Luke Chapter 18 · Verse 17
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Original Language Analysis
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὃς
Whosoever
G3739
ὃς
Whosoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
4 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
5 of 18
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
δέξηται
receive
G1209
δέξηται
receive
Strong's:
G1209
Word #:
7 of 18
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
12 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
παιδίον
a little child
G3813
παιδίον
a little child
Strong's:
G3813
Word #:
13 of 18
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
οὐ
G3756
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
15 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Mark 10:15Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.Matthew 18:3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.1 Peter 1:14As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
Historical Context
Jesus's teaching radically challenged first-century assumptions. Judaism emphasized becoming a 'son of the commandments' (bar mitzvah) at age 13—achieving adult status through Torah obedience. Greek philosophy valued adult reason over childish naivety. Roman culture emphasized civic duty and achievement. Jesus reverses everything: adults must become like children—dependent, trusting, aware of their inability to contribute—to enter God's kingdom. This anticipates Paul's teaching that salvation is gift received by faith, not wages earned by works (Romans 6:23).
Questions for Reflection
- What specific childlike qualities are required to receive God's kingdom?
- How does the contrast between 'receiving as a child' and 'earning as an adult' illuminate the gospel?
- In what ways might your adult self-sufficiency hinder humble reception of God's kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein—Jesus uses the solemn formula amēn legō hymin (ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν), 'truly I tell you,' indicating critical importance. Hos ean mē dexētai tēn basileian tou theou hōs paidion (ὃς ἐὰν μὴ δέξηται τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ ὡς παιδίον)—'whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a child.'
The key is dexētai (δέξηται)—'receive,' not achieve or earn. Ou mē eiselthē eis autēn (οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθῃ εἰς αὐτήν)—'shall in no wise enter it'—the strongest Greek negative, making entrance absolutely impossible apart from childlike reception. Children receive gifts because they can't earn them. Similarly, the kingdom cannot be achieved by adult works (Pharisee), but must be received through humble dependence (tax collector, infant).