Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:4

What does Matthew 18:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:4 means

True greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus taught, is directly proportional to one's humility, specifically the kind of unassuming, dependent humility seen in a little child. It's a paradox completely contrary to worldly wisdom; status is achieved not by asserting oneself, but by self-effacement and a recognition of one's need for God and others. This verse emphasizes that the path to spiritual elevation lies in lowering oneself, reflecting the very nature of Christ, who humbled Himself to become a servant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Whoever, then, will make himself as low as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

whoever then may humble himself as this child, he is the greater in the reign of the heavens.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens;

Context

Having established childlike humility as the condition for entering the Kingdom in verse 3, Jesus now defines true 'greatness' within it. This directly answers the disciples' original question in verse 1, turning their worldly understanding upside down. This redefinition of greatness sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent warnings against causing the 'little ones' to stumble, tying humility to care for others.

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.

v.4This passage

v.5And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me:

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 57:15

    For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

  • James 4:10

    Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you.

  • Mark 10:43

    But it is not so among you: but whosoever would become great among you, shall be your minister;

  • Matthew 18:1

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

  • Luke 9:48

    and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same is great.

  • Luke 14:11

    For every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

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