Matthew 18:3

Translations

Modern

“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Traditional

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Literal

…and said, “Truly I say to you, if you shall not be turned and become as the little children, you shall never enter into the kingdom of the heavens.

Latin

…et dixit: Amen dico vobis, nisi conversi fueritis, et efficiamini sicut parvuli, non intrabitis in regnum cælorum.

Original

Greek

English

“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Notes

Matthew 18:3

Like little children means being humble (Matthew 18:4). The disciples had been focused on status and ambition.

Matthew 18:1–35

This fourth major teaching in Matthew (see study note on Matthew 5:1–7:29) focuses on how people responded to the Messiah. The disciples accepted him, while the Jewish leaders and most people did not. As this division increased, Jesus taught his disciples about community life.

To follow the standards of Jesus, a community should live with:

humility (18:1–5),
sensitivity (18:6–9),
compassion (18:10–14),
discipline (18:15–18), and
forgiveness (18:21–35).

Like the other teachings, a closing statement (19:1–2) connects to the next section.

Theme notes and profiles

God’s Promised Kingdom Pride and Humility

Events

Teachings on Humility/Temptation/Reconciliationc. AD 29

Related verses

Mark 10:14–15
But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
1 Corinthians 14:20
Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.
Luke 18:16–17
But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Psalm 131:2
Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
John 3:5
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
John 3:3
Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
Psalm 51:10–13
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Luke 13:24
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.
Acts 3:19
Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,
Matthew 5:20
For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3

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