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border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/18-2.htm" title="Matthew 18:2">◄</a> Matthew 18:3 <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm" title="Matthew 18:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/18.htm">New International Version</a> And he said: &#8220Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nlt/matthew/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. <a href="/esv/matthew/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and said, "Truly I say to you, if you are not converted and become as the little children, you shall never enter into the kingdom of the heavens. <a href="/kjv/matthew/18.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/18.htm">New King James Version</a> and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nasb/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> and said, &#8220Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/lsb/matthew/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/amp/matthew/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/csb/matthew/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220I assure you,&#8221 He said, &#8220unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/asv/matthew/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/cev/matthew/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then he said: I promise you this. If you don't change and become like a child, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/erv/matthew/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/gwt/matthew/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then he said to them, "I can guarantee this truth: Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/gnt/matthew/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> and said, "I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. <a href="/isv/matthew/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then he said, "I tell all of you with certainty, unless you change and become like little children, you will never get into the kingdom from heaven. <a href="/msb/matthew/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Truly I tell you,? He said, ?unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/net/matthew/18.htm">NET Bible</a> and said, "I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven! <a href="/nheb/matthew/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/wbt/matthew/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And said, Verily I say to you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> said, "In solemn truth I tell you that unless you turn and become like little children, you will in no case be admitted into the Kingdom of the Heavens. <a href="/web/matthew/18.htm">World English Bible</a> and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and said, “Truly I say to you, if you may not be turned and become as the children, you may not enter into the kingdom of the heavens; <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and said, "Truly I say to you, if you are not converted and become as the little children, you shall never enter into the kingdom of the heavens. <a href="/ylt/matthew/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and said, 'Verily I say to you, if ye may not be turned and become as the children, ye may not enter into the reign of the heavens; <a href="/slt/matthew/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And said, Truly I say to you, Except ye be turned, and become as young children, ye should not come into the kingdom of the heavens.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said: “Amen I say to you, unless you change and become like little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nabre/matthew/18.htm">New American Bible</a> and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he said, Truly I say to you, Unless you change and become like little boys, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he said, “Truly I say to you, unless you will be converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and said: Verily I say to you, Unless you turn and become as little children, you can not enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/godbey/matthew/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and said, <FR>Truly I say unto you, unless you may be converted, and become as little children, you can not enter into the kingdom of the heavens.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be changed and be as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/mace/matthew/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and said, I declare to you, except ye lay aside your ambition, and become as children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of the Messias. <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> said, "In solemn truth I tell you that unless you turn and become like little children, you will in no case be admitted into the Kingdom of the Heavens. <a href="/worrell/matthew/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and said, <FR>"Verily I say to you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and said, <FR>Verily I declare unto you, unless ye be converted, and become like little children, ye shall never enter into the kingdom of heaven.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/18-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=5057" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">The Greatest in the Kingdom</a> …2Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. 3<a href="/greek/281.htm" title="281: Amēn (Heb) -- Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.">“Truly</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,” </a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">He said,</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">“unless</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/4762.htm" title="4762: straphēte (V-ASP-2P) -- Strengthened from the base of trope; to twist, i.e. Turn quite around or reverse.">you change</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genēsthe (V-ASM-2P) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">become</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">like</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-NNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3813.htm" title="3813: paidia (N-NNP) -- Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian.">little children,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: eiselthēte (V-ASA-2P) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.">you will never enter</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/932.htm" title="932: basileian (N-AFS) -- From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.">kingdom</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranōn (N-GMP) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven.