Mark 10:17

As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up and knelt before Him. “Good Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — As Jesus begins His journey, a man runs up and kneels before Him to ask what he must do to inherit eternal life. This encounter occurs immediately after Jesus blesses the children and just before He responds to the man’s question about goodness.

The words — The Greek term προσδραμὼν (prosdramōn) literally means having run up, emphasizing the man’s sudden approach. The phrase εἰς ὁδὸν (eis hodon) means on the journey, marking the specific moment Jesus was traveling when the man interrupted Him.

The thread — The same question appears in Matthew 19:16 and Luke 18:18, while Romans 2:7 later links the pursuit of eternal life to perseverance in doing good. These passages show the inquiry moving from a personal encounter to a broader biblical theme of seeking righteousness.

Why it lands — The text records a direct question about the requirements for eternal life, presenting a human demand for a formula. It asks the reader to examine whether they trust their own actions or recognize that only God meets the standard of goodness.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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?

Cross-references

Matthew 19:16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?”
Luke 18:18 Then a certain ruler asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Romans 2:7 To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.
John 6:27 Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”
Luke 10:25 One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Romans 10:2 For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.
Acts 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Acts 16:30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Acts 20:32 And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.
Matthew 17:14 When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus and knelt before Him.