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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 />He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jesus invited a little child to stand among them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And having summoned a child, He set it in their midst,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And He called a child to Himself and set him among them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And He called a child to Himself and set him before them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And He called a child to Himself and set him before them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And He called a child to Himself and set him before them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He called a little child and set him before them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He called a small child and had him stand among them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then He called a child to Him and had him stand among them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he called to him a little child, and set him in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jesus called for a child to come over and stand near him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he called to him a little child, and set him in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He called a little child and had him stand among them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So Jesus called a child to come and stand in front of them, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Calling a little child forward, he had him stand among them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jesus invited a little child to stand among them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He called a child, had him stand among them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He called a little child to himself, and set him in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Jesus called a little child to him, and set him in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />So He called a young child to Him, and, bidding him stand in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jesus having called near a child, set him in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And having summoned a child, He set it in their midst,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jesus having called near a child, did set him in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jesus, having called a young child, set it in the midst of them,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Jesus calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Jesus, calling to himself a little child, placed him in their midst.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He called a child over, placed it in their midst,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He called a child, whom he put among them,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So Jesus called a little boy, and made him to stand up in the midst of them,<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 Yeshua called a boy and stood him in their midst.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And Jesus called a little child to him, and placed him in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And Jesus calling a little child to Him, placed it in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And Jesus calling a little boy, set him in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />and Jesus called a child to him, set him in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />So He called a young child to Him, and, bidding him stand in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And, having called a little child to Him, He placed it in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And Jesus calling to <i>Him</i> a little child, set it in the midst of them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/18-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=5053" 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">1</span>At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4341.htm" title="4341: proskalesamenos (V-APM-NMS) -- To call to myself, summon. Middle voice from pros and kaleo; to call toward oneself, i.e. Summon, invite.">Jesus invited</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.">a little child</a> <a href="/greek/2476.htm" title="2476: estēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.">to stand</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auto (PPro-AN3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></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."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3319.htm" title="3319: mesō (Adj-DNS) -- Middle, in the middle, between, in the midst of. From meta; middle (neuter) noun).">among them.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">3</span>“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.…<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/9-36.htm">Mark 9:36-37</a></span><br />Then He had a little child stand among them. Taking the child in His arms, He said to them, / “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/9-47.htm">Luke 9:47-48</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-13.htm">Matthew 19:13-15</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/10-13.htm">Mark 10:13-16</a></span><br />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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-15.htm">Luke 18:15-17</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-2.htm">1 Peter 2:2</a></span><br />Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">1 Corinthians 14:20</a></span><br />Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a></span><br />At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-19.htm">Galatians 4:19</a></span><br />My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Ephesians 4:14</a></span><br />Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/131-1.htm">Psalm 131:1-2</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of David. My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty. I do not aspire to great things or matters too lofty for me. / Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-6.htm">Isaiah 11:6</a></span><br />The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/28-9.htm">Isaiah 28:9</a></span><br />Whom is He trying to teach? To whom is He explaining His message? To infants just weaned from milk? To babies removed from the breast?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Jesus called a little child to him, and set him in the middle of them,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/19-13.htm">Matthew 19:13,14</a></b></br> Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put <i>his</i> hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/3-7.htm">1 Kings 3:7</a></b></br> And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I <i>am but</i> a little child: I know not <i>how</i> to go out or come in.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/1-7.htm">Jeremiah 1:7</a></b></br> But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I <i>am</i> a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/148-8.htm">Bidding</a> <a href="/matthew/17-18.htm">Child</a> <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/16-8.htm">Little</a> <a href="/matthew/14-24.htm">Middle</a> <a href="/matthew/14-24.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/matthew/16-28.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/matthew/14-11.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/6-46.htm">Bidding</a> <a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Child</a> <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Little</a> <a href="/matthew/25-6.htm">Middle</a> <a href="/matthew/18-20.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/matthew/18-4.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 /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Jesus invited</b><br>This action by Jesus is significant as it demonstrates His intentional teaching method. Jesus often used everyday situations and objects to convey deeper spiritual truths. By inviting a child, He sets the stage for a lesson on humility and greatness in the kingdom of heaven. This invitation is a call to attention, emphasizing the importance of what He is about to teach.