The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

MATTHEW 19:20KJV
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Matthew 19:20 (KJV)

What does Matthew 19:20 mean?

Matthew 19:20 shows a young man telling Jesus that he has kept all the commandments Jesus listed since he was young, and then asking if there is still something he is missing. The verse highlights the young man's desire to know if there is anything else he must do to have eternal life.

In this moment, the young man is speaking directly to Jesus after Jesus has named several commandments. The young man claims he has followed these rules from his youth and wants to be sure he has not overlooked anything important. This sets up the next part of the conversation, where Jesus will challenge him further about what it truly means to be complete or lacking nothing.

The Greek behind Matthew 19:20

  • ἐφύλαξα (kept, transliterated as "phylaxa"): This word means to guard, keep, or observe carefully. The young man is not just saying he followed the commandments, but that he has been diligent and attentive about it.
  • ὑστερῶ (lack, transliterated as "hystereō"): This word carries the sense of falling short or being deficient. The young man is asking if there is anything he still falls short of, showing he senses there might be more required than just rule-keeping.
  • ἔτι (yet, transliterated as "eti"): This word means "still" or "yet," emphasizing that the young man is searching for anything additional he might need to do, beyond what he already practices.

Why Matthew 19:20 matters

  • Matthew 19:20 helps clarify that the young man is sincere and not just trying to justify himself; he genuinely wants to know if he has missed something essential.
  • The verse sets up the deeper teaching Jesus is about to give, showing that keeping commandments alone may not be enough for true completeness or eternal life.
  • This moment highlights the difference between outward obedience and the deeper, inward challenge Jesus will soon present about priorities and the heart.

Where else these words appear

“up” Greek G3503 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
  • Luke 18:21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
  • Acts 26:4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

“man” Greek G3495 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • Acts 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

“lack” Greek G5302 · used in 16 verses

  • Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
  • 2 Corinthians 12:11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

“kept” Greek G5442 · used in 30 verses

  • Mark 10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
  • Acts 7:53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.