Matthew 19:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, one {G1520} came {G4334} and said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Good {G18} Master {G1320}, what {G5101} good thing {G18} shall I do {G4160}, that {G2443} I may have {G2192} eternal {G166} life {G2222}?

Complete Jewish Bible

A man approached Yeshua and said, "Rabbi, what good thing should I do in order to have eternal life?" He said to him,

Berean Standard Bible

Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?”

American Standard Version

And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 19:16 introduces a pivotal encounter between Jesus and a wealthy young man who earnestly seeks to understand the path to eternal life. His direct question, "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" reveals a common human inclination to view salvation as something earned through personal merit or adherence to a set of actions, setting the stage for Jesus's profound and challenging teaching on the nature of true goodness, the demands of discipleship, and the ultimate source of eternal life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant section of Matthew's Gospel (chapters 19-20) that details Jesus's journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, a period marked by intensified teaching on discipleship and the Kingdom of Heaven. Immediately prior to this encounter, Jesus addresses complex issues of marriage and divorce in [Matthew 19:1-12](/matthew/19-1-12 "Jesus's Teaching on Marriage and Divorce") and then tenderly welcomes and blesses little children in [Matthew 19:13-15](/matthew/19-13-15 "Jesus Blesses the Children"). The arrival of the rich young man directly follows these events, creating a stark contrast between the humble, dependent faith of children and the self-assured, works-oriented approach of the wealthy inquirer. This interaction then flows into Jesus's teaching on the difficulty for the rich to enter the Kingdom ([Matthew 19:23-26](/matthew/19-23-26 "The Difficulty for the Rich to Enter the Kingdom")) and the disciples' question about their reward for following Him ([Matthew 19:27-30](/matthew/19-27-30 "Peter's Question and the Disciples' Reward")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, wealth was often perceived as a sign of God's blessing and favor, and adherence to the Mosaic Law was understood as the pathway to righteousness and a blessed life. The young man's question reflects a common Jewish theological framework that emphasized obedience to the commandments as the means to inherit eternal life. The title "Master" (Greek: _didaskalos_) was a respectful address for a revered teacher or rabbi, indicating the young man's recognition of Jesus's authority and wisdom. The concept of "eternal life" (Greek: _zoe aionios_) was not merely about endless existence, but about participating in the life of God, often associated with the blessings of the coming Messianic age.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 19:16 introduces several crucial themes that Jesus explores throughout this passage. The primary theme is the **quest for eternal life**, highlighting humanity's innate longing for ultimate meaning and destiny. It immediately raises the question of **salvation by works versus grace**, as the young man's phrasing "what good thing shall I do" reveals a common misconception that eternal life can be earned through human effort, a notion Jesus will challenge and ultimately refute. The encounter also touches upon the **nature of true goodness**, as Jesus's response in [Matthew 19:17](/matthew/19-17 "Jesus's Response to the Rich Young Ruler") subtly redefines "good" to point to God alone. Finally, it sets the stage for the theme of **radical discipleship** and the **role of wealth** in hindering one's entry into the Kingdom of Heaven, echoing Jesus's broader teachings on priorities found in [the Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "The Sermon on the Mount").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Greek, _agathós'_):** This word (G18) signifies intrinsic, benevolent goodness, often associated with moral excellence. The young man uses it as a complimentary adjective for Jesus as a teacher, but Jesus's subsequent response in [Matthew 19:17](/matthew/19-17 "Jesus's Redirection of 'Good'") will challenge this casual use, directing attention to God as the ultimate and sole source of true goodness.
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** This term (G1320) denotes an instructor or teacher. The young man addresses Jesus with respect, acknowledging His reputation as a wise and authoritative religious figure. However, his understanding of Jesus's true identity and authority may be limited, as Jesus's later questions will reveal.
* **eternal life (Greek, _aiṓnios'_ + _zōḗ'_):** The phrase combines _aiṓnios'_ (G166), meaning perpetual, everlasting, or pertaining to an age, and _zōḗ'_ (G2222), meaning life (literally or figuratively). Together, "eternal life" signifies not merely endless duration, but a quality of life that is divine, spiritual, and in fellowship with God, extending beyond earthly existence and beginning in the present.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, one came and said unto him,"**: This opening introduces the direct and urgent nature of the encounter. The particle "behold" (G2400, _idoú_) serves to draw the reader's attention to the significance of the moment, signaling an important interaction. "One" (G1520, _heîs_) is a general reference, but parallel accounts in Mark and Luke identify him as a "rich young ruler," adding crucial details to his identity and background. His act of "coming" (G4334, _prosérchomai_) to Jesus indicates intentionality and a desire for personal interaction.
* **"Good Master,"**: This is the young man's respectful address to Jesus. By calling Jesus "Good Master" (G18, _agathós_ G1320, _didáskalos_), he acknowledges Jesus's reputation as a morally upright and authoritative teacher. This respectful salutation sets up Jesus's immediate counter-question in the subsequent verse, which will challenge the young man's understanding of "goodness" and subtly point to His own divine nature.
* **"what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"**: This is the central question of the verse, revealing the young man's theological framework. His phrasing "what good thing shall I do" (G4160, _poiéō_) clearly indicates a works-based approach to salvation. He believes that eternal life is something that can be earned or achieved through a specific action or set of actions, a common misconception in his cultural context. This question is the catalyst for Jesus's deeper teaching on the Law, the nature of true righteousness, and the radical demands of following Him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its impact and set the stage for the ensuing dialogue. **Direct Question** immediately engages the reader, presenting a universal human inquiry about ultimate destiny. The use of **"behold"** (idoú) acts as an **exclamation** or an **attention-getter**, signaling to the audience that a significant event or character is about to be introduced. There is also a subtle **irony** in the young man's address of Jesus as "Good Master," as he likely intends it as a mere compliment for a human teacher, yet Jesus's subsequent response in [Matthew 19:17](/matthew/19-17 "Jesus's Challenge to the Rich Young Ruler") will challenge this superficial understanding and subtly hint at His own unique, divine goodness. This sets up a **dramatic tension** between the young man's works-oriented worldview and Jesus's forthcoming revelation of God's grace and the true cost of discipleship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 19:16 introduces a foundational theological tension: the human inclination to earn salvation versus the divine revelation of salvation as a gift. The young man's question, "what good thing shall I do," encapsulates the universal human desire for self-justification and the belief that eternal life can be merited through personal effort or moral achievement. This sets the stage for Jesus to dismantle this works-based understanding, redirecting the focus from human performance to God's inherent goodness and the necessity of divine grace. The encounter underscores that true goodness and eternal life are not commodities to be acquired but realities that flow from a relationship with God, challenging any notion of human autonomy in salvation.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God's Love and the Gift of Eternal Life")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "The Law Reveals Sin, Not Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This encounter with the rich young man serves as a profound mirror for our own spiritual lives. Do we, like him, approach God with a checklist of "good things" we believe we must do to earn His favor, acceptance, or eternal life? This verse challenges us to critically examine our understanding of salvation: Is it based on our performance, or on God's unmerited grace? While good works are an essential outflow of genuine faith and love for God, they are never the *means* by which eternal life is acquired. True eternal life is a divine gift, freely offered through faith in Jesus Christ, which then transforms our desires and actions, leading to a life of Spirit-empowered obedience. The young man's earnest question forces us to grapple with our own deepest longings for life and security, and whether we are truly willing to surrender our self-reliance and embrace the radical, transforming call of Christ, no matter the personal cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "good things" or achievements do I tend to rely on for my sense of worth or my standing before God?**
* **How does my understanding of "eternal life" align with or differ from the biblical concept of a life of divine quality and intimate relationship with God?**
* **Am I truly willing to surrender my own efforts and trust fully in God's grace for salvation, even if it means letting go of what I value most?**

