Luke 18:19

KJV

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none [is] good, save one, [that is], God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Why {G5101} callest thou {G3004} me {G3165} good {G18}? none {G3762} is good {G18}, save {G1508} one {G1520}, that is, God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said to him, “Why are you calling me good? No one is good but God!

Berean Standard Bible

“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone.

American Standard Version

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, even God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:19 captures a profound exchange between Jesus and a rich young ruler, where Jesus challenges the ruler's casual use of the term "good." Rather than denying His own inherent moral excellence, Jesus uses the opportunity to elevate the conversation, prompting the ruler to consider the ultimate source of absolute goodness, which resides solely in God. This statement serves as a critical theological assertion, forcing a deeper understanding of divine perfection and implicitly inviting a contemplation of Jesus' own identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is Jesus' direct reply to the rich young ruler's opening question in [Luke 18:18](/luke/18-18 "Luke 18:18 - The Rich Young Ruler's Question"), "Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" The encounter immediately follows Jesus' teaching on the necessity of childlike faith for entering the Kingdom of God ([Luke 18:15-17](/luke/18-15-17 "Luke 18:15-17 - Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child")). Jesus' response in verse 19 is not a denial of His own goodness or deity, but a strategic probe into the ruler's understanding of "good." The subsequent dialogue, where Jesus instructs the ruler to sell his possessions and follow Him, further illuminates the radical demands of discipleship and the obstacles wealth can pose to inheriting eternal life. This pivotal interaction is also recounted in the parallel Gospels of [Matthew 19:16-22](/matthew/19-16-22 "Matthew 19:16-22 - The Rich Young Man") and [Mark 10:17-22](/mark/10-17-22 "Mark 10:17-22 - The Rich Man").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, addressing someone as "Good Master" (Greek: _didaskale agathe_) was a respectful, though perhaps conventional, honorific for a revered teacher or rabbi. It did not necessarily imply a recognition of divine attributes. However, Jesus' response elevates the term beyond mere courtesy, pushing the ruler to consider the theological implications of such an address. The concept of "inheriting eternal life" was a central concern for many devout Jews, often associated with strict adherence to the Mosaic Law. The rich young ruler's question reflects this common aspiration, and Jesus' subsequent challenge concerning his wealth directly confronts a significant cultural value and potential spiritual impediment for many in that society.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It profoundly explores the **Nature of Absolute Goodness**, asserting that perfect moral excellence belongs exclusively to God, thus setting a divine standard against which all human goodness is measured. Jesus' question also serves as a **Challenge to Superficiality**, forcing the ruler (and the reader) to move beyond polite religious platitudes to a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what true goodness entails. Furthermore, it underscores **God's Unrivaled Perfection and Sovereignty**, affirming that He is the singular source of all that is truly good, as articulated in passages like [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - God as the Giver of Every Good and Perfect Gift"). This conversation also subtly introduces the theme of **Jesus' Divine Identity**, as His response implicitly invites the ruler to consider whether Jesus Himself embodies that unique, divine goodness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Greek, _agathós_):** This word (G18) denotes inherent moral goodness, excellence, and uprightness, often in a comprehensive sense of being beneficial and virtuous. By posing the question, "Why callest thou me good?" Jesus is not denying His own goodness, but rather challenging the rich young ruler's understanding of the term. He implies that if the ruler truly grasped the depth of _agathós_ in its absolute sense, he would recognize that such perfection is an attribute unique to God.
* **One (Greek, _heîs_):** This primary numeral (G1520) signifies singularity and exclusivity. In the phrase "save one," it emphasizes that there is only a single entity—God—who possesses goodness in its absolute, unadulterated form. This highlights God's unique and unrivaled moral perfection, setting Him apart from all creation.
* **God (Greek, _theós_):** This term (G2316) refers to the supreme Divinity, the ultimate source and embodiment of all moral and spiritual excellence. Jesus' statement unequivocally identifies God as the sole possessor of absolute goodness, reinforcing the theological truth that perfect moral character is an intrinsic attribute of the divine nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus said unto him,"**: This phrase establishes the immediate context as Jesus' direct verbal response to the rich young ruler's address. It marks the initiation of a crucial dialogue where Jesus takes control of the conversation, shifting it from a simple request for instruction to a profound theological inquiry.
* **"Why callest thou me good?"**: This is a rhetorical question, designed not to elicit information but to provoke deep thought and self-reflection in the rich young ruler. Jesus is challenging the ruler's casual use of the honorific "Good Master." He forces the ruler to consider whether he truly understands the profound implications of attributing absolute goodness to anyone, especially in the context of seeking eternal life. Jesus is pressing the ruler to acknowledge the divine standard of goodness and, implicitly, to consider His own identity in relation to that standard.
* **"none is good, save one, that is, God."**: This declarative statement provides the theological premise for Jesus' rhetorical question. It asserts that absolute, inherent, and perfect goodness is an attribute belonging exclusively to God. This truth underscores God's unique holiness and moral perfection. The statement highlights the distinction between human, relative goodness (which is always flawed and incomplete) and divine, absolute goodness. By stating this, Jesus directs the ruler's focus to the ultimate source of all true goodness, inviting him to ponder the implications for Jesus' own identity.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus' interaction with the rich young ruler in [Luke 18:19](/luke/18-19 "Luke 18:19 - Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler") employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Why callest thou me good?" Jesus asks this not because He is ignorant of the ruler's intention or because He denies His own goodness, but to prompt the ruler to think more deeply about the implications of his words. This question sets the stage for a profound theological lesson. There is also an element of **Paradox** or **Irony** at play; Jesus, who is truly God and perfectly good, appears to deflect the title. This creates a tension that forces the listener to grapple with the deeper truth: if Jesus is truly "good" in the absolute sense the ruler implies, then He must indeed be God. Finally, the entire exchange serves as a prime example of **Didacticism**, where Jesus uses a direct encounter to teach a fundamental truth about God's unique nature and, by extension, His own identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:19 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of divine goodness and human inadequacy. It asserts that absolute, inherent goodness is an attribute belonging solely to God, distinguishing His perfect moral character from all created beings. This truth profoundly impacts our understanding of sin, highlighting that human goodness is always relative and falls short of God's perfect standard. Far from denying His own deity, Jesus' statement implicitly challenges the rich young ruler to consider that if he truly recognized the absolute goodness he attributed to Jesus, he would be acknowledging Jesus' divine nature. This verse thus serves as a powerful Christological statement, subtly pointing to Jesus' unique relationship with the Father and His embodiment of divine perfection.

