Mark 10:17

KJV

¶ And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he was gone forth {G1607} into {G1519} the way {G846}{G3598}, there came {G4370} one {G1520} running {G4370}, and {G2532} kneeled {G1120} to him {G846}, and asked {G1905} him {G846}, Good {G18} Master {G1320}, what {G5101} shall I do {G4160} that {G2443} I may inherit {G2816} eternal {G166} life {G2222}?

Complete Jewish Bible

As he was starting on his way, a man ran up, kneeled down in front of him and asked, "Good rabbi, what should I do to obtain eternal life?"

Berean Standard Bible

As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up and knelt before Him. “Good Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

American Standard Version

And as he was going forth into the way, there ran one to him, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:17 introduces a pivotal encounter between Jesus and a sincere, earnest individual—identified in parallel accounts as a rich young ruler—who approaches Jesus with profound reverence and an urgent question: "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" This moment sets the stage for a deep theological discussion on the nature of salvation, the demands of discipleship, and the true cost of entering God's Kingdom, challenging conventional human understanding of righteousness and merit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This encounter immediately follows Jesus' teaching on the necessity of receiving the Kingdom of God with the humility and trust of a child, as detailed in [Mark 10:15](/mark/10-15 "Mark 10:15 - Receiving the Kingdom like a child"). The man's question, "what shall I do," stands in stark contrast to the childlike posture of receiving, setting up a profound tension between human effort and divine grace. Furthermore, this event occurs as Jesus is "gone forth into the way," signifying His purposeful journey towards Jerusalem, a path that will ultimately lead to His passion and resurrection. The man's identity as a "rich young ruler" is revealed in the parallel accounts of [Matthew 19:16](/matthew/19-16 "Matthew 19:16 - The Rich Young Ruler") and [Luke 18:18](/luke/18-18 "Luke 18:18 - The Rich Ruler's Inquiry"), providing a fuller picture of his social standing and influence. His actions of "running" and "kneeling" underscore his deep earnestness and respect for Jesus, highlighting the sincerity of his spiritual quest.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the concept of "inheriting eternal life" was often understood within a framework of covenant obedience and meritorious works. It was commonly believed that strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and the traditions of the elders would ensure one's place in the age to come. The man's question, "what shall I do," reflects this prevalent mindset, indicating a desire to perform specific actions or rituals to secure his eternal destiny. Addressing Jesus as "Good Master" (Greek: _Didaskalos Agathe_) was a high form of respectful address for a revered teacher, acknowledging His moral authority and wisdom. However, Jesus' subsequent response in [Mark 10:18](/mark/10-18 "Mark 10:18 - Jesus' Response to 'Good Master'") subtly challenges the man's understanding of "goodness," redirecting the focus from human teachers to God alone as the ultimate standard of goodness. The act of "kneeling" was a gesture of profound reverence, submission, or supplication, typically reserved for God or a superior, further emphasizing the man's earnestness and the high regard in which he held Jesus.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 10:17 introduces several crucial themes that resonate throughout the Gospels and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights **humanity's innate longing for eternal life** and ultimate purpose, a universal inquiry that transcends social status. The man's urgent pursuit underscores the deep spiritual hunger that often underlies outward success. Secondly, the interaction immediately brings to the forefront the **tension between human effort and divine grace** in the pursuit of salvation. The man's question, "what shall I do," implicitly assumes a works-based righteousness, which Jesus will challenge by revealing the impossibility of salvation through human merit alone, foreshadowing the need for divine intervention and transformation. Thirdly, the man's initial respectful address to Jesus as "Good Master" sets the stage for a deeper exploration of **the nature of true goodness** and the unique goodness of God, which Jesus will subtly affirm in [Mark 10:18](/mark/10-18 "Mark 10:18 - God's Exclusive Goodness"). Finally, the term "inherit" (Greek: _klēronoméō_) subtly introduces the idea of eternal life as a divine gift or legacy, rather than something earned, a concept that finds its full theological development in passages like [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God") where eternal life is presented as "the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Greek, _agathós_):** This primary word denotes "good" in any sense, often as a noun. When the man addresses Jesus as "Good Master," he uses this term to acknowledge what he perceives as Jesus' moral excellence and beneficial nature. However, Jesus' immediate response in the following verse challenges the man's understanding of this term, pointing to God as the singular source of absolute goodness.
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos_):** Derived from the verb "to teach," this term signifies an instructor, doctor, or teacher. The man's use of "Master" indicates his recognition of Jesus' authority and wisdom as a spiritual guide, someone from whom he expects to receive authoritative instruction on matters of eternal significance.
* **Inherit (Greek, _klēronoméō_):** This word means "to be an heir to," whether literally or figuratively, implying the reception of a legacy or an inheritance. The man's question, "what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life," suggests a desire to perform actions that would qualify him as an heir to this ultimate possession, reflecting a common Jewish understanding of meriting a share in the age to come.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he was gone forth into the way":** This phrase establishes the setting, indicating Jesus' continued journey, likely towards Jerusalem, a path that symbolizes His purposeful movement towards His ultimate destiny and the fulfillment of His redemptive mission. It suggests a public setting, open to interaction.
* **"there came one running, and kneeled to him":** This describes the earnest and urgent approach of the individual. "Running" conveys his eagerness and perhaps desperation, while "kneeled" signifies deep respect, reverence, and a posture of humble supplication before Jesus, acknowledging His perceived authority and wisdom.
* **"and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?":** This is the core of the verse, revealing the man's fundamental spiritual inquiry. His address, "Good Master," is a respectful salutation to a revered teacher. His question, "what shall I do," reveals a mindset focused on human action and merit, seeking a prescriptive path to salvation. The ultimate goal, "that I may inherit eternal life," expresses a profound desire for ultimate spiritual security and a share in God's future kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:17 employs several significant **literary devices**. The man's act of **running** and **kneeling** serves as **Symbolism**, vividly portraying his earnestness, humility, and profound respect for Jesus, setting a tone of urgent spiritual inquiry. The address "Good Master" introduces a subtle **Irony**, as Jesus' subsequent response in [Mark 10:18](/mark/10-18 "Mark 10:18 - The Uniqueness of God's Goodness") challenges the man's understanding of "goodness," pointing to God as the sole possessor of absolute goodness. This also acts as **Foreshadowing** for the deeper theological truths Jesus is about to reveal, shifting the focus from human merit to divine nature. The very question, "what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?", highlights a **Contrast** between the man's works-based understanding of salvation and the concept of "inheriting," which subtly suggests a gift or legacy rather than something earned, thus setting up the central tension of the ensuing dialogue.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:17 serves as a foundational text for understanding the biblical concept of salvation, particularly the tension between human effort and divine grace. The man's earnest question, rooted in a desire to "do" something to "inherit" eternal life, reflects a universal human inclination towards self-salvation through good works or adherence to religious law. However, the New Testament consistently teaches that eternal life is not earned by human merit but is a gracious gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. This encounter sets the stage for Jesus to reveal the inadequacy of human righteousness and the radical demands of true discipleship, ultimately pointing to Himself as the sole means by which eternal life is not merely inherited, but truly possessed. The dialogue initiated here underscores that true spiritual inheritance comes not from what we do, but from who we trust and follow.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:17 challenges us to honestly examine the posture of our own hearts in seeking God. Are we like the rich young man, earnest in our pursuit but perhaps still clinging to the notion that we must "do" enough to earn God's favor or secure our eternal destiny? This verse invites us to reflect on whether our understanding of spiritual life is rooted in human performance or divine grace. It prompts us to consider the depth of our desire for eternal life—is it a casual interest or an urgent, kneeling pursuit? Furthermore, the man's respectful address to Jesus as "Good Master" encourages us to consider the authority and wisdom we ascribe to Christ in our lives. Do we truly recognize Him as the ultimate Teacher and the source of all truth concerning life and salvation? This passage serves as a timeless reminder that while sincerity is commendable, it must ultimately yield to the truth of God's Word concerning His unique goodness and the path to true life, which often requires a radical reorientation of our priorities and a surrender of our self-sufficiency.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does my own pursuit of spiritual truth look like? Is it characterized by urgency and humility, or complacency?**
* **Do I approach God with a "what must I do" mentality, or do I understand eternal life as a gift to be received?**
* **How does my understanding of "goodness" align with Jesus' subtle redirection in this passage?**
* **What might I be clinging to that prevents me from fully embracing the path to eternal life as defined by Jesus?**

