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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 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/18-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/40_Mat_18_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 18:1 - The Greatest in the Kingdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" /><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/18-1.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/18-1.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 1</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/17-27.htm" title="Matthew 17:27">◄</a> Matthew 18:1 <a href="/matthew/18-2.htm" title="Matthew 18:2">►</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">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> At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, &#8220Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” <a href="/esv/matthew/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” <a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens?" <a href="/kjv/matthew/18.htm">King James Bible</a> At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? <a href="/nkjv/matthew/18.htm">New King James Version</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” <a href="/nasb/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, &#8220Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” <a href="/lsb/matthew/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” <a href="/amp/matthew/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” <a href="/csb/matthew/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “So who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? ” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, &#8220Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? <a href="/cev/matthew/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> About this time the disciples came to Jesus and asked him who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/erv/matthew/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? <a href="/gwt/matthew/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" <a href="/gnt/matthew/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus, asking, "Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?" <a href="/isv/matthew/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom from heaven?" <a href="/msb/matthew/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” <a href="/net/matthew/18.htm">NET Bible</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" <a href="/nheb/matthew/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" <a href="/wbt/matthew/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> At the same time came the disciples to Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Just then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who ranks higher than others in the Kingdom of the Heavens?" <a href="/web/matthew/18.htm">World English Bible</a> In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> At that hour the disciples came near to Jesus, saying, “Who, now, is greater in the kingdom of the heavens?” <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens?" <a href="/ylt/matthew/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> At that hour came the disciples near to Jesus, saying, 'Who, now, is greater in the reign of the heavens?' <a href="/slt/matthew/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> In that hour came the disciples to Jesus, saying, Who 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> AT that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who thinkest thou is the greater in the kingdom of heaven? <a href="/cpdv/matthew/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> In that hour, the disciples drew near to Jesus, saying, “Whom do you consider to be greater in the kingdom of heaven?” <a href="/nabre/matthew/18.htm">New American Bible</a> At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AT that very hour the disciples came up to Jesus and said, Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And in that hour the disciples approached to join Yeshua and they were saying, “Who is truly the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, and said: Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? <a href="/godbey/matthew/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, Then which one is the greater in the kingdom of the heavens? <a href="/haweis/matthew/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> AT that time came the disciples to Jesus, saying, Who is indeed the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? <a href="/mace/matthew/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a> At the same time came the disciples to Jesus, saying, who is to be the greatest in the kingdom of the Messiah? <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Just then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who ranks higher than others in the Kingdom of the Heavens?" <a href="/worrell/matthew/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> At that time the disciples came near to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" <a href="/worsley/matthew/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> At that time came the disciples to Jesus, saying, Who is to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? <a href="/parallel/matthew/18-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=5045" 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> 1<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.">At</a> <a href="/greek/1565.htm" title="1565: ekeinē (DPro-DFS) -- That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.">that</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."></a> <a href="/greek/5610.htm" title="5610: hōra (N-DFS) -- Apparently a primary word; an hour.">time</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- 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/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētai (N-NMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples</a> <a href="/greek/4334.htm" title="4334: prosēlthon (V-AIA-3P) -- From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.">came</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-DMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">to Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">and asked,</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Tis (IPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">“Who</a> <a href="/greek/686.htm" title="686: ara (Conj) -- Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.">then</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/3173.htm" title="3173: meizōn (Adj-NMS-C) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">the 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> 2Jesus invited a little child to stand among them.