King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:5 Mean?

Matthew 18:5 in the King James Version says “And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Matthew 18:5 · KJV


Context

3

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.

4

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

6

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

7

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus declares that receiving 'one such little child in my name' equates to receiving Him. This elevates humble service to the overlooked and powerless as spiritual priority. The phrase 'in my name' signifies doing so for Christ's sake, seeing Him in the insignificant. Reformed ethics emphasizes that all service to others, particularly the weak and vulnerable, is service to Christ (Matthew 25:40). This teaching demolishes status-seeking by making humble service the measure of greatness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Children in ancient society had no legal rights or social standing until maturity. Using a child as an example of receiving God's kingdom overturned cultural hierarchies. Jesus' consistent elevation of children, women, and marginalized people demonstrated kingdom values. The church's historical care for orphans and vulnerable persons reflects this teaching.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are the 'little children' in your context whom you're called to receive?
  2. How does serving powerless people demonstrate kingdom greatness?
  3. What ministry to overlooked individuals might God be calling you toward?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

And

G2532

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

ὃς2 of 13

whoso

G3739

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

ἐὰν3 of 13
G1437

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

δέχεται4 of 13

receiveth

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

παιδίον5 of 13

little child

G3813

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

τοιοῦτον6 of 13

such

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

ἓν7 of 13

one

G1520

one

ἐπὶ8 of 13

in

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

τῷ9 of 13
G3588

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

ὀνόματί10 of 13

name

G3686

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

μου11 of 13

my

G3450

of me

ἐμὲ12 of 13

me

G1691

me

δέχεται13 of 13

receiveth

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)


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 18:5 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 18:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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