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Matthew 18:4
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Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Whosoeuer therefore shall humble himselfe as this little childe, the same is greatest in the Kingdome of heauen.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
"So whoever will humble himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
The greatest person in the kingdom of heaven is the one who makes himself humble like this child.
"Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Whosoeuer therefore shal humble himselfe as this litle childe, the same is the greatest in the kingdome of heauen.
"Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever therefore will humble himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
But if you are as humble as this child, you are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
So the greatest in the Kingdom is whoever makes himself as humble as this child.
Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, *he* is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens;
The greatest person in God's kingdom is the one who makes himself humble like this child.
Whoever therefore will humble himself like this little boy, shall be great in the kingdom of heaven.
The greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like this child.
Therefore whoever humbles himself like this child, this person is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven,
Then whoever will humble himself as this little child, this one is the greater in the kingdom of Heaven.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever, then, will make himself as low as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever therefore will humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven,Matthew 20:27; 23:11;">[xr]
Whosoever therefore humbleth himself as this child, he shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
He therefore that shall humble himself like this child, he will be great in the kingdom of heaven.
Whosoeuer therfore shall humble hym selfe as this litle chylde, the same is ye greatest in the kingdome of heauen.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever therefore will humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this young child, he it is who is superior to others in the Kingdom of the Heavens.
Therfor who euer mekith hym as this litil child, he is gretter in the kyngdom of heuenes.
Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Whoever is without pride as this little child is the greatest in the holy nation of heaven.
Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this child, the same, is the greatest, in the kingdom of the heavens;
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Whosoever therfore humble him sylfe as this chylde the same is the greatest in ye kyngdome of heve.
whoever then may humble himself as this child, he is the greater in the reign of the heavens.
Whosoeuer therfore humbleth him self as this childe, ye same is the greatest in ye kyngdome of heauen.
A little cowpoke like this completely depends on those who take care of him and that's what you must do.
Contextual Overview
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
humble: Matthew 23:11, Matthew 23:12, Psalms 131:1, Psalms 131:2, Isaiah 57:15, Luke 14:11, 1 Peter 5:5, James 4:10
greatest: Matthew 18:1, Matthew 20:26, Matthew 20:27, Mark 10:43, Luke 9:48
Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 15:17 - When thou 1 Kings 3:7 - a little Proverbs 29:23 - honour Jeremiah 13:18 - Humble Matthew 11:25 - and hast Matthew 20:25 - called Mark 10:14 - for Luke 18:16 - for Acts 8:31 - How Acts 10:33 - are we Acts 18:26 - expounded 1 Corinthians 3:18 - let Ephesians 4:14 - no more
Cross-References
and turning to the woman, he said to Simon, do you observe this woman? though I am a guest in your house, you never offer'd me any water for my feet: but she has bath'd my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head.
such as have been recommended by their good actions, by the education of their children, by their hospitality, by their officiousness to the faithful, by relieving the afflicted, and by the practice of every virtue.
Gill's Notes on the Bible
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself,.... Whoever shall entertain mean thoughts of himself, and prefer others to himself, shall behave in a modest humble manner, not affecting dominion over others, or treating his brethren and Christians in a haughty and supercilious manner, with scorn and contempt; but condescend to those of the lowest state, and place himself in the lowest form, conversing with his friends freely and familiarly, without distinction,
as this little child; or any other of the like age; for there is no reason to suppose, that there was anything peculiar in this child, which was not in another, it being common to children to behave towards one another, as on a level; not to envy one another, or to set up one above another, or be vainly elated with the distinctions of birth and fortune.
The same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven; in the Gospel church state; which was verified in the Apostle Paul, though not one of the twelve: nor are these words limited to them; at least, this passage may be illustrated in his case: he thought himself to be the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints, and unworthy to be called an apostle; yet had the largest measures of grace, the greatest gifts and abilities; and was honoured with the greatest usefulness and success in the preaching of the Gospel to the conversion of sinners, and planting of churches; labouring more abundantly than they all.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
See also Mark 9:33-41; Luke 9:46-50.
Who is the greatest in the kingdom, of heaven? - By the kingdom of heaven they meant the kingdom which they supposed he was about to set up - his kingdom as the Messiah. They asked the question because they supposed, in accordance with the common expectation of the Jews, that he was about to set up a temporal kingdom of great splendor, and they wished to know who should have the principal offices, and posts of honor and profit. This was among them a frequent subject of inquiry and controversy. Mark Mark 9:34 informs us that they had had a dispute on this subject in the way. Jesus, he says, inquired of them what they had been disputing about. Luke Luke 9:47 says that Jesus perceived the thought of their heart an act implying omniscience, for none can search the heart but God, Jeremiah 17:10. The disciples, conscious that the subject of their dispute was known, requested Jesus to decide it, Matthew 18:1. They were at first silent through shame (Mark), but, perceiving that the subject of their dispute was known, they came, as Matthew states, and referred the master to him for his opinion.
