Matthew 18:10
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Original Language Analysis
Ὁρᾶτε
Take heed
G3708
Ὁρᾶτε
Take heed
Strong's:
G3708
Word #:
1 of 27
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 27
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μικρῶν
little ones
G3398
μικρῶν
little ones
Strong's:
G3398
Word #:
6 of 27
small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 27
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 27
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
That
G3754
ὅτι
That
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 27
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελοι
angels
G32
ἄγγελοι
angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
13 of 27
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οὐρανοῖς
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῖς
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
16 of 27
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
διὰ
do always
G1223
διὰ
do always
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
17 of 27
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόσωπον
the face
G4383
πρόσωπον
the face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
21 of 27
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρός
Father
G3962
πατρός
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
23 of 27
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
Cross References
Psalms 91:11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?Psalms 34:7The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.Luke 16:22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;Matthew 24:31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.Matthew 2:19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,Matthew 2:13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.Matthew 18:6But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.Matthew 18:14Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.Matthew 1:20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
Historical Context
The term 'little ones' refers to Jesus' humble followers, not necessarily children (though includes them). The reference to angels continuously beholding God's face suggests both guardianship and the Father's attentive care for His children. This counters the disciples' status-seeking by emphasizing God's special concern for the humble and vulnerable.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are the 'little ones' you might be tempted to despise or overlook?
- How does knowing God values humble believers shape your treatment of others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' warning 'Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven' prohibits despising believers ('little ones' representing humble disciples, v. 4). The phrase 'their angels do always behold the face of my Father' suggests angelic guardianship and intimate access to God. This reveals how precious humble believers are to God—despising them risks divine judgment. God values those the world overlooks.