Did Jesus mean that the young man would be morally perfect if he sold what he possessed and gave to the poor?
No, Jesus says this to show the young man that his love for his neighbour was far from perfect. To fully love one’s neighbour, one would have to be willing to give up everything for him. Being willing to surrender all for the kingdom also implies a willingness to give up everything for one’s neighbour.
The Greek word in Matthew 19:21 that the English Standard Version renders as perfect
(teleios) does not mean perfect in the sense of better than others, but rather to be complete, to reach the goal.
It is like the Old Testament támim (undivided
), denoting wholehearted devotion to God.
No, Jesus uses this expression in order to make the young man realize that his love for his neighbour was far from perfect. To love one’s neighbour completely, one would have to be willing to give up everything for him. Being willing to surrender everything for the kingdom of God also implies—to a certain extent—a willingness to give up everything for one’s neighbour.1
The Greek word in Matthew 19:21 that the English Standard Version translates as perfect
(teleios) does not mean perfect in the sense of being better than others, but rather to be complete, to reach the goal.
It is more akin to the Old Testament támim (undivided
) and denotes a wholehearted dedication to God.2
21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”