Bible Strands
Matthew 18:5
And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses His disciples immediately after defining kingdom greatness through childlike humility. The text situates this statement within a direct teaching on status and vulnerability in the kingdom.
The words — The Greek ἐὰν δέξηται (ean dexētai) literally means "if he receives," and παιδίον (paidion) translates directly to "little child." The text states that receiving such a child in Jesus' name is equivalent to receiving Jesus Himself.
The thread — The text links hospitality toward the vulnerable or sent messengers with direct communion with Christ in Matthew 25:40, Mark 9:37, and John 13:20. These passages consistently apply the same principle of representative reception across different contexts.
Why it lands — The text demands practical hospitality toward children as a direct response to Jesus' authority. It requires readers to treat vulnerable individuals with the same reverence due to Christ Himself.
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
And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
Cross-references
- Matthew 25:40 And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
- Mark 9:37 “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.”
- John 13:20 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me.”
- Galatians 4:14 And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself.
- Matthew 10:40 He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me.
- Matthew 25:45 Then the King will answer, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’
- Mark 9:41 Indeed, if anyone gives you even a cup of water because you bear the name of Christ, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.
- Luke 9:48 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.”
- Luke 17:1 Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come!