Bible Strands
Matthew 18:1
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The disciples approach Jesus at a specific moment and ask, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1)
The words — The Greek ὥρᾳ (hōra) marks the precise timing of the inquiry, while προσῆλθον (prosēlthon) describes the deliberate act of the disciples coming to Him.
The thread — The pursuit of status reappears when Jesus questions the disciples about their journey discussion (Mark 9:33), when a dispute breaks out over greatness (Luke 9:46), and when Zebedee’s mother seeks elevated positions for her sons (Matthew 20:20).
Why it lands — The text presents a direct question about rank that forces the reader to confront where they locate their own ambitions relative to the kingdom’s standards before examining the surrounding teaching.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
Cross-references
- Mark 9:33 Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the house, He asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?”
- Luke 9:46 Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.
- Matthew 20:20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him.
- Luke 22:24 A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest.
- Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
- Matthew 23:11 The greatest among you shall be your servant.
- Mark 10:35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and declared, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”
- Mark 10:14 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.
- Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
- Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.