<p><b>a little child</b><br>In the cultural context of the time, children were considered low in social status and without power or influence. By choosing a child, Jesus challenges the disciples' understanding of greatness and status. The child represents innocence, dependence, and humility, qualities that are essential for those who wish to enter the kingdom of heaven. This act also foreshadows the value Jesus places on the "least of these" throughout His ministry.<p><b>to stand among them</b><br>The act of placing the child among the disciples is symbolic. It visually represents the centrality of humility and childlike faith in the community of believers. This positioning among the disciples serves as a direct contrast to their previous discussions about who would be the greatest in the kingdom. It underscores the message that true greatness is found in humility and service, not in status or power. This moment is a practical demonstration of Jesus' teaching that the last shall be first, and the first shall be last (<a href="/matthew/19-30.htm">Matthew 19:30</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure in the New Testament, the Son of God, who is teaching His disciples about the kingdom of heaven.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/little_child.htm">Little Child</a></b><br>Represents innocence, humility, and dependence, which Jesus uses as an example for His disciples.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a></b><br>Followers of Jesus who are being taught about the values of the kingdom of heaven.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/setting.htm">Setting</a></b><br>This event takes place during Jesus' ministry, likely in a house in Capernaum, where He often taught His disciples.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/childlike_humility.htm">Childlike Humility</a></b><br>Jesus uses a child to illustrate the humility required to enter the kingdom of heaven. Believers are called to adopt a posture of humility, recognizing their dependence on God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/innocence_and_purity.htm">Innocence and Purity</a></b><br>The child represents innocence and purity. Christians are encouraged to pursue purity in their thoughts and actions, striving to live lives that reflect the holiness of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>Just as a child depends on their parents, believers are to depend on God for guidance, provision, and strength. This dependence fosters a deeper relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/teachability.htm">Teachability</a></b><br>Children are naturally teachable and open to learning. Christians should maintain a teachable spirit, eager to grow in their understanding of God's Word and His will for their lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_care.htm">Community and Care</a></b><br>Jesus' action of calling a child among the disciples highlights the importance of community and caring for the vulnerable. Believers are called to create welcoming and nurturing environments for all, especially the least among us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_illegitimate_children.htm">What is the Bible's view on children born out of wedlock?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_daughters.htm">What does the Bible say regarding daughters?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_jesus_ever_experience_laughter.htm">Did Jesus ever experience laughter?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_deut._2_34_just_and_merciful.htm">Deuteronomy 2:34 describes the total destruction of entire cities, including children; how can this be reconciled with a merciful and just God?</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>(2) <span class= "bld">Jesus called a little child unto him.</span>--As the conversation was "in the house" (<a href="/mark/9-33.htm" title="And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that you disputed among yourselves by the way?">Mark 9:33</a>), and that house probably was Peter's, the child may have been one of his. As in other like incidents (<a href="/matthew/19-13.htm" title="Then were there brought to him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.">Matthew 19:13</a>; <a href="/context/matthew/21-15.htm" title="And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased,">Matthew 21:15-16</a>), we may recognise in our Lord's act a recognition of the special beauty of childhood, a tender love for the gracious trust and freedom from rivalry which it shows when, as yet, the taint of egotism is undeveloped. St. Mark adds that He folded His arms round the child as in loving fondness, and, before He did so, uttered the warning words, "If any one will (wishes to) be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." A late tradition of the Eastern Church identified the child with Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, taking the name which he gave himself as passive, <span class= "greekheb">????????</span> (Theo-phoros), "one who had been carried or borne by God." Ignatius himself, however, uses it in its active sense, "one who carries God within him."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A little child.</span> Our Lord teaches, not only by spoken parables, but by symbolical actions also. This was not a mere infant, as Christ is said to have <span class="cmt_word">called</span> <span class="cmt_word">him unto him.</span> A tradition, mentioned by Nicephorus ('Hist. Eccl.,' 2:35), asserts that this child was the famous martyr Ignatius. <span class="cmt_word">Set him in the midst of them.</span> Taking him in his arms, as St. Mark tells. What a picture of Christ's tenderness and human love! From the boy's trustfulness and submission he draws a needed lesson for the ambitious apostles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/18-2.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">[Jesus] called</span><br /><span class="grk">προσκαλεσάμενος</span> <span class="translit">(proskalesamenos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4341.htm">Strong's 4341: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call to myself, summon. Middle voice from pros and kaleo; to call toward oneself, i.e. Summon, invite.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a 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">to stand</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔστησεν</span> <span class="translit">(estēsen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2476.htm">Strong's 2476: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among them.</span><br /><span class="grk">μέσῳ</span> <span class="translit">(mesō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3319.htm">Strong's 3319: </a> </span><span class="str2">Middle, in the middle, between, in the midst of. From meta; middle (neuter) noun).</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/18-2.htm">Matthew 18:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/18-2.htm">Matthew 18:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/18-2.htm">Matthew 18:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/18-2.htm">Matthew 18:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/18-2.htm">Matthew 18:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/18-2.htm">Matthew 18:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/18-2.htm">Matthew 18:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/18-2.htm">Matthew 18:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/18-2.htm">Matthew 18:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/18-2.htm">Matthew 18:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/18-2.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 18:2 Jesus called a little child to himself (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/18-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 18:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/18-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 18:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:3" /></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>