Matthew 10:42

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Indeed, if someone gives just a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my talmid -- yes! -- I tell you, he will certainly not lose his reward!"

Berean Standard Bible:

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”

American Standard Version:

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you he shall in no wise lose his reward.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} whosoever^{G3739}^{G1437} shall give to drink^{G4222} unto one^{G1520} of these^{G5130} little ones^{G3398} a cup^{G4221} of cold^{G5593} water only^{G3440} in^{G1519} the name^{G3686} of a disciple^{G3101}, verily^{G281} I say^{G3004} unto you^{G5213}, he shall in no wise^{G3364} lose^{G622} his^{G846} reward^{G3408}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Hebrews 6:10

For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Matthew 25:40

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

Mark 9:41

¶ For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

Mark 9:42

And whosoever shall offend one of [these] little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Matthew 18:10

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.

2 Corinthians 9:6

¶ But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:15

Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.

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Commentary for Matthew 10:42

Matthew 10:42 is part of the Gospel according to Matthew, which is one of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament. This verse is situated within the larger discourse known as the Mission Discourse, where Jesus sends out his twelve disciples to spread his message and perform miracles. The historical context of this verse is rooted in the early first century, during the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in the region of Galilee.

The theme of Matthew 10:42 is the importance of hospitality and compassion towards others, especially those who are followers of Jesus, referred to here as "these little ones." The verse emphasizes that even the smallest act of kindness, such as offering a cup of cold water to a disciple because they are a follower of Jesus, will not go unrecognized. Jesus assures that such an act, done with the right intention—"in the name of a disciple"—will be rewarded. This reflects the broader Christian teaching that acts of kindness and service to others are significant and pleasing to God.

In the cultural context of the time, water was a precious resource, and offering a cup of cold water would have been a gesture of genuine care and refreshment, particularly in the hot and arid climate of the Middle East. By highlighting this simple act, Jesus teaches that no service done for his sake is insignificant, and those who act in this manner will receive divine approval and reward. This verse thus encourages believers to live out their faith through concrete acts of generosity and to recognize the inherent value in serving others, regardless of the magnitude of the act.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

Strong's Number: G2532
There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: καί
Transliteration: kaí
Pronunciation: kahee
Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Strong's Number: G3739
There are 1215 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὅς
Transliteration: hós
Pronunciation: ho
Description: probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article ὁ); the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that:--one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also οὗ.
Strong's Number: G1437
There are 254 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐάν
Transliteration: eán
Pronunciation: eh-an'
Description: from εἰ and ἄν; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty:--before, but, except, (and) if, (if) so, (what-, whither-)soever, though, when (-soever), whether (or), to whom, (who-)so(-ever). See μή.
Strong's Number: G4222
There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ποτίζω
Transliteration: potízō
Pronunciation: pot-id'-zo
Description: from a derivative of the alternate of πίνω; to furnish drink, irrigate:--give (make) to drink, feed, water.
Strong's Number: G1520
There are 235 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἷς
Transliteration: heîs
Pronunciation: hice
Description: a primary numeral; one:--a(-n, -ny, certain), + abundantly, man, one (another), only, other, some. See also εἷς καθ’ εἷς, μηδείς, μία, οὐδείς.
Strong's Number: G5130
There are 68 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: τούτων
Transliteration: toútōn
Pronunciation: too'-tone
Description: genitive case plural masculine or neuter of οὗτος; of (from or concerning) these (persons or things):--such, their, these (things), they, this sort, those.
Strong's Number: G3398
There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: μικρός
Transliteration: mikrós
Pronunciation: mik-rot'-er-os
Description: apparently a primary word; small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity):--least, less, little, small.
Strong's Number: G4221
There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ποτήριον
Transliteration: potḗrion
Pronunciation: pot-ay'-ree-on
Description: neuter of a derivative of the alternate of πίνω; a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e. a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate:--cup.
Strong's Number: G5593
There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ψυχρός
Transliteration: psychrós
Pronunciation: psoo-chros'
Description: from ψύχος; chilly (literally or figuratively):--cold.
Strong's Number: G3440
There are 66 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: μόνον
Transliteration: mónon
Pronunciation: mon'-on
Description: neuter of μόνος as adverb; merely:--alone, but, only.
Strong's Number: G1519
There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἰς
Transliteration: eis
Pronunciation: ice
Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
Strong's Number: G3686
There are 214 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὄνομα
Transliteration: ónoma
Pronunciation: on'-om-ah
Description: from a presumed derivative of the base of γινώσκω (compare ὀνίνημι); a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character):--called, (+ sur-)name(-d).
Strong's Number: G3101
There are 252 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: μαθητής
Transliteration: mathētḗs
Pronunciation: math-ay-tes'
Description: from μανθάνω; a learner, i.e. pupil:--disciple.
Strong's Number: G281
There are 208 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀμήν
Transliteration: amḗn
Pronunciation: am-ane'
Description: of Hebrew origin (אָמֵן); properly, firm, i.e. (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it):--amen, verily.
Strong's Number: G3004
There are 1244 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: λέγω
Transliteration: légō
Pronunciation: leg'-o
Description: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
Strong's Number: G5213
There are 567 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὑμῖν
Transliteration: hymîn
Pronunciation: hoo-min'
Description: irregular dative case of ὑμεῖς; to (with or by) you:--ye, you, your(-selves).
Strong's Number: G3364
There are 84 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: οὐ μή
Transliteration: ou mḗ
Pronunciation: oo may
Description: i.e. οὐ and μή; a double negative strengthening the denial; not at all:--any more, at all, by any (no) means, neither, never, no (at all), in no case (wise), nor ever, not (at all, in any wise). Compare μὴ οὐκ.
Strong's Number: G622
There are 86 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀπόλλυμι
Transliteration: apóllymi
Pronunciation: ap-ol'-loo-mee
Description: from ἀπό and the base of ὄλεθρος; to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively:--destroy, die, lose, mar, perish.
Strong's Number: G846
There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: αὐτός
Transliteration: autós
Pronunciation: ow-tos'
Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
Strong's Number: G3408
There are 28 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: μισθός
Transliteration: misthós
Pronunciation: mis-thos'
Description: apparently a primary word; pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad:--hire, reward, wages.

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