Mark 10:17
New International Version
As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

New Living Translation
As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

English Standard Version
And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit 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?”

Berean Literal Bible
And going forth on His journey, one having run up and having knelt down to Him, was asking Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I might inherit eternal life?"

King James Bible
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?

New King James Version
Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

New American Standard Bible
As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life?”

NASB 1995
As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

NASB 1977
And as He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and began asking Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And as He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and began asking Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

Amplified Bible
As He was leaving on His journey, a man ran up and knelt before Him and asked Him, “Good Teacher [You who are essentially good and morally perfect], what shall I do to inherit eternal life [that is, eternal salvation in the Messiah’s kingdom]?”

Christian Standard Bible
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, 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?

Contemporary English Version
As Jesus was walking down a road, a man ran up to him. He knelt down, and asked, "Good teacher, what can I do to have eternal life?"

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As Jesus was coming out to the road, a man came running to him and knelt in front of him. He asked Jesus, "Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?"

Good News Translation
As Jesus was starting on his way again, a man ran up, knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?"

International Standard Version
As Jesus was setting out again, a man ran up to him, knelt down in front of him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Majority 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??

NET Bible
Now as Jesus was starting out on his way, someone ran up to him, fell on his knees, and said, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

New Heart English Bible
As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do that I may inherit everlasting life?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And when he had 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?

Weymouth New Testament
As He went out to resume His journey, there came a man running up to Him, who knelt at His feet and asked, "Good Rabbi, what am I to do in order to inherit the Life of the Ages?"

World English Bible
As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And as He is going forth into the way, one having run and having kneeled to Him, was questioning Him, “Good Teacher, what may I do that I may inherit continuous life?”

Berean Literal Bible
And going forth on His journey, one having run up and having knelt down to Him, was asking Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I might inherit eternal life?"

Young's Literal Translation
And as he is going forth into the way, one having run and having kneeled to him, was questioning him, 'Good teacher, what may I do, that life age-during I may inherit?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he going in the way, one running and having fallen upon his knees, asked him, Good teacher, What shall I do that I might inherit eternal life.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he was gone forth into the way, a certain man running up and kneeling before him, asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he had departed on the way, a certain one, running up and kneeling before him, asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do, so that I may secure eternal life?”

New American Bible
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

New Revised Standard Version
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
While he was on the way, a man came ran up and fell on his knees and he asked him, saying, O good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit life eternal?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And as he traveled on the road, one came running and fell on his knees and asked him and said, “Good teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And as he was going forth into the road, one ran and bowed the knee to him, and asked him: Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

Godbey New Testament
And He traveling along the road, one having run to Him and worshiping Him, asked Him, Good Teacher, what shall I do in order that I may inherit eternal life?

Haweis New Testament
And as he went out to the road, a person ran to him, and kneeling down, asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

Mace New Testament
When he was set out upon his journey, there met him one, who kneeling down before him, said, good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?

Weymouth New Testament
As He went out to resume His journey, there came a man running up to Him, who knelt at His feet and asked, "Good Rabbi, what am I to do in order to inherit the Life of the Ages?"

Worrell New Testament
And, as He was going forth into the way, one, running to Him, and kneeling, was asking Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life?"

Worsley New Testament
And as he went out into the way, there came one running and kneeling to Him, and asked Him, Good master, what shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Rich Young Man
16And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them. 17As 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?” 18“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone.…

Cross References
Matthew 19:16-22
Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?” / “Why do you ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” / “Which ones?” the man asked. Jesus answered, “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, ...

Luke 18:18-23
Then a certain ruler asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” / “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone. / You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.’” ...

Matthew 19:13-15
Then little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. And the disciples rebuked those who brought them. / But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” / And after He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there.

Luke 18:15-17
Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them. / But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. / Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Matthew 5:20
For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 10:25-28
One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” / “What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?” / He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ...

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:33-34
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 7:21
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Luke 6:46
Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say?

Matthew 16:26
What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Luke 9:25
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self?

Matthew 25:34-40
Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. / For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ ...

Luke 14:33
In the same way, any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple.

Romans 2:6-7
God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.


Treasury of Scripture

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?

when.

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?

Luke 18:18
And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

running.

Mark 9:25
When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

Matthew 28:8
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

John 20:2-4
Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him…

kneeled.

Mark 1:40
And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Matthew 17:14
And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

Good.

Mark 12:14
And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

John 3:2
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

what.

John 6:28
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

Acts 2:37
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Acts 9:6
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

eternal.

John 5:39
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Jump to Previous
Ages Eternal Feet Fell Forth Good Inherit Jesus Journey Kneeled Kneeling Knees Knelt Life Master Order Questioning Rabbi Ran Run Running Setting Teacher Way
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Ages Eternal Feet Fell Forth Good Inherit Jesus Journey Kneeled Kneeling Knees Knelt Life Master Order Questioning Rabbi Ran Run Running Setting Teacher Way
Mark 10
1. Jesus disputes with the Pharisees concerning divorce;
13. blesses the children that are brought unto him;
17. resolves a rich man how he may inherit everlasting life;
23. tells his disciples of the danger of riches;
28. promises rewards to those who forsake all for the gospel;
32. foretells his death and resurrection;
35. bids the two ambitious suitors to think rather of suffering with him;
46. and restores to Bartimaeus his sight.














