Matthew 18:10

See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples immediately after the hyperbolic warnings against sin (18:8–9), pivoting from self-protection to how they treat the "little ones" among them.

The words — kataphronēsēte (καταφρονήσητε) is not passive indifference but active, deliberate contempt — the Gk. term for looking down on someone as lesser. Mikrōn (μικρῶν) marks them as "little ones," a designation for those of low status or humble standing who follow Jesus.

The thread — The angelic guard and access to God's face echo Psalms 91:11 and 34:7, while Hebrews 1:14 frames angels as ministering spirits sent to serve the inheritors of salvation.

Why it lands — The verse forbids contempt toward the humblest believer on the ground that each one has a heavenly representative with continuous access to God's presence. To despise a "little one" is to act against a reality that outstrips your own standing.

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

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Cross-references

Psalms 91:11 For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
Psalms 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.
Hebrews 1:14 Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Luke 16:22 One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried.
2 Kings 6:16 “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
Acts 12:7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists.
Matthew 1:20 But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 18:6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
Matthew 18:14 In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
Genesis 32:1 Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him.