Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:5

What does Matthew 18:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:5 means

Jesus extends the principle of accepting a child to the reception of anyone who embodies childlike humility and faith within the Christian community. To welcome and care for such an individual, acknowledging their simple trust and dependence, is equivalent to welcoming Jesus Himself. This highlights the profound spiritual value Jesus places on those who are humble and unassuming, identifying Himself closely with them and underscoring the sacredness of showing hospitality and care to such 'little ones' in His name.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And whoever gives honour to one such little child in my name, gives honour to me:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And he who may receive one such child in my name, doth receive me,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and whosoever shall receive one such little child in my name, receives me.

Context

This verse builds on the instruction regarding humility and introduces the concept of receiving 'little ones.' It immediately follows the definition of greatness in the Kingdom, bridging the teaching on personal character to how believers should interact with others. This emphasis on welcoming the humble then leads directly into the severe warning in verse 6 against causing such 'little ones' to stumble, showing the two sides of how to treat those who manifest childlike faith.

v.4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

v.5This passage

v.6but whoso shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it is profitable for him that a great millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depth of the sea.

Cross references

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

  • John 13:20

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

  • 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 17:1

    And he said unto his disciples, It is impossible but that occasions of stumbling should come; but woe unto him, through whom they come!

  • Matthew 25:45

    Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me.

  • Mark 9:37

    Whosoever shall receive one of such little children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

  • Matthew 25:40

    And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me.

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