Matthew 18:5
And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃς
whoso
G3739
ὃς
whoso
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
3 of 13
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
δέχεται
receiveth
G1209
δέχεται
receiveth
Strong's:
G1209
Word #:
4 of 13
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
παιδίον
little child
G3813
παιδίον
little child
Strong's:
G3813
Word #:
5 of 13
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
τοιοῦτον
such
G5108
τοιοῦτον
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
6 of 13
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 25:40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.Mark 9:37Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.John 13:20Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.Galatians 4:14And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
Historical Context
Children in ancient society had no legal rights or social standing until maturity. Using a child as an example of receiving God's kingdom overturned cultural hierarchies. Jesus' consistent elevation of children, women, and marginalized people demonstrated kingdom values. The church's historical care for orphans and vulnerable persons reflects this teaching.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are the 'little children' in your context whom you're called to receive?
- How does serving powerless people demonstrate kingdom greatness?
- What ministry to overlooked individuals might God be calling you toward?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus declares that receiving 'one such little child in my name' equates to receiving Him. This elevates humble service to the overlooked and powerless as spiritual priority. The phrase 'in my name' signifies doing so for Christ's sake, seeing Him in the insignificant. Reformed ethics emphasizes that all service to others, particularly the weak and vulnerable, is service to Christ (Matthew 25:40). This teaching demolishes status-seeking by making humble service the measure of greatness.