King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:10 Mean?

Matthew 18:10 in the King James Version says “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 18:10 · KJV


Context

8

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee : it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

9

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

10

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

11

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

12

How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' warning 'Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven' prohibits despising believers ('little ones' representing humble disciples, v. 4). The phrase 'their angels do always behold the face of my Father' suggests angelic guardianship and intimate access to God. This reveals how precious humble believers are to God—despising them risks divine judgment. God values those the world overlooks.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The term 'little ones' refers to Jesus' humble followers, not necessarily children (though includes them). The reference to angels continuously beholding God's face suggests both guardianship and the Father's attentive care for His children. This counters the disciples' status-seeking by emphasizing God's special concern for the humble and vulnerable.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are the 'little ones' you might be tempted to despise or overlook?
  2. How does knowing God values humble believers shape your treatment of others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Ὁρᾶτε1 of 27

Take heed

G3708

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

μὴ2 of 27

not

G3361

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

καταφρονήσητε3 of 27

that ye despise

G2706

to think against, i.e., disesteem

ἑνὸς4 of 27

one

G1520

one

τοῦ5 of 27

which

G3588

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

μικρῶν6 of 27

little ones

G3398

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

τούτων·7 of 27

of these

G5130

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

λέγω8 of 27

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

γὰρ9 of 27

for

G1063

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

ὑμῖν10 of 27

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι11 of 27

That

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τοῦ12 of 27

which

G3588

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

ἄγγελοι13 of 27

angels

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

αὐτῶν14 of 27

their

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

ἐν15 of 27

in

G1722

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

οὐρανοῖς16 of 27

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

διὰ17 of 27

do always

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

παντὸς18 of 27
G3956

all, any, every, the whole

βλέπουσιν19 of 27

behold

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ20 of 27

which

G3588

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

πρόσωπον21 of 27

the face

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

τοῦ22 of 27

which

G3588

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

πατρός23 of 27

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

μου24 of 27

of my

G3450

of me

τοῦ25 of 27

which

G3588

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

ἐν26 of 27

in

G1722

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

οὐρανοῖς27 of 27

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)


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 18:10 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 18:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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