Matthew 19:17 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus points the man to God as the source of goodness and directs him to keep the commandments.
What Does Matthew 19:17 Mean?
Jesus answers the man's question with a question of His own: "Why callest thou me good?" He points to God as the one fountain of goodness, inviting the young man to weigh what he has just said. Then He answers directly: if you would enter into life, keep the commandments. He meets the seeker on the ground of the law he already knows.
The reply turns the man's attention to God and to the path long revealed. Jesus does not yet say all He will say; He begins where the young man stands. The verse holds together a high reverence for God's goodness and a real call to obedience. Christ takes the question seriously and leads the seeker, step by step, toward the deeper surrender that true life requires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 19:17
What does Matthew 19:17 mean?
Jesus points the man to God as the source of goodness and directs him to keep the commandments.