As Jesus started on His way
This phrase sets the scene for the encounter, indicating that Jesus was in motion, likely traveling with His disciples. The Greek word for "started" (ἐκπορεύομαι, ekporeuomai) suggests a purposeful departure, emphasizing Jesus' mission-oriented life. Historically, Jesus' journeys were opportunities for teaching and miracles, reflecting His commitment to spreading the Gospel. This context highlights the urgency and intentionality of His ministry.

a man ran up
The act of running signifies urgency and eagerness. In the cultural context of the time, it was unusual for a man of status to run, suggesting that this man was deeply motivated. The Greek word for "ran" (τρέχω, trechō) conveys a sense of haste and determination. This action indicates the man's earnest desire to seek Jesus, recognizing Him as a source of wisdom and authority.

and knelt before Him
Kneeling is a posture of reverence and submission, often associated with worship or respect. The Greek word used here (γονυπετέω, gonypeteō) implies a physical act of humility. In the historical and cultural context, kneeling before someone was a sign of acknowledging their higher status or authority. This gesture reflects the man's recognition of Jesus' spiritual authority and his own need for guidance.

'Good Teacher,'
The title "Good Teacher" is significant, as it acknowledges Jesus' moral and spiritual authority. The Greek word for "good" (ἀγαθός, agathos) implies intrinsic goodness and moral excellence. In Jewish tradition, such a title was rarely used lightly, indicating the man's respect and recognition of Jesus' unique role as a teacher of divine truth.

he asked
The act of asking demonstrates a desire for knowledge and understanding. The Greek word for "asked" (ἐπερωτάω, eperōtaō) suggests a formal inquiry, often used in contexts where the questioner seeks authoritative insight. This reflects the man's genuine quest for spiritual truth and his belief that Jesus could provide the answers he sought.

'what must I do
This phrase reveals the man's focus on action and personal responsibility. The Greek word for "do" (ποιέω, poieō) implies an action or deed, suggesting that the man is seeking a specific course of action to achieve his goal. This reflects a common human tendency to seek tangible steps for spiritual fulfillment, highlighting the tension between works and faith in the pursuit of salvation.

to inherit eternal life?'
The concept of "inheriting eternal life" is central to Christian theology. The Greek word for "inherit" (κληρονομέω, klēronomeō) implies receiving something as a rightful possession, often associated with familial inheritance. "Eternal life" (ζωὴν αἰώνιον, zōēn aiōnion) refers to the everlasting life promised to believers, a core tenet of Christian faith. This question underscores the man's awareness of the eternal implications of his spiritual journey and his desire for assurance of salvation. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of life after death and the hope for resurrection and eternal communion with God.

(17-27) And when he was gone forth.--Better, as He was going forth. (See Notes on Matthew 19:16-26.)

Running, and kneeled to him.--Another of St. Mark's vividly descriptive touches. The adjective "good," which is wanting in the better MSS. of St. Matthew, is the true reading here. St. Mark and St. Luke give the word "inherit," instead of St. Matthew's "have," or "possess."

Verse 17. - This verse should be rendered, And as he was going forth (ἐκπορευομένου αὐτοῦ) - that is, just as he was leaving the house - there ran one to him, and kneeled to him, and asked him. St. Matthew (Matthew 21:20) says that he was "a young man." St. Luke (Luke 18:18) that he was "a ruler." He had apparently been waiting for our Lord, waylaying him, though with a good intention. He showed zeal - as soon as he saw Jesus he ran to him; and he showed reverence, for he kneeled down to him. He wanted advice from one whom he must have heard of as a celebrated Teacher; and he wanted this counsel as a matter of great interest to himself. Good Master. This would be the ordinary and courteous mode of accosting a person professing to be a teacher, so as to conciliate his attention and interest. What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? It is as though he said, "Rabbi, I know thee to be good, both as a man and as a teacher, and a prophet, well able to teach me perfectly those things which are really good, and which lead to blessedness hereafter. Tell me, therefore, What shall I do?" St. Matthew (Matthew 21:17) says, "What good thing (τί ἀγαθὸν ποιήσω) shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
As
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[Jesus] started
ἐκπορευομένου (ekporeuomenou)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1607: From ek and poreuomai; to depart, be discharged, proceed, project.

on
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

way,
ὁδὸν (hodon)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3598: A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.

[a man]
εἷς (heis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

ran up
προσδραμὼν (prosdramōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4370: To run to. From pros and trecho; to run towards, i.e. Hasten to meet or join.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

knelt before
γονυπετήσας (gonypetēsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1120: From a compound of gonu and the alternate of pipto; to fall on the knee.

Him.
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

“Good
ἀγαθέ (agathe)
Adjective - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

Teacher,”
Διδάσκαλε (Didaskale)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.

he asked,
ἐπηρώτα (epērōta)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1905: To interrogate, question, demand of. From epi and erotao; to ask for, i.e. Inquire, seek.

“what
τί (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

must I do
ποιήσω (poiēsō)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

inherit
κληρονομήσω (klēronomēsō)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2816: To inherit, obtain (possess) by inheritance, acquire. From kleronomos; to be an heir to.

eternal
αἰώνιον (aiōnion)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 166: From aion; perpetual.

life?”
ζωὴν (zōēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2222: Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.


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