Matthew 18:2

18:1 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,

KJV

Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them,

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

And Jesus called a little child to him, and set him in the middle of them,

18:3 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.

What does Matthew 18:2 mean?

Matthew 18:2 is a verse in the book of Matthew, in the New Testament. In the original Greek, key words include καί (kai), Ἰησοῦς (Iesous), προσκαλέω (proskaleomai). It connects to 6 cross-referenced passages elsewhere in Scripture.

Greek interlinear

Andκαίkai/kahee/G2532apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.

JesusἸησοῦςIesous/ee-ay-sooce'/G2424of Hebrew origin (3091); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.

calledπροσκαλέωproskaleomai/pros-kal-eh'-om-ahee/G4341middle voice from 4314 and 2564; to call toward oneself, i.e. summon, invite:--call (for, to, unto).

little

childπαιδίονpaidion/pahee-dee'-on/G3813neuter diminutive of 3816; a childling (of either sex), i.e. (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian:--(little, young) child, damsel.

unto

him,προσκαλέωproskaleomai/pros-kal-eh'-om-ahee/G4341middle voice from 4314 and 2564; to call toward oneself, i.e. summon, invite:--call (for, to, unto).

and

setἵστημιhistemi/his'-tay-mee/G2476a prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively):--abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up). Compare 5087.

himαὐτόςautos/ow-tos'/G846from the particle au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.

inἐνen/en/G1722a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.

the

midstμέσοςmesos/mes'-os/G3319from 3326; middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun):--among, X before them, between, + forth, mid(-day, -night), midst, way.

them,αὐτόςautos/ow-tos'/G846from the particle au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.

Commentary on Matthew 18:2

HENRY_FULL · Matthew 18:2

>ver. 1-6 . II. Concerning offences in general ( ver. 7 ), particularly offences given, 1. By us to ourselves, ver. 8, 9 . 2. By us to others, ver. 10-14 . 3. By others to us; which are of two sorts, (1.) Scandalous sins, which are to be reproved, ver. 15-20 . (2.) Personal wrongs, which are to be forgiven, ver. 21-35 . See how practical Christ's preaching was; he could have revealed mysteries, but he pressed plain duties, especially those that are most displeasing to flesh and blood. The Importance of Humility. 1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 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.

Cross-references

Related passages from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

1 Kings 3:7

And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.

Jeremiah 1:7

But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

Matthew 19:13

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

Matthew 19:14

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Mark 9:36

And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

Mark 9:37

Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

Topics

Babes Children Humility Simplicity Worldliness

People & places in this verse

People

Jesus

Verses like this

Other verses that share key original-language words with Matthew 18:2.

Matthew 2:9

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

Mark 9:36

And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

Matthew 1:18

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. JESUS: that is, Saviour, Heb

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. they: or, his name shall be called

Matthew 1:25

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Matthew 2:11

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. presented: or, offered

Matthew 2:13

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

Frequently asked questions

What does Matthew 18:2 say?

Matthew 18:2 (King James Version) reads: "And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,"

Is Matthew 18:2 in the Old or New Testament?

Matthew 18:2 is in the New Testament of the Bible, in the book of Matthew.

Reflect

As you read Matthew 18:2, what is one truth here you can carry into today?

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