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<!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 18:4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/18-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/40_Mat_18_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 18:4 - The Greatest in the Kingdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." /><script type="application/javascript" 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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> Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nlt/matthew/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. <a href="/esv/matthew/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore whoever will humble himself as this little child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens. <a href="/kjv/matthew/18.htm">King James Bible</a> Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So whoever will humble himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nasb/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/lsb/matthew/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Whoever therefore will humble himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/amp/matthew/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/csb/matthew/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/asv/matthew/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/cev/matthew/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But if you are as humble as this child, you are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/erv/matthew/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/gwt/matthew/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Whoever becomes like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/gnt/matthew/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> The greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like this child. <a href="/isv/matthew/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom from heaven, <a href="/msb/matthew/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/net/matthew/18.htm">NET Bible</a> Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nheb/matthew/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/wbt/matthew/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this young child, he it is who is superior to others in the Kingdom of the Heavens. <a href="/web/matthew/18.htm">World English Bible</a> Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> whoever then may humble himself as this child, he is the greater in the kingdom of the heavens. <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore whoever will humble himself as this little child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens. <a href="/ylt/matthew/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> whoever then may humble himself as this child, he is the greater in the reign of the heavens. <a href="/slt/matthew/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Whoever, therefore, should be humbled as this young child, the same is the greater in the kingdom of the heavens.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, whoever will have humbled himself like this little child, such a one is greater in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nabre/matthew/18.htm">New American Bible</a> Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Whoever therefore will humble himself like this little boy, shall be great in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Whoever therefore humbles himself like this boy, he will be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Whoever, therefore, humbles himself as this little child, is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/godbey/matthew/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Therefore whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greater in the kingdom of the heavens;<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Whosoever therefore shall humble himself, as this little child, he shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/mace/matthew/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a> he therefore who shall become as void of ambition as this child, he shall be greatest in the kingdom of the Messiah. <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this young child, he it is who is superior to others in the Kingdom of the Heavens. <a href="/worrell/matthew/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, he is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven:<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/18-4.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=5065" 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> …3“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">Therefore,</a> <a href="/greek/3748.htm" title="3748: hostis (RelPro-NMS) -- Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. ">whoever</a> <a href="/greek/5013.htm" title="5013: tapeinōsei (V-FIA-3S) -- To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate.">humbles</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heauton (RefPro-AM3S) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">himself</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/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-NNS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- 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: paidion (N-NNS) -- 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/3778.htm" title="3778: houtos (DPro-NMS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- 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/3173.htm" title="3173: meizōn (Adj-NMS-C) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">greatest</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- 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: basileia (N-DFS) -- 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> 5And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me.…<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="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-8</a> Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. ... <a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a> Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5-6</a> Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. <a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a> For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. <a href="/luke/14-11.htm">Luke 14:11</a> For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” <a href="/luke/18-14.htm">Luke 18:14</a> I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” <a href="/mark/9-35.htm">Mark 9:35</a> Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.” <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="/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="/romans/12-3.htm">Romans 12:3</a> For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you. <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="/proverbs/3-34.htm">Proverbs 3:34</a> He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble. <a href="/proverbs/16-19.htm">Proverbs 16:19</a> It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud. <a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm">Proverbs 22:4</a> The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life. <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a> He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.humble.<a href="/matthew/23-11.htm">Matthew 23:11,12</a> But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant… <a href="/psalms/131-1.htm">Psalm 131:1,2</a> A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me… <a href="/isaiah/57-15.htm">Isaiah 57:15</a> For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.greatest.<a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1</a> At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?<a href="/matthew/20-26.htm">Matthew 20:26,27</a> But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; … <a href="/mark/10-43.htm">Mark 10:43</a> But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/18-2.htm">Child</a> <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/11-29.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-5.htm">Humbles</a> <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Little</a> <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Others</a> <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/12-12.htm">Superior</a> <a href="/matthew/18-2.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/18-5.htm">Child</a> <a href="/matthew/23-11.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/matthew/22-36.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/21-5.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Humbles</a> <a href="/matthew/18-23.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/18-5.htm">Little</a> <a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Others</a> <a href="/matthew/19-14.