Mark 9:37

KJV

Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whosoever {G3739}{G1437} shall receive {G1209} one {G1520} of such {G5108} children {G3813} in {G1909} my {G3450} name {G3686}, receiveth {G1209} me {G1691}: and {G2532} whosoever {G3739}{G1437} shall receive {G1209} me {G1691}, receiveth {G1209} not {G3756} me {G1691}, but {G235} him that sent {G649} me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the One who sent me."

Berean Standard Bible

“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.”

American Standard Version

Whosoever shall receive one of such little children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 9:37 presents a profound teaching from Jesus, delivered immediately after His disciples' dispute about greatness, revealing that true reception of Him and the Father is found in humble service and welcoming those considered insignificant. It establishes a profound identification: to receive a child in Jesus' name is to receive Jesus Himself, and to receive Jesus is to receive the Father who sent Him, thereby redefining kingdom values and highlighting the divine authority inherent in selfless love.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a critical teaching moment following the disciples' private argument about who was greatest (Mark 9:33-34). Jesus, aware of their discussion, uses a child as a living object lesson. He first teaches that "If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all" (Mark 9:35). He then takes a child, places him in their midst, and embraces him (Mark 9:36), demonstrating the posture of humility and welcome. Mark 9:37 then expands on this action, linking the reception of the child directly to the reception of Jesus and, ultimately, God the Father. This passage closely parallels accounts in [Matthew 18:1-5](/matthew/18-1-5 "Matthew's Account of Humility") and [Luke 9:46-48](/luke/9-46-48 "Luke's Parallel Teaching on Greatness"), underscoring its significance in Jesus' ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, and particularly within Jewish society, children held a significantly lower status than adults. They possessed no legal rights, no social standing, and were often seen as dependents or property rather than individuals with inherent dignity. They were not typically included in public discussions or considered models for emulation. Jesus' act of placing a child in the center and using him as an example of greatness was revolutionary and counter-cultural. It challenged the prevailing hierarchical structures and the disciples' own ambitions for status and power within what they perceived as an earthly kingdom. This teaching would have been particularly jarring to a society that valued age, wisdom, wealth, and social standing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes of Mark's Gospel and Jesus' teaching. Firstly, it underscores **humility and service** as the foundational principles of God's Kingdom, directly contrasting with worldly notions of power and prestige (Mark 9:35). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **identification with Jesus**, asserting that acts of compassion and welcome extended to the vulnerable are, in essence, acts of welcoming Christ Himself. This theme is further developed in passages like [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats"), where service to "the least of these" is equated with service to the King. Finally, it emphasizes **divine authority and unity**, revealing the profound connection between Jesus and God the Father. To receive Jesus is to receive the One who sent Him, affirming Jesus' divine mission and His essential unity with the Father, a concept frequently articulated in John's Gospel (e.g., [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "Jesus: 'He who has seen me has seen the Father'")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _déchomai'_):** This word signifies more than a mere physical taking. It implies a welcoming, accepting, and embracing of someone with hospitality and genuine care. It suggests an open heart and a willingness to extend favor and kindness, especially to those who might otherwise be overlooked or rejected. In this context, it speaks to a deliberate act of embracing the child, not just tolerating their presence.
* **children (Greek, _paidíon'_):** This term refers to a young child, an infant, or even a half-grown boy or girl. Figuratively, it can also refer to an immature Christian. In this context, it primarily represents the vulnerable, the lowly, the dependent, and those without social standing or power. Jesus uses the child as a symbol of humility and insignificance in the eyes of the world, making His teaching on welcoming them all the more radical.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** More than just a label, "name" here encompasses the full character, authority, and purposes of Jesus. To receive someone "in my name" means to receive them as Jesus would, acting according to His values, embodying His character, and for the advancement of His kingdom. It signifies an action done not merely *by* His authority, but *as an extension* of His very being and mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me:":** This clause establishes a profound identification. Jesus declares that an act of welcoming and caring for a child—a symbol of the humble, the vulnerable, and the socially insignificant—when done "in His name" (i.e., according to His character, authority, and purposes), is equivalent to receiving Jesus Himself. It implies that Jesus identifies deeply with the marginalized and that genuine discipleship involves embracing those whom the world disregards.
* **"and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.":** This second clause extends the identification further, creating a divine chain of reception. It states that welcoming Jesus is not an end in itself, but rather an act of welcoming God the Father, who sent Jesus into the world. This emphasizes Jesus' unique relationship with the Father and His divine mission. To accept Jesus is to accept the very will and presence of God. The "not me, but him that sent me" highlights that Jesus is the perfect representative of the Father; He does not draw attention to Himself but directs it to the Father, even in the act of being received.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 9:37 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, with the "child" representing not only literal children but also the vulnerable, the humble, and the "least of these" in society. Jesus uses this tangible symbol to teach an abstract spiritual truth about humility and service. The verse also features **parallelism** and a form of **chain-link structure**, where "receiving a child" leads to "receiving me," which in turn leads to "receiving him that sent me." This creates a profound theological progression, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these acts of reception. Furthermore, there is an element of **paradox**, as the path to receiving God is shown to be through the seemingly insignificant act of welcoming a child, subverting worldly expectations of greatness and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 9:37 is a cornerstone passage for understanding Christian humility, service, and the nature of God's Kingdom. It radically redefines greatness, shifting it from worldly ambition and status to humble service and identification with the vulnerable. The verse reveals the profound unity within the Godhead, demonstrating that Jesus is the perfect embodiment and representative of the Father's will and character. To embrace Jesus' values of compassion and selflessness towards the "least of these" is to participate in the divine mission and to welcome the very presence of God. This teaching underscores that authentic faith is not merely intellectual assent but active, compassionate engagement with the world, particularly its marginalized members.

