Why do you call Me good?
In this phrase, Jesus addresses the rich young ruler who approached Him, calling Him "Good Teacher." The Greek word for "good" here is "ἀγαθός" (agathos), which implies intrinsic goodness or moral excellence. Jesus' question is not a denial of His own goodness but a challenge to the young man's understanding of what "good" truly means. In a historical context, rabbis were often called "teacher," but the addition of "good" was unusual and significant. Jesus uses this moment to provoke deeper reflection on the nature of goodness and to point towards the divine standard of goodness.

Jesus replied
The act of replying indicates Jesus' willingness to engage with those who seek Him, even if their understanding is incomplete. The Greek verb "ἀποκρίνομαι" (apokrinomai) suggests a thoughtful and deliberate response. Jesus' reply is not just a simple answer but a profound teaching moment. In the broader scriptural context, Jesus often uses questions to lead His listeners to greater truths, encouraging them to think beyond the surface.

No one is good
This statement underscores the biblical teaching of human depravity and the fallen nature of mankind. The Greek word "οὐδείς" (oudeis) means "no one" or "none," emphasizing the universality of this truth. Historically, this would have resonated with Jewish audiences familiar with the Psalms and the Prophets, which declare the sinfulness of humanity. This phrase serves as a reminder of the need for divine grace and the impossibility of achieving righteousness through human effort alone.

except God alone
Here, Jesus affirms the unique and perfect goodness of God. The Greek word "εἰ μή" (ei mē) translates to "except," indicating exclusivity. This statement aligns with the monotheistic belief central to Judaism and Christianity that God is the ultimate standard of goodness. In the scriptural context, this declaration points to the holiness and perfection of God, setting Him apart from all creation. It also subtly hints at Jesus' divine nature, as He embodies the goodness of God in human form.

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to a question from a rich young ruler. His response highlights His teaching method and His understanding of divine goodness.

2. Rich Young Ruler
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the rich young ruler is the one who approaches Jesus with a question about eternal life, prompting Jesus' response.

3. Disciples
Present during this interaction, the disciples are witnesses to Jesus' teaching and are often the recipients of further explanation from Him.

4. Judea
The region where this event takes place, as Jesus is traveling towards Jerusalem.

5. God
Central to Jesus' response, God is identified as the only one who is truly good, emphasizing the divine nature of goodness.Understanding True Goodness
Jesus challenges the common understanding of goodness, pointing to God as the ultimate standard. This calls us to evaluate our own perceptions of goodness in light of God's character.

Recognizing Human Limitations
By stating that only God is good, Jesus reminds us of our own limitations and the need for humility. We should acknowledge our dependence on God's grace and righteousness.

The Nature of Jesus
Jesus' question invites reflection on His identity. While He is fully human, He is also fully divine, sharing in the goodness of God. This dual nature is central to Christian faith.

Moral and Spiritual Reflection
This passage encourages believers to reflect on their own moral and spiritual state, recognizing that true goodness comes from a relationship with God.

Pursuing Godly Character
As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue a character that reflects God's goodness, relying on the Holy Spirit to transform us.(18) Why callest thou me good?--Our Lord's question is, in St. Mark's report, in harmony with that of the seeker after life eternal. Its obvious drift was to force him back upon the conditions of absolute goodness, to make him ask himself how far, and under what conditions, that word might be used relatively of any child of man.

Verse 18. - Why callest thou me good? According to the best authorities, the words in St. Matthew (Matthew 21:17) run thus: "Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good." The word "good" is the pivot on which our Lord's answer turns, both in St. Matthew and here. The question is doubtless put to test the young ruler's faith. If, as may be supposed, the young man used the term, "good Master," as a mere conventional expression, it was not the proper epithet to apply to our Lord, who at once transfers the praise and the goodness to God, that he might teach us to do the same. This ruler, by his mode of accosting our Lord, showed that he had not as yet a right faith in him - that he did not believe in his Godhead. Our Lord, therefore, desired to rouse him and lift him up to a higher faith. He seems to say to him, "If you call me good, believe that I am God; for no one is good, intrinsically good, but God. God alone is essentially good, and wise, and powerful, and holy. It is from him that angels and men derive a few drops, or rather some faint adumbration, of his goodness. There is none essentially, entirely, absolutely good but one, that is, God. Therefore seek after him, love him, imitate him. He alone can satisfy your longing desires, as in this life with his grace, so in the life to come with his glory; yea, with himself. For in heaven he manifested himself as the supreme good, to be tasted and enjoyed by the blessed for ever."

Parallel Commentaries ...


“Why
Τί (Ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

do you call
λέγεις (legeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

Me
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

good?”
ἀγαθόν (agathon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

replied.
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“No one [is]
οὐδεὶς (oudeis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

good
ἀγαθὸς (agathos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

except
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

God
Θεός (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

alone.
εἷς (heis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.


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NT Gospels: Mark 10:18 Jesus said to him Why do you (Mar Mk Mr)