### FAQ
**Was the rich young man truly "good" according to Jesus?**

Answer: Jesus's response in [Matthew 19:17](/matthew/19-17 "Jesus's Response to the Rich Young Ruler") ("Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God") is not a denial of His own inherent goodness or divinity. Instead, it serves as a profound rhetorical question designed to challenge the young man's superficial understanding of the term "good." The young man likely used "good" as a polite compliment for a human teacher. Jesus subtly redirects his attention to the ultimate source of goodness, God Himself, thereby inviting the young man to consider the profound implications of calling Jesus "Good Master," hinting at Jesus's own divine nature and unique connection to God.

**What is the difference between "eternal life" and simply living forever?**

Answer: In biblical theology, particularly in the New Testament, "eternal life" (Greek: _zoe aionios_) is far more than mere unending duration. While it certainly encompasses endless existence, its primary emphasis is on the *quality* of life. It refers to a life that is divine in nature, characterized by intimate fellowship with God and participation in His very life. As Jesus Himself defines it in [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "Eternal Life is Knowing God"), "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." It is a spiritual reality that begins in the present moment for those who believe in Christ and extends into a glorious, unending future in God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter in Matthew 19:16, though seemingly a simple inquiry about human action, profoundly points to the necessity and sufficiency of Christ. The young man's question, "what good thing shall I do," perfectly encapsulates humanity's inherent inability to achieve righteousness or eternal life through its own efforts, setting the stage for the radical truth that salvation is a gift of God's grace, not a reward for human performance. Jesus, the "Good Master" whom the young man addresses, is not merely a wise teacher but the very embodiment of divine goodness and the sole source of eternal life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). His subsequent challenge to the young man to sell all he has and follow Him ([Matthew 19:21](/matthew/19-21 "Jesus's Radical Call to Discipleship")) reveals that true eternal life is found not in adhering to a list of rules, but in radical, all-encompassing discipleship to Jesus Himself. The young man's sorrowful departure underscores the universal human condition—that what is impossible for man to achieve through self-effort is indeed possible with God ([Matthew 19:26](/matthew/19-26 "With God All Things Are Possible")). Thus, Matthew 19:16 serves as a powerful setup, revealing humanity's spiritual bankruptcy and preparing the way for the glorious truth that salvation is a gift of grace, freely offered through faith in the crucified and risen Christ, who alone gives eternal life to all who believe ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Gift of God is 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

Mark 10:17

¶ 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?

Mark 10:30

But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Jude 1:21

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

John 3:15

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Matthew 25:46

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

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.