CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 18:5 And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/18-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/40_Mat_18_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 18:5 - The Greatest in the Kingdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/18-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/18-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.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/18-4.htm" title="Matthew 18:4">◄</a> Matthew 18:5 <a href="/matthew/18-6.htm" title="Matthew 18:6">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And whoever shall receive one such little child in My name, receives Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And whoever receives one such child in My name, receives Me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Whoever receives <i>and</i> welcomes one child like this in My name receives Me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And whoever welcomes one child like this in my name welcomes me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And whoever welcomes one child like this in My name welcomes Me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />And when you welcome one of these children because of me, you welcome me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />And whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />And whoever welcomes in my name one such child as this, welcomes me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and whoever receives a little child like this in my name receives me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And whoever shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And whoever for my sake receives one young child such as this, receives me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he who may receive one such child in My Name, receives Me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And whoever shall receive one such little child in My name, receives Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'And he who may receive one such child in my name, doth receive me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And whoever shall receive such a young child in my name, receives me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And whoever shall accept one such little child in my name, accepts me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he who will welcome one like this little boy, in my name, welcomes me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“And whoever will receive one such as this boy, in my name, receives me.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And whoever receives one such little child on my account, receives me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>and whosoever shall receive such little child in my name, receives me.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And whosoever shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />and whoever shall receive one that is like such a child, in my name, receiveth me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And whoever for my sake receives one young child such as this, receives me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>And whosoever receives one such little child in My name, receives Me.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>and whoever shall receive one such little child for my sake, receiveth me:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/18-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=5072" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">The Greatest in the Kingdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">whoever</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1209.htm" title="1209: dexētai (V-ASM-3S) -- To take, receive, accept, welcome. Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive.">welcomes</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: hen (Adj-ANS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">a</a> <a href="/greek/3813.htm" title="3813: paidion (N-ANS) -- Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian.">little child</a> <a href="/greek/5108.htm" title="5108: toiouto (DPro-ANS) -- (including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality).">like this</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">in</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">My</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3686.htm" title="3686: onomati (N-DNS) -- Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a name.">name</a> <a href="/greek/1209.htm" title="1209: dechetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To take, receive, accept, welcome. Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive.">welcomes</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: eme (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me. </a> </span> <span class="reftext">6</span>But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-37.htm">Mark 9:37</a></span><br />“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes not only Me, but the One who sent Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-48.htm">Luke 9:48</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-40.htm">Matthew 10:40</a></span><br />He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-20.htm">John 13:20</a></span><br />Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Matthew 25:40</a></span><br />And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-14.htm">Galatians 4:14</a></span><br />And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">1 John 3:1</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-20.htm">1 John 4:20</a></span><br />If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-7.htm">Romans 15:7</a></span><br />Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Hebrews 13:2</a></span><br />Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a></span><br />Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a></span><br />He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/2-8.htm">Zechariah 2:8</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “After His Glory has sent Me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a></span><br />I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-9.htm">Exodus 23:9</a></span><br />Do not oppress a foreign resident, since you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And whoever shall receive one such little child in my name receives me.</p><p class="hdg">receive.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/10-40.htm">Matthew 10:40-42</a></b></br> He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Matthew 25:40,45</a></b></br> And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done <i>it</i> unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done <i>it</i> unto me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/9-41.htm">Mark 9:41</a></b></br> For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.</p><p class="hdg">receiveth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/9-37.htm">Mark 9:37</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/13-20.htm">John 13:20</a></b></br> Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/4-14.htm">Galatians 4:14</a></b></br> And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, <i>even</i> as Christ Jesus.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Child</a> <a href="/matthew/16-25.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Little</a> <a href="/matthew/17-25.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/matthew/13-20.htm">Receives</a> <a href="/matthew/13-23.htm">Receiveth</a> <a href="/matthew/16-25.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/2_john/1-11.htm">Welcomes</a> <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/19-29.htm">Child</a> <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/matthew/19-19.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/matthew/18-6.htm">Little</a> <a href="/matthew/19-11.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/mark/9-37.htm">Receives</a> <a href="/mark/9-37.htm">Receiveth</a> <a href="/matthew/19-12.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/mark/9-37.htm">Welcomes</a> <a href="/matthew/19-13.