* [Psalm 14:1-3](/psalms/14-1-3 "Psalm 14:1-3 - No One Does Good")
* [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10-12 "Romans 3:10-12 - None Is Righteous")
* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - God as the Giver of Every Good and Perfect Gift")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This profound exchange in Luke 18:19 invites us to critically examine our own understanding of "goodness" and its ultimate source. In a world that often defines goodness by human standards, societal norms, or personal achievements, Jesus redirects our gaze to God's absolute and perfect character. This perspective fosters a profound humility, reminding us that our own righteousness is always flawed and insufficient, leading us to a greater reliance on God's grace. It challenges us to align our moral compass not with the shifting sands of human opinion, but with the unchanging perfection of the Divine. Furthermore, it deepens our appreciation for Jesus, who, as God incarnate, embodies this absolute goodness, offering us a path to true righteousness not through our own efforts, but through His perfect life and sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' statement challenge your own assumptions about what it means to be "good"?**
* **In what ways do you tend to define goodness by human standards rather than God's absolute standard?**
* **How does recognizing God as the sole source of absolute goodness impact your worship and understanding of His character?**
* **What does this verse teach you about Jesus' identity, even though He appears to deflect the title "good"?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus deny His own goodness or deity in this verse?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not denying His own inherent goodness or His divine nature in [Luke 18:19](/luke/18-19 "Luke 18:19 - Jesus' Response to the Rich Young Ruler"). Instead, He is using the rich young ruler's address ("Good Master") as a pedagogical tool. In first-century Jewish culture, "good master" was a common honorific for a respected teacher. Jesus' question, "Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God," is a rhetorical probe designed to elevate the conversation. He is challenging the ruler to consider the profound theological implications of attributing absolute goodness to anyone. If the ruler truly understood the depth of what "good" meant in an absolute sense, he would recognize that such perfection belongs uniquely to God. Jesus is implicitly inviting the ruler to consider His own identity: if He is truly "good" in that ultimate sense, then He must be God. This statement serves to clarify the divine standard of goodness, not to diminish Jesus' own status.

**What is the significance of Jesus pointing to God as the only one who is "good"?**

Answer: The significance lies in establishing the ultimate standard of moral perfection. By stating that "none is good, save one, that is, God," Jesus emphasizes that absolute, inherent, and unblemished goodness is an attribute unique to the divine nature. Human goodness is always relative, imperfect, and derivative. This truth highlights God's unique holiness and moral supremacy. It also serves to expose the inadequacy of human efforts to achieve righteousness on their own. For the rich young ruler, who was seeking to inherit eternal life through his own actions, this statement implicitly points to the impossibility of achieving salvation based on human "goodness" alone, redirecting the focus to God's perfect standard and His provision. It underscores the biblical truth that [all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jesus' words in [Luke 18:19](/luke/18-19 "Luke 18:19 - Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler") initially appear to deflect the title of "good," they ultimately serve to magnify His own unique identity as the embodiment of divine goodness and the means by which humanity can approach God's perfect standard. Jesus, being God incarnate, is indeed the very essence of goodness. His question to the rich young ruler was not a denial of His own sinless perfection, as affirmed in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest"), but a profound challenge to the ruler's superficial understanding of the term. By stating that only God is truly good, Jesus implicitly invites the ruler to consider the shocking truth that He Himself is one with the Father, sharing in that singular divine goodness, as He declares in [John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - I and the Father Are One"). Therefore, the Christ-centered fulfillment of this verse is found in Jesus Himself, who, as the perfectly good God-man, provides the only path for fallen humanity to be reconciled to a perfectly good God. Through His atoning sacrifice, believers are clothed in His righteousness, becoming "good" in God's sight not by their own merit, but by grace through faith in the One who is truly good ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Righteousness in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 15:14

What [is] man, that he should be clean? and [he which is] born of a woman, that he should be righteous?

Job 15:16

How much more abominable and filthy [is] man, which drinketh iniquity like water?

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Hebrews 7:26

For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Job 25:4

How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean [that is] born of a woman?

Job 14:4

Who can bring a clean [thing] out of an unclean? not one.

Luke 11:13

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?