Mark 10:18
New International Version
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.

New Living Translation
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good.

English Standard Version
And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.

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

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good, except God alone.

King James Bible
And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

New King James Version
So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.

New American Standard Bible
But Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.

NASB 1995
And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.

NASB 1977
And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.

Amplified Bible
Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is [essentially] good [by nature] except God alone.

Christian Standard Bible
“Why do you call me good? ” Jesus asked him. “No one is good except God alone.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus asked him. “No one is good but One—God.

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

Contemporary English Version
Jesus replied, "Why do you call me good? Only God is good.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.

Good News Translation
"Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked him. "No one is good except God alone.

International Standard Version
"Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked him. "Nobody is good except for one—God.

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

NET Bible
Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.

New Heart English Bible
Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except one--God.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good, but one, that is God.

Weymouth New Testament
"Why do you call me good?" asked Jesus in reply; "there is no one truly good except One--that is, God.

World English Bible
Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except one—God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one [is] good except one—God;

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good, except God alone.

Young's Literal Translation
And Jesus said to him, 'Why me dost thou call good? no one is good except One -- God;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jesus said to him, Why sayest thou me good? none good, except the one God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? None is good but one, that is God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But Jesus said to him, “Why call me good? No one is good except the one God.

New American Bible
Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.

New Revised Standard Version
Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? There is no one who is good, except the one God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Yeshua said to him, “Why do you call me good? There is no one good but The One God.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Jesus said to him: Why do you call me good? None is good but one, that is God.

Godbey New Testament
And Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, God.

Haweis New Testament
Then said Jesus unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, even God.

Mace New Testament
Jesus said to him, why do you call me good? there is but one, who is good, that is God.

Weymouth New Testament
"Why do you call me good?" asked Jesus in reply; "there is no one truly good except One--that is, God.

Worrell New Testament
And Jesus said to Him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good, but Oneā€”God.

Worsley New Testament
And Jesus said unto him, Why dost thou call me good? there is none good, but one, that is God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Rich Young Man
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. 19You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat others, honor your father and mother.’ ”…

Cross References
Matthew 19:17
“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.”

Luke 18:19
“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone.

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.

Romans 3:10-12
As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. / There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. / All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”

Psalm 14:1-3
For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good. / The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. / All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

Psalm 53:1-3
For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their ways are vile. There is no one who does good. / God looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. / All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

Ecclesiastes 7:20
Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.

1 John 1:8
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Romans 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

1 John 1:10
If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us.

Psalm 119:68
You are good, and You do what is good; teach me Your statutes.

1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.

Psalm 106:1
Hallelujah! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.

Psalm 107:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.

Psalm 118:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.


Treasury of Scripture

And Jesus said to him, Why call you me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

Why.

Matthew 19:17
And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

Luke 18:19
And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

John 5:41-44
I receive not honour from men…

that is.

1 Samuel 2:2
There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

Psalm 36:7,8
How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings…

Psalm 86:5
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

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Alone Except Good Jesus Save
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.














Why do you call Me good?
In this phrase, Jesus addresses the rich young ruler who approached Him, calling Him "Good Teacher." The Greek word for "good" here is "ἀγαθός" (agathos), which implies intrinsic goodness or moral excellence. Jesus' question is not a denial of His own goodness but a challenge to the young man's understanding of what "good" truly means. In a historical context, rabbis were often called "teacher," but the addition of "good" was unusual and significant. Jesus uses this moment to provoke deeper reflection on the nature of goodness and to point towards the divine standard of goodness.

Jesus replied
The act of replying indicates Jesus' willingness to engage with those who seek Him, even if their understanding is incomplete. The Greek verb "ἀποκρίνομαι" (apokrinomai) suggests a thoughtful and deliberate response. Jesus' reply is not just a simple answer but a profound teaching moment. In the broader scriptural context, Jesus often uses questions to lead His listeners to greater truths, encouraging them to think beyond the surface.

No one is good
This statement underscores the biblical teaching of human depravity and the fallen nature of mankind. The Greek word "οὐδείς" (oudeis) means "no one" or "none," emphasizing the universality of this truth. Historically, this would have resonated with Jewish audiences familiar with the Psalms and the Prophets, which declare the sinfulness of humanity. This phrase serves as a reminder of the need for divine grace and the impossibility of achieving righteousness through human effort alone.

except God alone
Here, Jesus affirms the unique and perfect goodness of God. The Greek word "εἰ μή" (ei mē) translates to "except," indicating exclusivity. This statement aligns with the monotheistic belief central to Judaism and Christianity that God is the ultimate standard of goodness. In the scriptural context, this declaration points to the holiness and perfection of God, setting Him apart from all creation. It also subtly hints at Jesus' divine nature, as He embodies the goodness of God in human form.

(18) Why callest thou me good?--Our Lord's question is, in St. Mark's report, in harmony with that of the seeker after life eternal. Its obvious drift was to force him back upon the conditions of absolute goodness, to make him ask himself how far, and under what conditions, that word might be used relatively of any child of man.

Verse 18. - Why callest thou me good? According to the best authorities, the words in St. Matthew (Matthew 21:17) run thus: "Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good." The word "good" is the pivot on which our Lord's answer turns, both in St. Matthew and here. The question is doubtless put to test the young ruler's faith. If, as may be supposed, the young man used the term, "good Master," as a mere conventional expression, it was not the proper epithet to apply to our Lord, who at once transfers the praise and the goodness to God, that he might teach us to do the same. This ruler, by his mode of accosting our Lord, showed that he had not as yet a right faith in him - that he did not believe in his Godhead. Our Lord, therefore, desired to rouse him and lift him up to a higher faith. He seems to say to him, "If you call me good, believe that I am God; for no one is good, intrinsically good, but God. God alone is essentially good, and wise, and powerful, and holy. It is from him that angels and men derive a few drops, or rather some faint adumbration, of his goodness. There is none essentially, entirely, absolutely good but one, that is, God. Therefore seek after him, love him, imitate him. He alone can satisfy your longing desires, as in this life with his grace, so in the life to come with his glory; yea, with himself. For in heaven he manifested himself as the supreme good, to be tasted and enjoyed by the blessed for ever."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Why
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.

do you call
λέγεις (legeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

Me
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

good?”
ἀγαθόν (agathon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

replied.
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“No one [is]
οὐδεὶς (oudeis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

good
ἀγαθὸς (agathos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

except
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

God
Θεός (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

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


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NT Gospels: Mark 10:18 Jesus said to him Why do you (Mar Mk Mr)
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