Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:2

What does Matthew 18:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:2 means

In response to their worldly question about who is greatest, Jesus brought a small child into their midst. This was not merely a visual aid but a living illustration of the very qualities He was about to commend. Children, in that culture, held no significant social status, power, or influence; they were dependent and generally without pretense. By placing a child among them, Jesus drew a stark contrast to the disciples' ambitions for greatness, pointing them away from adult notions of worldly success and toward a different kind of humility.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he took a little child, and put him in the middle of them,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus having called near a child, did set him in the midst of them,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus, calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus having called a little child to [him], set it in their midst,

Context

Jesus' action here directly addresses the disciples' inquiry from verse 1 about greatness in the Kingdom. By using a child as an object lesson, He immediately confronts their worldly perspectives. This physical demonstration prepares the disciples for the radical teaching on humility that follows in verses 3 and 4, establishing the foundation for all subsequent instructions in this chapter.

v.1In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

v.2This passage

v.3and 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.

Cross references

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

  • Jeremiah 1:7

    But Jehovah said unto me, Say not, I am a child; for to whomsoever I shall send thee thou shalt go, and whatsoever I shall command thee thou shalt speak.

  • Matthew 19:13

    Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should lay his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

  • 1 Kings 3:7

    And now, O Jehovah my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child; I know not how to go out or come in.

  • Mark 9:36

    And he took a little child, and set him in the midst of them: and taking him in his arms, he said unto them,

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