And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just say "God is the only good one." Instead, He gently pushes back on the ruler's praise, prompting him to consider why he's using such a significant title. Jesus is guiding the ruler to understand that true goodness originates solely from God, challenging the young man's perception of goodness and, by extension, who Jesus Himself is.
And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
English Standard Version (ESV)
A wealthy young ruler approaches Jesus, calling Him "Good Master" and asking how to gain eternal life. Jesus responds by challenging the ruler's casual use of "good" and directing him to the Law, which the ruler claims to have followed perfectly. Jesus then reveals one thing the ruler still lacks: willingness to sell his possessions and follow Him.
Jesus’ response, 'Why do you call me good?', might seem confrontational. But it's a gentle redirection, a profound invitation to think deeper.
When the rich young ruler calls Jesus 'Good Master,' he's using a title of deep respect. However, Jesus gently pushes him to consider the source of true goodness.
The ruler thought he had it all figured out, having kept the commandments. But Jesus’ next steps reveal that true goodness goes deeper than outward actions.
Jesus pivots from the title 'Good Master' to the practical outworking of goodness through the Law.
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This passage, part of the parallel account of the rich young ruler, directly quotes Jesus' response, highlighting the same theological point about God's unique goodness and the human inability to achieve it apart from Him.
Mark 10:18Similar to Matthew, Mark also records Jesus' question, reinforcing the emphasis on God's absolute goodness and challenging the young ruler's perception of goodness in human terms.
Romans 3:10-12This passage in Romans declares that 'none is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.' This directly supports Jesus' statement by illustrating the universal human condition of lacking inherent goodness.
1 Samuel 2:2Hannah's prayer echoes the sentiment that 'There is none holy like the LORD! For there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.' This highlights the singular holiness and goodness of God found in the Old Testament, aligning with Jesus' assertion.
Psalm 16:2The Psalmist declares, 'I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good beyond you.”' This verse demonstrates an Old Testament understanding of God as the sole source and ultimate definition of good, resonating with Jesus' teaching.
calvinLuke 18:18-23: "And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
- And, lo, one came and said to him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17. Who said to him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but God alone? [614] but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18. He saith to him, Which? And Jesus said, Thou shalt not murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not…
ellicottLuke 18:19: "And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God."
(19) Why callest thou me good? —The agreement with St. Mark is again closer than with St. Matthew.
Jesus doesn't just say "God is the only good one." Instead, He gently pushes back on the ruler's praise, prompting him to consider why he's using such a significant title. Jesus is guiding the ruler to understand that true goodness originates solely from God, challenging the young man's perception of goodness and, by extension, who Jesus Himself is.
A wealthy young ruler approaches Jesus, calling Him "Good Master" and asking how to gain eternal life. Jesus responds by challenging the ruler's casual use of "good" and directing him to the Law, which the ruler claims to have followed perfectly. Jesus then reveals one thing the ruler still lacks: willingness to sell his possessions and follow Him.
A wealthy young ruler approaches Jesus, calling Him "Good Master" and asking how to gain eternal life. Jesus responds by challenging the ruler's casual use of "good" and directing him to the Law, which the ruler claims to have followed perfectly. Jesus then reveals one thing the ruler still lacks: willingness to sell his possessions and follow Him.
"And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone." — Jesus doesn't just say "God is the only good one." Instead, He gently pushes back on the ruler's praise, prompting him to consider why he's using such a significant title. Jesus is guiding the rule…
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Last reviewed October 2026