What does Matthew 19:20 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 19:20 features a young man's response to Jesus following His recitation of several commandments that pertain to moral living. The young man claims to have adhered to these commandments throughout his life and inquires what he still lacks to attain eternal life.

This verse is pivotal because it sets the stage for Jesus' challenge to the man's understanding of righteousness and dedication.

The literal meaning is clear; the young man believes he is compliant with the laws but still seeks assurance that he has done enough.

The deeper meaning hints at a common human dilemma, the quest for spiritual fulfillment and the uncertainty of whether one's actions suffice in the pursuit of righteousness and salvation.

Historical Context

The dialogue between Jesus and the young man occurs in the context of 1st-century Judea, a setting deeply shaped by Jewish law and tradition.

It was common for Jewish people to seek rabbinical counsel on matters of law and righteousness, and the young man's approach to Jesus reflects this cultural norm.

The historical context also impresses upon the importance of the Mosaic Law and illustrates the prevailing belief that adherence to the law was the pathway to a righteous life.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse elicits several insights:

• The young man's assertion raises the issue of legalism, the belief that strict adherence to the law can secure one's righteousness before God.
• It questions the sufficiency of human effort in achieving spiritual fulfillment and salvation.
• Different theological standpoints view the young man's question differently.

Evangelical theology might stress that no human effort is enough without faith in Christ.

Catholic theology often emphasizes the importance of both faith and works, while reformed theology underscores that salvation is through grace, not works.

Practical Applications

The practical lessons from this verse can be applied in various ways:

• It teaches the importance of self-examination regarding one's spiritual state.
• It encourages individuals to go beyond mere outward conformity to moral laws and seek a deeper, inner transformation.
• It serves as a reminder that material wealth or strict adherence to the law does not guarantee fulfillment or salvation.

Cross-References

• Luke 18:21: "And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up."
• Philippians 3:6-7: "Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ."

• Romans 3:20: "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "what lack I yet?" (τί ἔτι ὑστερῶ;) is significant.

The word ὑστερῶ (hystero) implies a falling short or a deficiency. The question posed to Jesus reflects not only curiosity but an inherent feeling of inadequacy or incompleteness in the young man's pursuit of righteousness.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions, the concept of fulfilling a set of requirements or laws to achieve spiritual success or favor with the gods is widespread.

For example, in ancient Egyptian religion, individuals aimed to declare their innocence of various sins before the gods in the afterlife, a concept known as the Negative Confession.

This scenario with the young man and Jesus shares the theme of self-reflection and judgment with these ancient rituals.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern psychological viewpoint, this verse could be approached through the lens of moral development and the internal conflicts that arise when individuals face ethical dilemmas.

Psychologists, such as Lawrence Kohlberg, have studied how people develop in moral reasoning and the stages they go through, from the adherence to rules to more abstract principles.

Commentaries

Commentators often emphasize the young man's sincere but misguided attempt to secure eternal life through his good works and adherence to the law.

They point out Jesus' intention to direct him towards a deeper understanding of true righteousness.

Matthew Henry's commentary, for example, underscores the young man's lack of understanding concerning the spiritual nature of God's commandments and the impossibility of achieving perfection through human effort.

John Calvin focuses on the nature of the young man's self-assurance in his own righteous acts and the importance of realizing one’s need for God's grace.