* [Matthew 10:40](/matthew/10-40 "Receiving the Sent One")
* [John 13:20](/john/13-20 "Receiving Jesus' Messengers")
* [Galatians 4:14](/galatians/4-14 "Receiving Paul as an Angel of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 9:37 challenges us to re-evaluate our understanding of significance and service in a world often driven by status and self-promotion. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing that true spiritual greatness is found not in seeking recognition or power, but in selflessly serving others, especially those who are overlooked, vulnerable, or seemingly insignificant. This verse reminds us that every act of kindness, compassion, and welcome extended to another human being, particularly to the "least of these," is an act of worship and direct service to Jesus Himself. It transforms our daily interactions into opportunities to encounter and honor Christ, and through Him, to welcome the Father. Our hospitality, our care for the marginalized, and our willingness to embrace the humble are tangible expressions of our reverence for God and our commitment to His kingdom values.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, like the disciples, tend to prioritize personal status or recognition over humble service?**
* **How does Jesus' identification with "one of such children" challenge my perception of who is worthy of my time, attention, and resources?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to "receive" someone who might be considered insignificant or overlooked, thereby receiving Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "receive one of such children in my name"?**

Answer: To "receive one of such children" means to welcome, accept, and care for those who are vulnerable, humble, or socially insignificant, much like a child in ancient society. It implies extending hospitality, compassion, and genuine care to them. Doing this "in my name" (Jesus' name) means acting with Jesus' authority, embodying His character, and for His purposes. It's not just a superficial act, but one rooted in Christ's love and humility. It means seeing the inherent dignity and value in every person, especially the marginalized, because Jesus Himself identifies with them. This concept is beautifully illustrated in [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These"), where Jesus states, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 9:37 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent example of the One who "received" the humble and the outcast, consistently identifying with the marginalized throughout His earthly ministry. From His birth in a humble manger (Luke 2:7) to His association with tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:15-17), Jesus embodied the very principle He taught. He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). His ultimate act of "receiving" humanity was on the cross, where He embraced the full weight of sin and suffering, becoming "sin for us" (2 Corinthians 5:21) so that we might be received into the family of God. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus opened the way for all, regardless of their status or perceived insignificance, to be received by God the Father. Thus, when believers welcome the vulnerable in His name, they are not only imitating Christ but also participating in the ongoing mission of the One who perfectly revealed the Father's welcoming heart (John 14:6-9) by becoming the ultimate "child" of humanity, dependent and vulnerable, yet through whom all are reconciled to God (Colossians 1:19-20).

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.

Matthew 18:5

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Matthew 10:40

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Matthew 10:42

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.

Luke 10:16

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

Luke 9:48

And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

John 12:44

¶ Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.