Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:1

What does Matthew 18:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:1 means

The disciples approached Jesus with a question about hierarchy and status within the coming Kingdom of Heaven, reflecting a common human desire for prominence and a misunderstanding of spiritual authority. They were likely still thinking in terms of earthly kingdoms and positions of power, expecting a tangible, visible reign where some would naturally be greater than others. This inquiry reveals their ongoing struggle with pride and their need for further spiritual instruction from Jesus regarding the true nature of His Kingdom.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

At that hour came the disciples near to Jesus, saying, `Who, now, is greater in the reign of the heavens?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who, thinkest thou, is the greater in the kingdom of heaven?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

In that hour the disciples came to Jesus saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of the heavens?

Context

This verse opens a significant discourse by Jesus. It immediately follows Peter's confession and Jesus' first prediction of His suffering, which the disciples likely struggled to understand. Their question about greatness sets the stage for Jesus' profound teachings on humility, the value of the 'little ones,' and the essentials of community life and forgiveness within the Kingdom, which unfold throughout the rest of the chapter.

v.1This passage

v.2And he called to him a little child, and set him in the midst of them,

Cross references

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

  • Mark 10:35

    And there come near unto him James and John, the sons of Zebedee, saying unto him, Teacher, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall ask of thee.

  • Matthew 23:11

    But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

  • Luke 22:24

    And there arose also a contention among them, which of them was accounted to be greatest.

  • Luke 9:46

    And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them was the greatest.

  • Mark 9:33

    And they came to Capernaum: and when he was in the house he asked them, What were ye reasoning on the way?

  • Matthew 20:20

    Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshipping him, and asking a certain thing of him.

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