…<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="/mark/9-33.htm">Mark 9:33-37</a> Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the house, He asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” / But they were silent, for on the way they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. / 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="/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46-48</a> Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. / But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him. / 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.” <a href="/matthew/20-20.htm">Matthew 20:20-28</a> Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him. / “What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.” / “You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” the brothers answered. ... <a href="/mark/10-35.htm">Mark 10:35-45</a> Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and declared, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” / “What do you want Me to do for you?” He inquired. / They answered, “Grant that one of us may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left in Your glory.” ... <a href="/luke/22-24.htm">Luke 22:24-27</a> A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest. / So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. ... <a href="/matthew/23-11.htm">Matthew 23:11-12</a> The greatest among you shall be your servant. / For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. <a href="/mark/10-13.htm">Mark 10:13-16</a> Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them. / But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. / Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ... <a href="/luke/18-15.htm">Luke 18:15-17</a> Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them. / But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. / Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” <a href="/matthew/19-13.htm">Matthew 19:13-15</a> Then little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. And the disciples rebuked those who brought them. / But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” / And after He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there. <a href="/john/13-3.htm">John 13:3-17</a> Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God. / So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. / After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him. ... <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-7</a> Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. / Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: ... <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="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a> Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. <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="/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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>At the same time came the disciples to Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?the same.<a href="/mark/9-33.htm">Mark 9:33</a> And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?Who.<a href="/matthew/20-20.htm">Matthew 20:20-28</a> Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him… <a href="/matthew/23-11.htm">Matthew 23:11</a> But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.<a href="/mark/9-34.htm">Mark 9:34</a> But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.in.<a href="/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2</a> And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.<a href="/matthew/5-19.htm">Matthew 5:19,20</a> Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven… <a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21</a> Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/17-24.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/matthew/13-32.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/matthew/13-32.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/matthew/16-19.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/16-19.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/daniel/8-3.htm">Higher</a> <a href="/matthew/17-18.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/matthew/17-26.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/16-28.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/17-26.htm">Others</a> <a href="/joel/2-8.htm">Ranks</a> <a href="/matthew/16-28.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/16-21.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/19-10.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/luke/14-10.htm">Higher</a> <a href="/matthew/20-3.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/matthew/18-2.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Others</a> <a href="/mark/1-5.htm">Ranks</a> <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/18-26.htm">Time</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </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>At that time This phrase sets the stage for the events that follow, indicating a specific moment in the ministry of Jesus. The Greek word used here, "ἐν ἐκείνῳ τῷ καιρῷ" (en ekeinō tō kairō), suggests a divinely appointed time. In the context of Matthew's Gospel, this period is marked by Jesus' growing influence and the increasing curiosity of His disciples about the nature of His kingdom. Historically, this was a time of great expectation among the Jewish people for the coming of the Messiah, and the disciples were eager to understand their roles in this anticipated kingdom.the disciples The term "disciples" refers to the close followers of Jesus, specifically the twelve apostles. In Greek, "μαθηταί" (mathētai) implies learners or students, highlighting their role in being taught by Jesus. The disciples were ordinary men chosen by Jesus to witness His ministry and to be trained for the mission of spreading the Gospel. Their question in this verse reflects their human concerns and misunderstandings about the nature of greatness in the kingdom of heaven.came to Jesus This phrase indicates a deliberate approach to Jesus, suggesting a desire for guidance and clarification. The Greek verb "προσέρχομαι" (proserchomai) means to come near or approach, often with a sense of reverence or seeking wisdom. The disciples recognized Jesus as their teacher and authority, and their coming to Him demonstrates their dependence on His insight and leadership.and asked The act of asking