King James Version

What Does Luke 9:48 Mean?

Luke 9:48 in the King James Version says “And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth... — study this verse from Luke chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And 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.

Luke 9:48 · KJV


Context

46

Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

47

And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

48

And 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.

49

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

50

And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus teaches: 'For he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.' This statement inverts worldly values—greatness in God's kingdom comes through humility, not self-promotion. The 'least' (Greek 'mikroteros,' μικρότερος, smallest, youngest, least important) refers to those accepting lowly positions, serving others, avoiding status-seeking. The phrase 'shall be great' (Greek 'estin megas,' ἐστὶν μέγας) is present tense—already great, not will become. In God's estimation, the humble servant is already great, though worldly observers see lowliness. This requires faith—believing God's evaluation over human opinion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This followed disciples' argument about which of them was greatest (v. 46)—shocking given Jesus' recent teaching about His coming suffering (v. 44). Jesus used a child as object lesson (v. 47), emphasizing that receiving the least (children, nobodies) equals receiving Jesus and the Father (v. 48). First-century culture valued status, honor, greatness. Disciples reflected this, jockeying for position in Jesus' coming kingdom. Jesus repeatedly corrected this—last shall be first (Matthew 20:16), greatest is servant (Matthew 23:11). He modeled it—washing disciples' feet (John 13), dying as criminal. Early church emphasized humility as Christian virtue (Philippians 2:3, James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:5-6).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' inversion of greatness (the least is great) challenge worldly values and Christian ambition?
  2. What does it mean practically to be 'least among you all,' and why is this the path to true greatness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
καὶ1 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν2 of 34

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς3 of 34

unto them

G846

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

ὃς4 of 34

Whosoever

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐὰν5 of 34
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

δέχεται6 of 34

receiveth

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

τοῦτο7 of 34

this

G5124

that thing

τὸ8 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παιδίον9 of 34

child

G3813

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

ἐπὶ10 of 34

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῷ11 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀνόματί12 of 34

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

μου13 of 34

my

G3450

of me

ἐμὲ14 of 34

me

G1691

me

δέχεται15 of 34

receiveth

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

καὶ16 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὃς17 of 34

Whosoever

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐὰν18 of 34
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ἐμὲ19 of 34

me

G1691

me

δέχεται20 of 34

receiveth

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

δέχεται21 of 34

receiveth

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

τὸν22 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀποστείλαντά23 of 34

that sent

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

με·24 of 34

me

G3165

me

25 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ26 of 34

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

μικρότερος27 of 34

least

G3398

small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)

ἐν28 of 34

among

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πᾶσιν29 of 34

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑμῖν30 of 34

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὑπάρχων31 of 34

he that is

G5225

to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip

οὗτός32 of 34

the same

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐσται33 of 34

shall be

G2071

will be

μέγας34 of 34

great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 9:48 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 9:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study