Luke 18:17

KJV

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Whosoever {G3739} shall {G1209} not {G3362} receive {G1209} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} as {G5613} a little child {G3813} shall {G1525} in no wise {G3364} enter {G1525} therein {G1519}{G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes! I tell you that whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will not enter it at all!”

Berean Standard Bible

Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

American Standard Version

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:17 presents a profound and absolute declaration from Jesus Christ regarding the essential disposition required for entry into the Kingdom of God. Following an interaction where His disciples sought to prevent children from approaching Him, Jesus uses the inherent qualities of a child—such as dependence, humility, and unreserved trust—as a powerful metaphor, asserting that unless one embraces these characteristics, access to God's sovereign reign is impossible. This teaching underscores the radical nature of Kingdom values, which stand in stark contrast to human notions of merit, status, or self-sufficiency.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This potent declaration immediately follows Jesus' tender interaction with little children (Luke 18:15-16), where He rebukes His disciples for hindering them and proclaims that "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Verse 17 then serves as an emphatic, explanatory statement, clarifying *why* the Kingdom belongs to those with a childlike disposition. It also acts as a crucial thematic bridge to the subsequent narrative of [the rich young ruler](/luke/18-18-30 "Luke 18:18-30 - The Rich Young Ruler"), who embodies the very self-reliance and attachment to earthly status that stands in opposition to the humility Jesus champions. Parallels to this teaching are found in [Matthew 18:3](/matthew/18-3 "Matthew 18:3 - Becoming Like Children") and [Mark 10:15](/mark/10-15 "Mark 10:15 - Receiving the Kingdom as a Child"), highlighting its significance across the Synoptic Gospels.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world and even within Jewish society of Jesus' time, children held a relatively low social status. They possessed no legal rights, no independent standing, and were entirely dependent on adults. They were often seen as property or as incomplete adults, lacking wisdom, power, and influence. By elevating children as the paradigm for Kingdom entry, Jesus subverts conventional societal values. He challenges a hierarchical system that valued power, wealth, and status, instead pointing to a radical humility and dependence that was counter-cultural. This perspective would have been startling to His audience, particularly those who prided themselves on their religious knowledge, social standing, or material possessions.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 18:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **Radical Humility and Dependence**, emphasizing that entry into God's Kingdom is not earned through human effort, intellectual achievement, or social standing, but is a gift received through a posture of utter reliance on God, much like a child depends entirely on its parents. This contrasts sharply with the self-sufficiency often prized by adults. Furthermore, the verse reinforces the **Nature of the Kingdom of God** as a realm of divine grace and sovereign rule, which is accessible only to those who humble themselves and are willing to be taught and led. Jesus consistently teaches that the Kingdom is for the "poor in spirit" ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit")) and those who acknowledge their need, rather than the self-righteous. Finally, it underscores the **Exclusivity of Kingdom Entry**, with Jesus' emphatic "in no wise enter therein" demonstrating that this childlike disposition is not merely preferred but is an absolute, non-negotiable prerequisite for experiencing God's reign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn'_):** Of Hebrew origin, this word properly means "firm" or "trustworthy." As an adverb, it signifies "surely" or "truly," often used by Jesus as an interjection, "so be it." Here, it functions as a solemn and emphatic affirmation, underscoring the absolute truth and certainty of the statement that follows. It signals a weighty and foundational teaching.
* **receive (Greek, _déchomai'_):** This verb, in the middle voice, means "to receive" in various applications, implying a welcoming, an acceptance, or taking something offered. It suggests a passive receptivity rather than an active acquisition or earning. In the context of the Kingdom of God, it highlights that the Kingdom is a gift to be welcomed and embraced, not a prize to be achieved through human merit or effort.
* **little child (Greek, _paidíon'_):** This is a neuter diminutive of the word for "child," referring to an infant or a half-grown boy or girl. Figuratively, it can refer to an immature Christian. In this context, it refers to the qualities inherent in a young child: complete dependence, unpretentious trust, lack of self-sufficiency, humility, and an open, receptive mind. It is not about childishness or immaturity, but about these specific virtues.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily I say unto you,"**: Jesus begins with a strong, authoritative affirmation, "Verily" (Amen), signaling the profound importance and absolute truth of His forthcoming statement. This phrase often introduces a crucial teaching or a divine truth.
* **"Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God"**: This clause sets the condition for entry. The "kingdom of God" refers to God's sovereign rule and reign, both present and future, spiritual and ultimate. To "receive" it implies accepting it as a gift, welcoming its authority, and submitting to its principles, rather than earning or achieving it. The negative "shall not receive" establishes a barrier to entry.
* **"as a little child"**: This is the critical comparative element. The "little child" serves as the paradigm for the required disposition. It is not about intellectual capacity or physical age, but about the inherent qualities of a child: dependence, humility, trust, lack of pretense, and a complete reliance on another (in this case, God). It means approaching God's reign with an open, trusting, and humble heart, devoid of adult pride or self-sufficiency.
* **"shall in no wise enter therein."**: This is an absolute and emphatic denial of entry. The double negative "in no wise" (Greek: *ou mḗ*) strengthens the denial, meaning "not at all" or "by no means." It underscores the non-negotiable nature of the childlike disposition. Without this posture of humble receptivity, access to the Kingdom of God is utterly impossible.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:17 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where Jesus uses the "little child" not literally, but as a symbolic representation of the spiritual qualities necessary for salvation and discipleship—namely, humility, dependence, and trust. This is further emphasized by **Comparison**, as the phrase "as a little child" directly likens the required spiritual posture to the natural disposition of a young child. There is also an element of **Paradox**, as Jesus elevates the least powerful and most dependent members of society (children) as the model for entering the most powerful and sovereign realm (the Kingdom of God), thereby subverting conventional wisdom that values strength and self-reliance. Finally, the use of **Hyperbole** or strong **Emphasis** is evident in the double negative "shall in no wise enter therein," which serves to underscore the absolute and non-negotiable nature of this requirement, leaving no room for alternative paths or exceptions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:17 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the nature of salvation and the Kingdom of God. It profoundly teaches that entry into God's sovereign reign is not a matter of human achievement, intellectual prowess, social status, or religious merit, but rather a gift received through humble, dependent faith. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on grace, where salvation is God's unmerited favor, freely given and freely received. The "childlike" disposition highlights the spiritual bankruptcy and utter dependence on God that is foundational to true faith. It counters any notion of self-righteousness or earned righteousness, instead pointing to a posture of complete reliance on Christ's finished work and God's benevolent provision. This humility is not a weakness but the very strength that allows one to fully embrace God's transforming power and His Kingdom.

