Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:14

What does Matthew 18:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:14 means

Jesus plainly states that the Father in heaven shares the shepherd's earnest desire: it is absolutely not His will that even one of these 'little ones'—humble believers or those weak in faith—should perish. This verse profoundly affirms God's active will to preserve and save every individual believer, emphasizing His tender and protective care. It serves as a strong encouragement and a definitive statement against any notion that God is indifferent to the fate of a single soul under His care.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Even so it is not the pleasure of your Father in heaven for one of these little ones to come to destruction.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so it is not will in presence of your Father who is in the heavens, that one of these little ones may perish.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Even so it is not the will of your Father, who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

So it is not the will of your Father who is in [the] heavens that one of these little ones should perish.

Context

This verse provides the direct application and theological punchline of the parable of the lost sheep. It moves from the illustrative narrative of verses 12 and 13 to a clear declaration of God's divine will regarding the

v.13And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which have not gone astray.

v.14This passage

v.15And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Timothy 2:10

    Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

  • Romans 8:28

    And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.

  • Matthew 6:32

    For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

  • Hebrews 12:13

    and make straight paths for your feet, that that which is lame be not turned out of the way, but rather be healed.

  • Luke 12:32

    Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

  • John 21:15

    So when they had broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

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