King James Version
Matthew 18:11 in the King James Version says “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.”
Matthew 18:11 · King James Version
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.
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.
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
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?
And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you , he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.
“is come”
G2064to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
“For”
G1063properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
“the Son”
G5207a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
“was lost”
G622to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
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.
Matthew 18:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.