Matthew 18:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
Ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
3 of 21
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 #:
4 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
6 of 21
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 #:
7 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
στραφῆτε
ye be converted
G4762
στραφῆτε
ye be converted
Strong's:
G4762
Word #:
8 of 21
to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γένησθε
become
G1096
γένησθε
become
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
10 of 21
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
11 of 21
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παιδία
little children
G3813
παιδία
little children
Strong's:
G3813
Word #:
13 of 21
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 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
1 Peter 2:2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:Matthew 19:14But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.1 Corinthians 14:20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.Psalms 131:2Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.John 3:5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.John 3:3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.Luke 13:24Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.Acts 3:19Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;Acts 28:27For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.Matthew 5:20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Historical Context
In Roman and Jewish cultures, children were valued but had no legal standing until maturity. Disciples had just debated greatness (18:1), revealing status-consciousness. Jesus radically subverts hierarchy by exalting children as kingdom model. This scandalized honor-shame cultures where adults sought status, recognition, and independence. Early Christian communities embraced slaves, women, and children as equal members (Galatians 3:28), living out this teaching. Childhood represented vulnerability and dependence Jesus requires for salvation.
Questions for Reflection
- What childlike qualities does Jesus require for kingdom entrance?
- How does adult pretension of self-sufficiency hinder coming to Christ?
- In what ways do you need to become more childlike in faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus declares kingdom entrance requirement: 'Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven' (Greek: ἐὰν μὴ στραφῆτε καὶ γένησθε ὡς τὰ παιδία, 'unless you turn and become like children'). The verb στραφῆτε (turn, convert) indicates radical reorientation. 'Become as little children' (παιδία) requires humility, dependence, trust, and receptivity. Children in that culture had no status or rights - they were powerless. Jesus requires abandoning adult pretensions of self-sufficiency, status, and merit. Kingdom entrance demands humble dependence on God like a child trusts parents.