Luke 18:17
What does Luke 18:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 18:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 18:17 means
Jesus reinforces the lesson about children, stating that anyone who does not receive the Kingdom of God with the humble, trusting attitude of a little child will never enter it. This is not about being childish but about possessing childlike qualities: dependence, openness, and lack of pride. It serves as a strong warning against intellectual arrogance or self-reliance, reaffirming that humility is a prerequisite for experiencing God's reign.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Truly I say to you, Whoever does not put himself under the kingdom of God like a little child, will not come into it at all.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862verily I say to you, Whoever may not receive the reign of God as a little child, may not enter into it.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Amen, I say to you: Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a child shall not enter into it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Verily I say to you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom ofGod as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Context
This verse further emphasizes and clarifies the teaching introduced in verse 16. It elevates the childlike attitude from a mere example to an absolute requirement for entering the Kingdom of God. This teaching serves as an intense application of the principle of humility just taught in the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, preparing the reader for the encounter with the rich ruler.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 18:3
and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
- Psalms 131:1
Jehovah, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty; Neither do I exercise myself in great matters, Or in things too wonderful for me.
- Mark 10:15
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.
- 1 Peter 1:14
as children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in the time of your ignorance:
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