. 40). Matthew and Mark also say that at the close of the ministry in Galilee Jesus departed and came into the borders of Judea and beyond Jordan, and that in this new region the multitudes again flocked to him, and he resumed his ministry of teaching (Matt. xix. 1f.; Mark x. 1). What he did and taught at this time is not shown
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

On the Words of the Gospel, "When Jesus had Finished These Sayings," Etc. --S. Matt. xix. 1
On the Words of the Gospel, "When Jesus Had Finished These Sayings," Etc.--S. Matt. xix. 1 I. Jesus Who Chose The Fishermen, Himself also useth a net, and changeth place for place. Why? Not only that He may gain more of those who love God by His visitation; but also, as it seems to me, that He may hallow more places. To the Jews He becomes as a Jew that He may gain the Jews; to them that are under the Law as under the Law, that He may redeem them that are under the Law; to the weak as weak, that
St. Cyril of Jerusalem—Lectures of S. Cyril of Jerusalem

Eligius, Bishop of Noyon.
THE life of this pious bishop is so much the more worthy our consideration, on account of his having passed many years in the position of an ordinary citizen, before he entered on the clerical office; because his life may thus afford us a picture of the pious citizens of his time. Eligius was born at Chatelàt, a mile from Limoges, A. D. 588. His family had been Christian for many generations, and he received a pious education, [8] the result of which extended throughout his life. In his youth,
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

Therefore no Fruitfulness of the Flesh Can be Compared to Holy virginity Even Of...
8. Therefore no fruitfulness of the flesh can be compared to holy virginity even of the flesh. For neither is itself also honored because it is virginity, but because it hath been dedicated to God, and, although it be kept in the flesh, yet is it kept by religion and devotion of the Spirit. And by this means even virginity of body is spiritual, which continence of piety vows and keeps. For, even as no one makes an immodest use of the body, unless the sin have been before conceived in the spirit,
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Ye Also who have not yet Made this Vow...
30. Ye also who have not yet made this vow, who are able to receive it, receive it. [2093] Run with perseverance, that ye may obtain. [2094] Take ye each his sacrifices, and enter ye into the courts [2095] of the Lord, not of necessity, having power over your own will. [2096] For not as, "Thou shall not commit adultery, Thou shall not kill," [2097] can it so be said, Thou shalt not wed. The former are demanded, the latter are offered. If the latter are done, they are praised: unless the former are
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Lastly, Let us Hear the Lord Himself Delivering Most Plain Judgment on this Matter. ...
23. Lastly, let us hear the Lord Himself delivering most plain judgment on this matter. For, upon His speaking after a divine and fearful manner concerning husband and wife not separating, save on account of fornication, His disciples said to Him, "If the case be such with a wife, it is not good to marry." [2066] To whom He saith, "Not all receive this saying. For there are eunuchs who were so born: but there are others who were made by men: and there are eunuchs, who made themselves eunuchs for
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Some Man Will Say: "What Then Does it Profit a Servant of God...
32. Some man will say: "What then does it profit a servant of God, that, having left the former doings which he had in the world he is converted unto the spiritual life and warfare, if it still behove him to do business as of a common workman?" As if truly it could be easily unfolded in words, how greatly profiteth what the Lord, in answer to that rich man who was seeking counsel of laying hold on eternal life, told him to do if he would fain be perfect: sell that he had, distribute all to the indigence
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

It is Difficult to Treat of the virtue of the Soul...
1. It is difficult to treat of the virtue of the soul, which is called Continence, in a manner fully suitable and worthy; but He, whose great gift this virtue is, will help our littleness under the burden of so great a weight. For He, who bestows it upon His faithful ones when they are continent, Himself gives discourse of it to His ministers when they speak. Lastly, of so great a matter purposing to speak what Himself shall grant, in the first place we say and prove that Continence is the gift of
St. Augustine—On Continence

This we Now Say, That, According to this Condition of Being Born and Dying...
3. This we now say, that, according to this condition of being born and dying, which we know, and in which we have been created, the marriage of male and female is some good; the compact whereof divine Scripture so commends, as that neither is it allowed one put away by her husband to marry, so long as her husband lives: nor is it allowed one put away by his wife to marry another, unless she who have separated from him be dead. Therefore, concerning the good of marriage, which the Lord also confirmed
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

But Since, as the Lord Saith, "Not all Receive this Word...
12. But since, as the Lord saith, "Not all receive this word;" [2249] therefore let her who can receive it, receive it; and let her, who containeth not, marry; let her, who hath not begun, deliberate; let her, who hath undertaken it, persevere; let there be no occasion given unto the adversary, let there be no oblation withdrawn from Christ. Forsooth in the marriage bond if chastity be preserved, condemnation is not feared; but in widowed and virginal continence, the excellence of a greater gift
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

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