* [Matthew 18:3](/matthew/18-3 "Matthew 18:3 - Becoming Like Children")
* [1 Peter 2:2](/1_peter/2-2 "1 Peter 2:2 - Craving Spiritual Milk")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:17 serves as a powerful and enduring call to self-examination for every believer. It challenges us to critically assess the posture of our hearts before God. Are we approaching Him with the humble, trusting, and dependent spirit of a child, or are we clinging to our own perceived wisdom, strength, or accomplishments? To "receive the kingdom of God as a little child" means acknowledging our spiritual poverty and utter reliance on God's grace for everything—salvation, guidance, strength, and provision. It calls us to shed the pride, self-sufficiency, and skepticism that often characterize adult life, and instead cultivate an open, teachable, and trusting heart that readily accepts God's truth and His sovereign rule. This verse encourages a radical abandonment of self-reliance in favor of complete dependence on the Father, fostering a deep sense of humility and gratitude that allows us to truly experience the fullness of His Kingdom in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own strength or wisdom, rather than humbly depending on God?**
* **What specific qualities of a child—such as trust, dependence, or lack of pretense—do I need to cultivate more deeply in my spiritual walk?**
* **How does my understanding of "receiving" the Kingdom of God impact my daily walk and my view of salvation?**
* **What pride or self-sufficiency might be hindering my deeper experience of God's grace and His Kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "receive the kingdom of God"?**

Answer: To "receive the kingdom of God" means to accept and embrace God's sovereign rule and reign in one's life. It implies a willing submission to His authority, His will, and His values. It is not something one earns or achieves through effort, but rather a divine gift that is welcomed and appropriated by faith. This reception involves acknowledging one's need for God, trusting in His provision, and allowing His transforming power to govern one's heart and actions. It signifies a profound shift from self-rule to God's rule, entering into a relationship where God is King and one is His humble subject, benefiting from the blessings and responsibilities of His divine governance. This concept is central to Jesus' teaching, as seen in passages like [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God").

**What specific qualities of a little child is Jesus referring to in this verse?**

Answer: Jesus is not advocating for childishness or immaturity. Rather, He is highlighting the positive, inherent qualities of a young child that are essential for Kingdom entry. These include: **Dependence:** A child is utterly dependent on its parents for provision, protection, and guidance, reflecting our complete reliance on God. **Humility:** Children generally lack the pride, pretense, and self-importance that adults often develop. They are open to learning and correction. **Trust:** A child typically places implicit trust in its caregivers, mirroring the unreserved faith required to trust God's promises and character. **Receptivity:** Children are naturally open to receiving, whether it's gifts, instruction, or love, without feeling the need to earn it or prove themselves worthy. These qualities stand in stark contrast to the self-sufficiency, pride, and skepticism that can hinder adults from truly embracing God's grace.

**Is this verse about salvation or discipleship?**

Answer: Luke 18:17 speaks to both salvation and ongoing discipleship, though its primary emphasis is on the fundamental disposition required for initial entry into the Kingdom of God (salvation). The phrase "shall in no wise enter therein" points to a prerequisite for experiencing God's reign. This initial "receiving" of the Kingdom through humble faith is the gateway to salvation. However, the childlike disposition of humility, dependence, and trust is also crucial for continuous growth in discipleship. As believers, we are called to maintain this posture throughout our Christian walk, continually relying on God, remaining teachable, and submitting to His will. Therefore, while foundational for salvation, the principles of this verse extend to the entire journey of following Christ, as seen in how Jesus invites His followers to [take His yoke upon them and learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble in heart](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Take My Yoke Upon You").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the quintessential example of one who "received the kingdom of God as a little child," not in the sense of needing salvation, but in His perfect humility and utter dependence on the Father. Though fully God, Christ "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Self-Emptying Humility")), demonstrating the ultimate act of humble submission and reliance on God's will, even to the point of death on a cross. He consistently lived in perfect dependence on the Father, stating, "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do" ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son's Dependence on the Father")). Jesus is the door to the Kingdom, and He exemplifies the very posture required to enter it. His life of perfect humility, obedience, and trust in the Father provides the pattern for all who would follow Him and receive the Kingdom. Through His sacrificial death, He made it possible for us, who are spiritually poor and dependent, to be adopted as children of God ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Receiving Christ and Becoming Children of God")), thereby entering into the Kingdom by grace through faith, mirroring the very childlike trust He taught and lived.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 18:3

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Mark 10:15

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

Psalms 131:1

¶ A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.

Psalms 131:2

Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul [is] even as a weaned child.

1 Peter 1:14

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: