Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:10

What does Matthew 18:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:10 means

Jesus warns emphatically against despising or looking down upon any of these 'little ones,' referring not just to literal children but to humble believers. He underscores their immense value by revealing their special connection to God: their guardian angels continually behold the very face of the Father in heaven. This divine proximity signifies God's personal and constant care, indicating that to disdain such a believer is to disregard someone precious to God and under His direct protection.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

See that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

See that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let it not seem to you that one of these little ones is of no value; for I say to you that in heaven their angels see at all times the face of my Father in heaven.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Beware! --ye may not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you, that their messengers in the heavens do always behold the face of my Father who is in the heavens,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

See that ye do not despise one of these little ones; for I say unto you that their angels in [the] heavens continually behold the face of my Father who is in [the] heavens.

Context

This verse marks a return to the theme of the 'little ones,' picking up from the warnings in verses 6 and 7. After the strong admonition for personal holiness in verses 8 and 9, Jesus pivots back to inter-personal conduct, particularly the respect and care due to humble believers. This re-emphasis on their value then sets the stage for the parable of the lost sheep, further illustrating God's zealous care for each individual among them.

v.9And if thine eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is good for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the hell of fire.

v.10This passage

v.11

Cross references

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

  • Acts 12:23

    And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

  • Genesis 32:1

    And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.

  • Acts 27:23

    For there stood by me this night an angel of the God whose I am, whom also I serve,

  • Romans 14:21

    It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything whereby thy brother stumbleth.

  • Hebrews 1:14

    Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?

  • Acts 12:7

    And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

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