here is significant, as it shows the disciples' willingness to seek understanding and their openness to learning. The Greek word "λέγοντες" (legontes) is used, which can mean to say or to ask, indicating a verbal inquiry. This reflects a common practice in rabbinic tradition where disciples would pose questions to their teacher to gain deeper insight into spiritual truths.Who, then, is the greatest This question reveals the disciples' concern with status and rank within the kingdom of heaven. The Greek word "μείζων" (meizōn) means greater or greatest, and it reflects a worldly perspective on hierarchy and importance. The disciples, influenced by cultural norms, were seeking to understand how greatness is measured in the spiritual realm, perhaps expecting a response that aligned with earthly standards of power and prestige.in the kingdom of heaven? The "kingdom of heaven" is a central theme in Matthew's Gospel, representing God's sovereign rule and the realm where His will is perfectly fulfilled. The Greek phrase "ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τῶν οὐρανῶν" (en tē basileia tōn ouranōn) emphasizes a divine kingdom that contrasts with earthly kingdoms. This question underscores the disciples' struggle to grasp the nature of this kingdom, which is characterized by humility, service, and childlike faith, as Jesus will soon teach them. The kingdom of heaven is not about earthly power but about aligning with God's values and purposes.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XVIII.(1) Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?--St. Mark records more fully that they had disputed about this in the way, that our Lord, knowing their thoughts (<a href="/luke/9-47.htm" title="And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,">Luke 9:47</a>), asked them what had been the, subject of their debate, and that they were then silent. We may well believe that the promise made to Peter, and the special choice of the Three for closer converse, as in the recent Transfiguration, had given occasion for the rival claims which thus asserted themselves. Those who were less distinguished looked on this preference, it may be, with jealousy, while, within the narrower circle, the ambition of the two sons of Zebedee to sit on their Lord's right hand and on His left in His kingdom (<a href="/matthew/20-23.htm" title="And he said to them, You shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not my to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.">Matthew 20:23</a>), was ill-disposed to concede the primacy of Peter.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 1-35. - Discourse concerning the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and the mutual duties of Christians. (<a href="/mark/9-33.htm">Mark 9:33-50</a>; <a href="/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46-50</a>.) Verses 1-4. - The greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Verse 1. - At the same time; literally, in that hour. The narrator connects the following important discourse with the circumstances just previously related. Peter had completed the business of the didrachma, and had rejoined the body of disciples. These, according to St. Mark, had disputed about precedency on the way to Capernaum. Fired with the notion that their Master would ere long publicly assert his Messianic claims, which, in their view, implied temporal sovereignty and secular power, they looked forward to becoming dignitaries in this new kingdom. Three of them had been honoured with special marks of favour; one of them had been pre-eminently distinguished: how would it be when the coming empire was established? This had been the subject of conversation, and had given rise to some contention among them. Christ had marked the dispute, but had said nothing at the time. Now he gives them a lesson in humility, and teaches the spiritual nature of his kingdom, in which earthly pride and ambition find no place. From St. Mark we learn that Jesus himself took the initiative in the discourse, asking the disciples concerning their disputation on the road; and, when they were ashamed to answer, he added, "If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all." Our Gospel here takes up the story. The paradox seemed incomprehensible; so they put the question, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? The Greek is, Τίς ἄρα μαίζων ἐστὶν κ.τ.λ.; who then is greater? Vulgate, Quis, putas, major est? The illative particle "then" refers to what is recorded in St. Mark (Mark 9:34), or to some such difficulty in the querists' mind. They make the inquiry in the present tense, as though Christ had already selected the one who was to preside; and by the kingdom of heaven they mean the Messianic kingdom on earth, concerning which their notions did not yet rise above those of their contemporaries (comp. <a href="/acts/1-6.htm">Acts 1:6</a>). The comparative in the original, "greater," is virtually equivalent to the superlative, as it is translated in the Authorized Version. Such a question as the above could not have been asked had the apostles at this time recognized any absolute pre-eminence in Peter or acknowledged his supremacy. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/18-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>At 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. that ἐκείνῃ (ekeinē) Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1565.htm">Strong's 1565: </a> That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed. time ὥρᾳ (hōra) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5610.htm">Strong's 5610: </a> Apparently a primary word; an 'hour'. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative 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. disciples μαθηταὶ (mathētai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil. came προσῆλθον (prosēlthon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4334.htm">Strong's 4334: </a> From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to. to Jesus Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. [and] asked, λέγοντες (legontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <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. “Who Τίς (Tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. then ἄρα (ara) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_686.htm">Strong's 686: </a> Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive. is ἐστὶν (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] 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/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 18:1 In that hour the disciples came (Matt. 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