Devine Scripture

Matthew 19:20

What does Matthew 19:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 19:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 19:20 means

The young man confidently declared to Jesus, 'All these things have I observed: what lack I yet?' His response indicated a profound self-assurance in his own righteousness, believing he had perfectly kept the Law. Despite his outward adherence to the commandments, he sensed an inner void, a lingering incompleteness, revealing that his good works, in his own view, were insufficient to attain eternal life.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

The young man saith unto him, All these things have I observed: what lack I yet?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

The young man saith unto him, All these things have I observed: what lack I yet?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

The young man says to him, All these things have I done: what more is there?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

The young man saith to him, `All these did I keep from my youth; what yet do I lack?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The young man saith to him: All these have I kept from my youth, what is yet wanting to me?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The young man says to him, All these have I kept; what lack I yet?

Context

Following Jesus's detailed recitation of the commandments in verses 18-19, this verse shows the rich young ruler's self-assured response. His declaration sets the stage for Jesus to expose the one area where the young man's heart was truly lacking, preparing for the radical challenge to his ultimate allegiance in the verses that follow.

v.19Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

v.20This passage

v.21Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 3:19

    Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God:

  • Mark 10:20

    And he said unto him, Teacher, all these things have I observed from my youth.

  • Luke 15:7

    I say unto you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine righteous persons, who need no repentance.

  • Philippians 3:6

    as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.

  • Luke 15:29

    But he answered and said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, and I never transgressed a commandment of thine; and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

  • Luke 18:21

    And he said, All these things have I observed from my youth up.

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