</a> 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3</a> Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” <a href="/mark/10-15.htm">Mark 10:15</a> Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” <a href="/luke/18-17.htm">Luke 18:17</a> Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” <a href="/1_peter/2-2.htm">1 Peter 2:2</a> Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, <a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Romans 8:17</a> And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">1 Corinthians 14:20</a> Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. <a href="/galatians/4-19.htm">Galatians 4:19</a> My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, <a href="/ephesians/4-13.htm">Ephesians 4:13-14</a> until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. / Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. <a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">1 John 3:1-2</a> Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. / Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. <a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a> Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. <a href="/isaiah/11-6.htm">Isaiah 11:6</a> The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them. <a href="/psalms/131-2.htm">Psalm 131:2</a> Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a> Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. <a href="/isaiah/57-15.htm">Isaiah 57:15</a> For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite. <a href="/jeremiah/1-7.htm">Jeremiah 1:7</a> But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And said, Truly I say to you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.Verily.<a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Matthew 5:18</a> For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.<a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Matthew 6:2,5,16</a> Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward… <a href="/john/1-51.htm">John 1:51</a> And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.Except.<a href="/matthew/13-15.htm">Matthew 13:15</a> For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.<a href="/psalms/51-10.htm">Psalm 51:10-13</a> Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me… <a href="/psalms/131-2.htm">Psalm 131:2</a> Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.and become.<a href="/mark/10-14.htm">Mark 10:14,15</a> But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God… <a href="/luke/18-16.htm">Luke 18:16,17</a> But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God… <a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">1 Corinthians 14:20</a> Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.enter.<a href="/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20</a> For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.<a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Matthew 19:23</a> Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.<a href="/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24</a> Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/13-1.htm">Admitted</a> <a href="/matthew/13-14.htm">Case</a> <a href="/matthew/17-26.htm">Children</a> <a href="/matthew/13-15.htm">Converted</a> <a href="/matthew/12-45.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/matthew/17-21.htm">Except</a> <a href="/matthew/15-32.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/18-2.htm">Little</a> <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/malachi/2-3.htm">Solemn</a> <a href="/matthew/17-20.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/matthew/15-36.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/matthew/16-23.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/matthew/13-57.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/matthew/17-20.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/matthew/17-12.htm">Way</a> <a href="/matthew/16-28.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/15-27.htm">Admitted</a> <a href="/matthew/19-10.htm">Case</a> <a href="/matthew/18-25.htm">Children</a> <a href="/mark/4-12.htm">Converted</a> <a href="/matthew/18-8.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/matthew/19-9.htm">Except</a> <a href="/matthew/18-35.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Little</a> <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/18-13.htm">Solemn</a> <a href="/matthew/18-13.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/matthew/20-19.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/matthew/18-34.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/matthew/18-35.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/matthew/18-13.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/matthew/18-13.htm">Way</a> <a href="/matthew/21-24.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 18</div>1. <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Jesus warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,</a> 7. <a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">to avoid offenses,</a> 10. <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">and not to despise the little ones;</a> 15. <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">teaches how we are to deal with our brothers when they offend us,</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">and how often to forgive them;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/18-23.htm">which he sets forth by a parable of the king who took account of his servants,</a> 32. <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow servant.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Truly I tell you, This phrase is a solemn affirmation used by Jesus to emphasize the importance and truth of His statement. It is a common introductory phrase in the Gospels, indicating that what follows is of significant importance. In the cultural context of the time, such a phrase would capture the attention of the listeners, underscoring the authority of the speaker. Jesus often used this phrase to introduce teachings that challenged conventional wisdom or religious norms.He said, This indicates that Jesus is the speaker, directly addressing His disciples. The context of this passage is a discussion among the disciples about who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus uses this moment to teach a profound lesson on humility and the nature of true greatness in God's kingdom.unless you change The call to "change" implies a transformation or conversion. In the original Greek, the word used suggests a turning or a change of direction, akin to repentance. This transformation is not merely external but involves a fundamental change of heart and mind. It reflects the biblical theme of repentance, which is a turning away from sin and a turning towards God, as seen in passages like <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a>.and become like little children, Children in the ancient world were considered low in social status, dependent, and without power. Jesus uses the example of children to illustrate the qualities of humility, trust, and dependence on God that are necessary for entering the kingdom of heaven. This teaching aligns with other scriptures that emphasize humility, such as <a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a> and <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5-6</a>. The childlike qualities Jesus refers to are not about innocence or naivety but about a posture of humility and trust.you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The "kingdom of heaven" is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing God's sovereign rule and the realm where His will is perfectly done. Entrance into this kingdom requires a radical reorientation of one's life, characterized by humility and dependence on God, as opposed to self-reliance or pride. This statement underscores the exclusivity of the kingdom's entrance criteria, echoing other teachings of Jesus about the narrow path (<a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a>) and the need for spiritual rebirth (<a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the nature of the kingdom of heaven and the qualities required to enter it. 2. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are learning about the values and attitudes necessary for followers of Christ. 