### FAQ

**Who was the individual who approached Jesus in Mark 10:17?**

Answer: While Mark 10:17 identifies him simply as "one," parallel accounts in [Matthew 19:16](/matthew/19-16 "Matthew 19:16 - The Rich Young Ruler") and [Luke 18:18](/luke/18-18 "Luke 18:18 - The Rich Ruler") reveal that he was a "rich young ruler." This indicates he was a person of significant social standing, wealth, and authority, possibly a leader in the Jewish community or a synagogue. His earnestness and respectful approach suggest he was a devout Jew sincerely seeking spiritual guidance from Jesus.

**Why did he kneel to Jesus and call Him "Good Master"?**

Answer: The act of "running" and "kneeling" signifies the man's profound earnestness, humility, and deep respect for Jesus. Kneeling was a posture of supplication and reverence, typically reserved for someone of great authority or divine status. Calling Jesus "Good Master" (Greek: _Didaskalos Agathe_) was a highly respectful form of address for a revered teacher, acknowledging Jesus' wisdom, moral purity, and authority. It shows the man's high regard for Jesus as a spiritual guide capable of answering his most pressing question about eternal life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:17, with the rich man's earnest inquiry about inheriting eternal life, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. The man's question, "what shall I do," reflects a human desire to earn salvation, a path that Jesus will ultimately show to be impossible through human effort or adherence to the law alone. Jesus does not merely provide instructions on how to "do" to inherit eternal life; rather, He embodies and offers eternal life as a gracious gift. The man seeks to inherit a legacy, but Jesus reveals that true inheritance is found in Him, the Son, who is the very essence of life and the source of all spiritual blessing. As [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life") declares, Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life," meaning that eternal life is not merely a concept or a future state, but a present reality found in relationship with Him. His subsequent teaching about the difficulty for the rich to enter the Kingdom and the necessity of God's power ([Mark 10:23-27](/mark/10-23-27 "Mark 10:23-27 - The Difficulty of Wealth")) points to the fact that salvation is "with God all things are possible," through the redemptive work of Christ. Thus, the longing for eternal life expressed in Mark 10:17 is ultimately satisfied not by human achievement, but by the work of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), making the inheritance possible for all who believe in His name ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")).

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

Matthew 19:16

¶ And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

Matthew 19:30

But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.

Luke 18:18

¶ And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Luke 18:30

Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

Romans 2:7

To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

John 6:27

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

John 6:28

¶ Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?