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/luke/6-41.htm">Superior</a> <a href="/matthew/18-5.htm">Young</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>Therefore, whoever humbles himself This phrase emphasizes the necessity of humility in the life of a believer. Humility is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with submission to God's will and the acknowledgment of one's own limitations and need for divine grace. In the cultural context of the time, humility was not typically seen as a virtue; rather, honor and status were highly valued. This teaching challenges societal norms by elevating humility as a key characteristic of those who belong to God's kingdom. The call to humble oneself is echoed in other passages, such as <a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a>, which states, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you."like this little child Children in the ancient world were considered low in social status, lacking power and influence. By using a child as an example, Jesus highlights qualities such as innocence, trust, and dependence. These attributes are essential for entering and participating in the kingdom of heaven. The reference to a child also underscores the idea of being teachable and open to learning, which is crucial for spiritual growth. This imagery is consistent with other biblical teachings that emphasize the importance of childlike faith, such as in <a href="/mark/10-15.htm">Mark 10:15</a>, where Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven The concept of greatness in the kingdom of heaven is contrasted with worldly notions of greatness, which often involve power, wealth, and prestige. In God's kingdom, greatness is defined by one's humility and service to others. This teaching is consistent with Jesus' own example, as He came not to be served, but to serve (<a href="/matthew/20-28.htm">Matthew 20:28</a>). The kingdom of heaven is a central theme in Jesus' ministry, representing God's reign and the fulfillment of His promises. This statement also connects to the Beatitudes in <a href="/matthew/5.htm">Matthew 5</a>, where Jesus describes the blessedness of those who embody kingdom values, such as the poor in spirit and the meek.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in this passage, teaching His disciples about the nature of greatness in the kingdom of heaven. 2. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, who often struggled with understanding the nature of true greatness. 3. <a href="/topical/l/little_child.htm">Little Child</a> Used by Jesus as an example of humility and the attitude required to be great in the kingdom of heaven. 4. <a href="/topical/k/kingdom_of_heaven.htm">Kingdom of Heaven</a> The spiritual realm where God's will is perfectly done, and the ultimate goal for believers. 5. <a href="/topical/c/capernaum.htm">Capernaum</a> The likely location where this teaching took place, as Jesus spent much time there during His ministry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_true_greatness.htm">The Nature of True Greatness</a> True greatness in the kingdom of heaven is not about status or power but about humility and a childlike spirit. <a href="/topical/h/humility_as_a_pathway.htm">Humility as a Pathway</a> Humility is the pathway to being exalted by God. It involves recognizing our dependence on Him and submitting to His will. <a href="/topical/c/childlike_faith_and_trust.htm">Childlike Faith and Trust</a> Emulating a child's trust and dependence on their parents, believers are called to trust and depend on God fully. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_humility_in_community.htm">The Role of Humility in Community</a> Humility fosters unity and love within the Christian community, as it allows believers to serve one another selflessly. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ's_example.htm">Reflecting Christ's Example</a> Jesus Himself exemplified humility, and believers are called to follow His example in their daily lives.<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/who_is_the_greatest_in_the_kingdom.htm">Who is the greatest in the kingdom?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_childlike_faith.htm">What defines having faith like a child?</a> <a href="/q/does_sin_habit_affect_salvation.htm">What does 'humble themselves will be exalted' mean?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_james_4_2-3_explain_unanswered_prayers.htm">How does James 4:2–3 reconcile the promise of answered prayer with the many unanswered prayers observed in reality? </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>(4) Whosoever therefore shall humble himself.--This, then, was the answer to the question "Who shall be the greatest." The secret of true greatness lay in that unconsciousness of being great, which takes the lowest position as that which of right belongs to it. For a man to "humble himself" with the purpose of attaining greatness would frustrate itself, and reduce humility to an hypocrisy. The "pride that apes humility," the false lowliness of <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm" title=" Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,">Colossians 2:18</a>, is even more hateful and contemptible than open self-assertion.As this little child.--That which was to be the result of a deliberate act in the disciples was found in the child's nature as it was. They were to make themselves lowly as he was lowly. The transition from the plural to the singular gives an almost dramatic vividness to the form of our Lord's teaching. We seem to see the child shrinking timidly, with blushing face and downcast eyes, from the notice thus drawn to him.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - Whosoever therefore. This verse gives a direct application of the principle just enunciated, and supplies an answer to the apostles' question. Shall humble himself. Not that a child consciously humbles itself, but is humble by nature. The disciple must become that by deliberate choice which the child is by reason of his constitution and natural disposition. The same is greatest; rather, greater (μείζων), Christ using the same term as the questioners in ver. 1. The more a man annihilates self and casts away pride, conceit, obstinacy, the fitter is he to become a living member of Christ's kingdom. "Quanto humilior, tanto altior," says Thomas Aquinas. But this is a joint work. St. Gregory says well, "The good which a man doeth is both the work of God and the work of man: of God, as being the Author, in giving grace; of man, as being actor, in using grace, yet so that he cooperate with grace by grace" (quoted by Ford, in loc.). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/18-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Therefore, οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. whoever ὅστις (hostis) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3748.htm">Strong's 3748: </a> Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. humbles ταπεινώσει (tapeinōsei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5013.htm">Strong's 5013: </a> To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate. himself ἑαυτὸν (heauton) Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. 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. this τοῦτο (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. little child παιδίον (paidion) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <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. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine 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. greatest μείζων (meizōn) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative 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 βασιλείᾳ (basileia) Noun - Dative 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/18-4.htm">Matthew 18:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/18-4.htm">Matthew 18:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/18-4.htm">Matthew 18:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/18-4.htm">Matthew 18:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/18-4.htm">Matthew 18:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/18-4.htm">Matthew 18:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/18-4.htm">Matthew 18:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/18-4.htm">Matthew 18:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/18-4.htm">Matthew 18:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/18-4.htm">Matthew 18:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 18:4 Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/18-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 18:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/18-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 18:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:5" /></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>