Devine Scripture

Mark 10:17

What does Mark 10:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 10:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 10:17 means

As Jesus was beginning His journey, a man ran to Him, knelt respectfully, and directly asked a fundamental question about eternal life: 'Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?' His earnestness and humility in approaching Jesus suggest a genuine spiritualseeker, yet his understanding of how to obtain eternal life appears to be based on personal merit or works.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And as he was going forth into the way, there ran one to him, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And as he was going forth into the way, there ran one to him, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And while he was going out into the way, a man came running to him, and went down on his knees, saying, Good Master, what have I to do so that I may have eternal life?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And as he is going forth into the way, one having run and having kneeled to him, was questioning him, `Good teacher, what may I do, that life age-during I may inherit?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he was gone forth into the way, a certain man, running up and kneeling before him, asked him: Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And as he went forth into the way, a person ran up to [him], and kneeling to him asked him, Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

Context

Concluding the tender scene with the children, this verse immediately introduces a new and significant encounter. A rich young man's urgent question about eternal life shifts the narrative's focus from childlike humility to the challenges of spiritual seeking and the obstacles that wealth and self-righteousness can present, leading to Jesus' profound teaching on discipleship.

v.16And he took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.

v.17This passage

v.18And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good save one, even God.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 16:30

    and brought them out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

  • Acts 20:32

    And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified.

  • Matthew 17:14

    And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a man, kneeling to him, and saying,

  • John 5:39

    Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me;

  • John 6:27

    Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him the Father, even God, hath sealed.

  • Luke 18:18

    And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

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