Matthew 18:2, Matthew 18:3
Except ye be converted - The word âconvertedâ means changed or turned.
The verb means to change or turn from one habit of life or set of opinions to another, James 5:19; Luke 22:32. See also Matthew 7:6; Matthew 16:23; Luke 7:9, etc., where the same word is used in the original. It sometimes refers to that great change called the new birth or regeneration Psalms 51:13; Isaiah 60:5; Acts 3:19, but not always. It is a general word, meaning any change. The word âregenerationâ denotes a particular change the beginning to live a spiritual life. The phrase, âExcept ye be converted,â does not imply, of necessity, that they were not Christians before, or had not been born again. It means that their opinions and feelings about the kingdom of the Messiah must be changed. They had supposed that he was to be a temporal prince. They expected he would reign as other kings did. They supposed he would have his great officers of state, as other monarchs had, and they were ambitiously inquiring who should hold the highest offices. Jesus told them that they were wrong in their views and expectations. No such things would take place. From these notions they must be turned, changed or converted, or they could have no part in his kingdom. These ideas did not fit at all the nature of his kingdom.
And become as little children - Children are, to a great extent, destitute of ambition, pride, and haughtiness They are characteristically humble and teachable. By requiring his disciples to be like them, he did not intend to express any opinion about the native moral character of children, but simply that in these respects they must become like them. They must lay aside their ambitious views and their pride, and be willing to occupy their proper station - a very lowly one. Mark says Mark 9:35 that Jesus, before he placed the little child in the midst of them, told them that âif any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all and servant of all.â That is, he shall be the most distinguished Christian who is the most humble, and who is willing to be esteemed least and last of all. To esteem ourselves as God esteems us is humility, and it cannot be degrading to think of ourselves as we are; but pride, or an attempt to be thought of more importance than we are, is foolish, wicked, and degrading.
Matthew 18:4
The greatest ... - That is, shall be the most eminent Christian shall have most of the true spirit of religion.
Matthew 18:5
And whoso shall receive one such little child - That is, whoso shall receive and love one with a spirit like this child one who is humble, meek, and unambitious - that is, a real Christian.
In my name - As a follower of me, or because he is attached to me.
Whoso receives one possessed of my spirit, or who loves him because he has that spirit, loves me also. The word âreceiveâ means to approve, love, or treat with kindness; to aid in the time of need. See Matthew 25:35-40.
Mark Mark 9:38 and Luke Luke 9:49 add a conversation that took place on this occasion, which has been omitted by Matthew. John told him that they had seen one casting out devils in his name, and they forbade him, because he followed not with them. Jesus replied that he should not have been forbidden, for there was no one who could work a miracle in his name that could lightly speak evil of him. That is, though he did not attend them though he had not joined himself to their society, yet he could not really be opposed to him. Indeed, they should have remembered that the power to work a miracle must always come from the same source, that is, God; and that he who had the ability given him to work a miracle, and who did it in the name of Christ, must be a real friend to him. It is probable, from this, that the power of working miracles in the name of Christ was given to many who did not attend on his ministry.
Matthew 18:6
Whoso shall offend - That is, cause to fall, or to sin; or who should place anything in their way to hinder their piety or happiness. See notes at Matthew 5:29.
These little ones - That is, Christians manifesting the spirit of little children, 1Jo 2:1, 1 John 2:12, 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:28.
It were better for him that a millstone ... - Mills, anciently, were either turned by hand (see the notes at Matthew 24:41), or by beasts, chiefly by mules. These last were of the larger kind, and the original words denote that it was this kind that was intended. This was one mode of capital punishment practiced by the Greeks, Syrians, Romans, and by some other nations. The meaning is, it would be better for him to have died before he had committed the sin. To injure, or to cause to sin, the feeblest Christian, will be regarded by Christ as a most serious offence, and will be punished accordingly.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse Matthew 18:4. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself — So great is the disparity between the kingdom of Christ and the kingdoms of this world, that there is no way of rising to honours in the former, but by humility of mind, and continual self-abasement.
The same is greatest — Thus our Lord shows them that they were all equal, and that there could be no superiority among them, but what must come from the deepest humility; he intimates also, that wherever this principle should be found, it would save its possessor from seeking worldly honours or earthly profits, and from seeking to be a ruler over his brethren, or a lord in God's heritage.
