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

MARK 10:18KJV
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Mark 10:18 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:18 mean?

Mark 10:18 shows Jesus responding to someone who called Him "good" by saying, "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God." Jesus points out that true goodness belongs to God alone, prompting the person to consider what they mean by calling Him "good."

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a man who approached Him with a question about eternal life. By challenging the use of the word "good," Jesus encourages the man to think more deeply about who Jesus is and what real goodness means. The verse highlights the unique holiness of God and invites reflection on how people use words like "good" when speaking about others.

The Greek behind Mark 10:18

  • "ἀγαθός" (agathos) — translated "good": This Greek word means morally upright or virtuous. Jesus' use of this word draws attention to the idea that true moral goodness is found in God, not just in human standards.
  • "θεός" (theos) — translated "God": By saying only God is good, Jesus emphasizes God's unique character and sets a high standard for what "good" truly means.
  • "οὐδεὶς" (oudeis) — translated "none": This word means "no one" or "none," stressing the exclusivity of God's goodness in contrast to all others.

Why Mark 10:18 matters

  • Mark 10:18 helps clear up the idea that human goodness is equal to God's goodness, showing that Jesus wants people to recognize the difference.
  • The verse challenges readers to think carefully about how they use words like "good," especially when describing people or spiritual leaders.
  • This moment connects to the larger conversation in Mark 10, where Jesus is leading the man to a deeper understanding of what it means to follow God and seek eternal life.

Where else these words appear

“but” Greek G1508 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 4:26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
  • Romans 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

“good” Greek G18 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
  • Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
  • Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: