King James Version
Matthew 18:3 in the King James Version says “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the king...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:3 · KJV
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“Verily”
G281properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
“I say”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
“ye be converted”
G4762to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“become”
G1096to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
“little children”
G3813a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
“into”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
“the kingdom”
G932properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
“of heaven”
G3772the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
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 18:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
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