King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:12 Mean?

Matthew 18:12 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

Matthew 18:12 · KJV


Context

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?

13

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.

14

Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestine was marked by religious fervor and political tension. The passage reflects interactions between Jesus and various groups: Pharisees, Sadducees, disciples, and crowds. Each audience received teaching tailored to their needs and spiritual condition.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this text reveal about human nature and God's grace?
  2. How can you apply this teaching to current struggles or questions?
  3. What changes in thinking or behavior does this passage require?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Τί1 of 25

How

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ὑμῖν2 of 25

ye

G5213

to (with or by) you

δοκεῖ3 of 25

think

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

ἐὰν4 of 25

if

G1437

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

γένηταί5 of 25

have

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

τινι6 of 25
G5100

some or any person or object

ἀνθρώπῳ7 of 25

a man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἑκατὸν8 of 25

an hundred

G1540

a hundred

πρόβατα9 of 25

sheep

G4263

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

καὶ10 of 25

and

G2532

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

πλανώμενον11 of 25

be gone astray

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

ἓν12 of 25

one

G1520

one

ἐξ13 of 25

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτῶν14 of 25

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

οὐχὶ15 of 25

not

G3780

not indeed

ἀφεῖς16 of 25

doth he

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τὸ17 of 25

that which

G3588

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

ἐννενήκονταεννέα,18 of 25

the ninety and nine

G1768

ninety-nine

ἐπὶ19 of 25

into

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

τὸ20 of 25

that which

G3588

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

ὄρη21 of 25

the mountains

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

πορευθεὶς22 of 25

and goeth

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

ζητεῖ23 of 25

and seeketh

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

τὸ24 of 25

that which

G3588

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

πλανώμενον25 of 25

be gone astray

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)


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 18:12 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 18:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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