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Jesus warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">to avoid offenses,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">and not to despise the little ones;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">teaches how we are to deal with our brothers when they offend us,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">and how often to forgive them;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/18-23.htm">which he sets forth by a parable of the king who took account of his servants,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow servant.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/matthew/18.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>And whoever</b><br />This phrase opens the verse with an inclusive invitation, indicating that the message is not limited to a specific group but is applicable to all believers. The Greek word for "whoever" is "hos," which is often used to denote an indefinite person or group, emphasizing the universal nature of Jesus' teaching. This inclusivity reflects the open arms of the Gospel, inviting all to participate in the kingdom of God.<p><b>welcomes</b><br />The Greek word used here is "δέχεται" (dechetai), which means to receive or accept. In the cultural context of the time, welcoming someone was not merely a polite gesture but an act of hospitality and acceptance into one's community or home. This act of welcoming is a reflection of the heart's posture towards others, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized, like children.<p><b>a little child</b><br />The term "little child" is translated from the Greek word "παιδίον" (paidion), which refers to a young child or infant. In the historical context, children were considered the least in society, without status or power. By using a child as an example, Jesus is teaching about humility and the importance of valuing those whom society might overlook. This reflects the kingdom values of humility, innocence, and dependence on God.<p><b>like this</b><br />This phrase points back to the previous verses where Jesus places a child in the midst of the disciples to illustrate His point. The child represents the qualities that Jesus values: humility, simplicity, and trust. The phrase "like this" serves as a reminder to emulate these qualities in our own lives and interactions with others.<p><b>in My name</b><br />The phrase "in My name" signifies acting with the authority and character of Jesus. In the biblical context, a name represents the essence and nature of a person. To welcome a child in Jesus' name means to do so with His love, compassion, and humility. It is an acknowledgment of His lordship and a commitment to living out His teachings.<p><b>welcomes Me</b><br />This powerful conclusion equates the act of welcoming a child with welcoming Jesus Himself. It underscores the profound truth that how we treat the least among us is a reflection of our relationship with Christ. This statement challenges believers to see Jesus in every person, especially those who are vulnerable and in need of care. It is a call to embody the love and grace of Christ in all our interactions.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">Whoso shall receive one such little child.</span>--The words are memorable as the first utterance of the truth afterwards proclaimed as the law of final judgment in <a href="/matthew/25-40.htm" title="And the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me.">Matthew 25:40</a>, and as giving to that law the widest possible range of universality. No child of man is excluded from those whom Christ calls His brethren.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 5-14.</span> - <span class="accented">The treatment due to such</span>. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Shall receive</span> (<span class="greek">ο{ς ἐὰν δέξηται</span>). The word is pregnant with meaning. It includes not only the showing of tender affection and the giving of material succour, such as hospitality, shelter, etc., but also the bestowal of help and support in spiritual things, encouragement in holiness, instruction in Divine lore. <span class="cmt_word">One such little child</span>. Primarily, Jesus refers to children, pure and confiding as the one he had placed in the midst; but his words are applicable to all who have the childlike spirit and character, the graces which he specially loves and rewards. The expressions here and in the next verse must be understood to belong in some cases to the symbol, and in others to the symbolized. <span class="cmt_word">In my Name</span> (<span class="greek">ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου</span>); <span class="accented">for the sake of my Name</span>; because he belongs to me; not merely from natural affection and pity, but from a higher motive, because the child has in him somewhat of Christ - is the child of God, and a member of Christ. <span class="cmt_word">Receiveth me.</span> That which is done to his little ones Christ regards as done to himself (comp. <a href="/matthew/10-40.htm">Matthew 10:40-42</a>). What a blessing waits on those who teach the young, working laboriously in schools, and training souls for heaven! This "receiving" Christ is a far higher and better thing than being "greatest" in an earthly kingdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/18-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">And</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">whoever</span><br /><span class="grk">ὃς</span> <span class="translit">(hos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">welcomes</span><br /><span class="grk">δέξηται</span> <span class="translit">(dexētai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1209.htm">Strong's 1209: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take, receive, accept, welcome. Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a</span><br /><span class="grk">ἓν</span> <span class="translit">(hen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> </span><span class="str2">One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">little child</span><br /><span class="grk">παιδίον</span> <span class="translit">(paidion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3813.htm">Strong's 3813: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like this</span><br /><span class="grk">τοιοῦτο</span> <span class="translit">(toiouto)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5108.htm">Strong's 5108: </a> </span><span class="str2">(including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπὶ</span> <span class="translit">(epi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> </span><span class="str2">On, to, against, on the basis of, at. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">My</span><br /><span class="grk">μου</span> <span class="translit">(mou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">name</span><br /><span class="grk">ὀνόματί</span> <span class="translit">(onomati)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3686.htm">Strong's 3686: </a> </span><span class="str2">Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">welcomes</span><br /><span class="grk">δέχεται</span> <span class="translit">(dechetai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1209.htm">Strong's 1209: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take, receive, accept, welcome. Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Me.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐμὲ</span> <span class="translit">(eme)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/18-5.htm">Matthew 18:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/18-5.htm">Matthew 18:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/18-5.htm">Matthew 18:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/18-5.htm">Matthew 18:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/18-5.htm">Matthew 18:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/18-5.htm">Matthew 18:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/18-5.htm">Matthew 18:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/18-5.htm">Matthew 18:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/18-5.htm">Matthew 18:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/18-5.htm">Matthew 18:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/18-5.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 18:5 Whoever receives one such little child (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/18-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 18:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/18-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 18:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:6" /></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>