King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:42 Mean?

Matthew 10:42 in the King James Version says “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, veri...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”

Matthew 10:42 · KJV

Context

40

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

41

He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

42

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus concludes with stunning assurance: 'whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.' The diminishment from prophet to 'little ones' (μικρῶν/mikrōn) and from substantial hospitality to 'cup of cold water' emphasizes that no act of service, however small, goes unnoticed when done for Christ's sake. The phrase 'in the name of a disciple' is crucial—it's not random kindness but service rendered specifically because someone belongs to Christ. The double negative 'in no wise lose' (οὐ μὴ ἀπολέσῃ/ou mē apolesē) is emphatic: absolute certainty of reward. This verse demonstrates God's grace—He rewards even minimal service done in faith. It also democratizes ministry: not everyone can support prophets substantially, but anyone can offer basic kindness to Christ's followers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Palestine's arid climate, cold water was precious and refreshing—wells and springs were valued resources. Offering cold water to travelers was basic hospitality but required effort: drawing from wells, maintaining supplies. The 'little ones' likely refers to Jesus's disciples, not children—they were insignificant in worldly terms, possessing no wealth, power, or status. Early Christianity appealed largely to lower classes (1 Corinthians 1:26-29), so believers' acts of service often involved simple gifts like food, water, clothing. The promise of reward echoes Old Testament teaching that God notices every act of kindness (Proverbs 19:17, 11:24-25). This verse grounded countless acts of charity: monastics serving the poor, believers hosting persecuted Christians, believers sharing scarce resources.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'cups of cold water' opportunities do you encounter daily that you might dismiss as too small to matter?
  2. How does knowing God rewards even minimal service done in faith change your approach to everyday interactions?
  3. What's the difference between general kindness and service specifically 'in the name of a disciple'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

ὃς2 of 23
G3739

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

ἐὰν3 of 23

“whosoever”

G1437

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

ποτίσῃ4 of 23

“shall give to drink”

G4222

to furnish drink, irrigate

ἕνα5 of 23

“unto one”

G1520

one

τῶν6 of 23
G3588

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

μικρῶν7 of 23

“little ones”

G3398

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

τούτων8 of 23

“of these”

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

ποτήριον9 of 23

“a cup”

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

ψυχροῦ10 of 23

“of cold”

G5593

chilly (literally or figuratively)

μόνον11 of 23

“water only”

G3440

merely

εἰς12 of 23

“in”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὄνομα13 of 23

“the name”

G3686

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

μαθητοῦ14 of 23

“of a disciple”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

ἀμὴν15 of 23

“verily”

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω16 of 23

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν17 of 23

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

οὐ18 of 23
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ19 of 23
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀπολέσῃ20 of 23

“lose”

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

τὸν21 of 23
G3588

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

μισθὸν22 of 23

“reward”

G3408

pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad

αὐτοῦ23 of 23
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

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 10:42 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 Matthew 10:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 6:10Matthew 25:40Mark 9:41-42Matthew 18:102 Corinthians 9:6-15Philippians 4:15-19

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