3. <a href="/topical/l/little_children.htm">Little Children</a> Used metaphorically by Jesus to illustrate the qualities of humility, trust, and innocence that are essential for entering the kingdom of heaven. 4. <a href="/topical/k/kingdom_of_heaven.htm">Kingdom of Heaven</a> A central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing the reign and rule of God, both in the present spiritual sense and in the future eschatological sense. 5. <a href="/topical/c/capernaum.htm">Capernaum</a> While not directly mentioned in this verse, it is the setting for this teaching, as Jesus and His disciples were in this town during this part of His ministry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/humility_and_dependence.htm">Humility and Dependence</a> Jesus calls for a transformation in attitude, emphasizing humility and dependence on God, akin to the trust and simplicity of a child. <a href="/topical/o/openness_to_learning.htm">Openness to Learning</a> Like children, believers should maintain a teachable spirit, eager to learn and grow in their faith. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god.htm">Trust in God</a> A childlike faith involves trusting God completely, without skepticism or doubt, recognizing His sovereignty and goodness. <a href="/topical/s/simplicity_in_faith.htm">Simplicity in Faith</a> The call to become like children is a call to simplicity in faith, avoiding the complexities and pride that can hinder spiritual growth. <a href="/topical/e/entering_the_kingdom.htm">Entering the Kingdom</a> The passage challenges believers to examine their hearts and attitudes, ensuring they align with the values of the kingdom of heaven.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 18</a> <a href="/q/is_childlike_transformation_plausible.htm">Matthew 18:3–4 – How is the transformation into a childlike state to enter the kingdom of heaven scientifically or psychologically plausible? </a> <a href="/q/what's_the_'inner_child'_concept.htm">What is the concept of an "inner child"?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_childlike_faith.htm">What defines having faith like a child?</a> <a href="/q/are_greek_gods_mentioned_in_the_bible.htm">What is the concept of an 'inner child'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) Except ye be converted.--The English word expresses the force of the Greek, but the "conversion" spoken of was not used in the definite, half-technical sense of later religious experiences. What was needed was that they should "turn" from their self-seeking ambition, and regain, in this respect, the relative blamelessness of children.Ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.--The force of the words as spoken to the Twelve can hardly be exaggerated. They were disputing about precedence in the kingdom, and in that very dispute they were showing that they were not truly in it. It was essentially spiritual, and its first condition was abnegation of self. Even the chief of the Apostles was self-excluded when he gloried in his primacy. The words at least help us to understand the more mysterious language of <a href="/john/3-3.htm" title="Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.">John 3:3</a>; <a href="/john/3-5.htm" title="Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.">John 3:5</a>, as to the "new birth" of water and the Spirit, which one, at least, of the disputants must, in all likelihood, have heard.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - Except ye be converted στραφῆτε); i.e. turned from proud, ambitious thoughts of worldly dignity. There is no question here about what is popularly known as conversion - the change from habitual sin to holiness. The conversion here spoken of is confined to a change in the present state of mind - to a new direction given to the thoughts and wishes. The apostles had shown rivalry, jealousy, ambition: they must turn away from such failings, and learn a different lesson. Become as little children. Christ points to little children as the model to which the members of his kingdom must assimilate themselves. The special attributes of children which he would recommend are humility, unworldliness, simplicity, teachableness, - the direct contraries of self-seeking, worldliness, distrust, conceit. Ye shall not enter. In the sermon on the mount Christ had said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (<a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a>). To all who are not such the gate opens not. That virtue which was unknown to pagan antiquity, the opposite character to which was upholden as the acme of excellence, Christ here asserts to be the only passport to his ideal Church on earth or its eternal development in heaven. Not the self-esteeming, proud man (μεγαλόψυχος) of Aristotle's worship ('Eth. Nic.,' 4:3), but the humble (ταπεινὸς), the lowly, the self-depreciating, is the man who can realize his position in the spiritual world, and shall be admitted to its blessings and benefits. St. Paul has summarized the ideal character of the members of the kingdom in <a href="/1_corinthians/13.htm">1 Corinthians 13</a>, especially vers. 4, 5, and 7. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/18-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“Truly Ἀμὴν (Amēn) Hebrew Word <a href="/greek/strongs_281.htm">Strong's 281: </a> Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely. I tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you,” ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. He said, εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “unless ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. you change στραφῆτε (straphēte) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4762.htm">Strong's 4762: </a> Strengthened from the base of trope; to twist, i.e. Turn quite around or reverse. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. become γένησθε (genēsthe) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. like ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. little children, παιδία (paidia) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3813.htm">Strong's 3813: </a> Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian. you will never enter εἰσέλθητε (eiselthēte) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1525.htm">Strong's 1525: </a> To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. kingdom βασιλείαν (basileian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_932.htm">Strong's 932: </a> From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm. of τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. heaven. οὐρανῶν (ouranōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/18-3.htm">Matthew 18:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/18-3.htm">Matthew 18:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/18-3.htm">Matthew 18:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/18-3.htm">Matthew 18:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/18-3.htm">Matthew 18:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/18-3.htm">Matthew 18:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/18-3.htm">Matthew 18:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/18-3.htm">Matthew 18:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/18-3.htm">Matthew 18:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/18-3.htm">Matthew 18:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 18:3 And said Most certainly I tell you (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/18-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 18:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/18-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 18:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>