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?

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}?

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Matthew 19:16

The Gospel of Matthew, written primarily for a Jewish audience, often highlights Jesus as the promised Messiah and King. Chapter 19 finds Jesus in Perea, beyond the Jordan, teaching on various subjects including marriage and divorce, and blessing little children. This encounter immediately follows a demonstration of Jesus's compassion and accessibility, setting the stage for a sincere, yet ultimately challenging, inquiry about eternal life. The individual who approaches Jesus is traditionally known as the "rich young ruler," though this verse only identifies him as "one came." His question reflects a common human desire for assurance regarding one's ultimate destiny and how to achieve it.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Quest for Eternal Life: The central theme of this verse is the profound human longing for eternal life. This is not merely endless existence, but a quality of life that comes from knowing God and Jesus Christ (John 17:3). The young man's direct question underscores the universal significance of this pursuit.
  • Salvation by Works vs. Grace: The young man's phrasing, "what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?", reveals a common misconception that salvation can be earned through human effort or good deeds. This sets up Jesus's subsequent teaching, which challenges this works-based understanding and points towards a deeper commitment and reliance on God's grace, contrasting with the idea that salvation is by grace through faith.
  • Acknowledging Jesus's Authority: By addressing Jesus as "Good Master," the young man acknowledges Jesus's reputation as a wise and authoritative teacher. While the term "Good" might seem complimentary, Jesus's response in the subsequent verse (not fully revealed here, but implied) subtly points to the unique goodness of God alone, hinting at His own divine nature.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Good Master" translates from the Greek agathos didaskalos. The word agathos refers to intrinsic, benevolent goodness, often associated with moral excellence. Didaskalos simply means "teacher." The young man recognizes Jesus as an excellent teacher, but Jesus's response (in Matthew 19:17) challenges this casual use of "good," directing attention to God as the ultimate source of goodness. The term "eternal life" is zoe aionios in Greek, emphasizing not just endless duration but a life of divine quality and spiritual vitality.

Practical Application

Matthew 19:16 serves as a mirror for our own spiritual inquiries. Do we, like the rich young ruler, approach God with a checklist of "good things" we believe we must do to earn His favor or salvation? This verse challenges us to examine our understanding of salvation. It reminds us that while good works are a natural outflow of faith, they are not the means by which eternal life is acquired. True eternal life is a gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ, which then transforms our desires and actions. The young man's earnest question is one that every person must ultimately grapple with: What is the path to true life, and are we willing to follow it, no matter the cost?

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Cross-References

  • Mark 10:17 (15 votes)

    ¶ 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 (15 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

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

  • John 3:15 (9 votes)

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

  • Matthew 25:46 (8 votes)

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

  • Luke 18:18 (7 votes)

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

  • Luke 18:30 (7 votes)

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