Matthew 18:4
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Original Language Analysis
ὅστις
Whosoever
G3748
ὅστις
Whosoever
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
1 of 17
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 17
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ταπεινώσῃ
shall humble
G5013
ταπεινώσῃ
shall humble
Strong's:
G5013
Word #:
3 of 17
to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
4 of 17
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
5 of 17
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παιδίον
little child
G3813
παιδίον
little child
Strong's:
G3813
Word #:
7 of 17
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
οὗτός
the same
G3778
οὗτός
the same
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
9 of 17
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μείζων
greatest
G3187
μείζων
greatest
Strong's:
G3187
Word #:
12 of 17
larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείᾳ
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείᾳ
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Luke 14:11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.James 4:10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.Mark 10:43But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:Luke 9:48And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.Matthew 18:1At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
Historical Context
The disciples' question 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom?' (v. 1) revealed wrong thinking about kingdom status. Jesus' response upends worldly values—greatness through servanthood, not dominance. Children in ancient culture had no legal rights or social status, making them ideal illustrations of kingdom humility. Self-humbling precedes exaltation (23:12).
Questions for Reflection
- What does childlike humility look like practically in your life?
- How does the kingdom's upside-down value system challenge your pursuit of greatness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' statement 'Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven' answers the disciples' question about kingdom greatness (v. 1). True greatness requires childlike humility—recognizing total dependence on God. 'Humble himself' is active, not passive—choosing to renounce status-seeking and self-promotion. The paradox: greatness comes through humility, not self-assertion. Children's lowly status, teachability, and dependence model kingdom values.