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.

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}.

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!"

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.”

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.

Commentary

Matthew 10:42 concludes a significant discourse by Jesus to His twelve disciples as He sends them out on their first missionary journey. This verse highlights the profound spiritual value of even the smallest acts of kindness and hospitality shown to those who follow Him.

Context

In Matthew chapter 10, Jesus commissions His disciples, empowering them to preach the kingdom of heaven, heal the sick, cleanse lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils. He warns them of the persecution they will face and instructs them on how to conduct themselves. The preceding verses (Matthew 10:40-41) discuss the reception of prophets and righteous men, establishing the principle that receiving God's messengers is equivalent to receiving God Himself and will bring a prophet's or righteous man's reward. Verse 42 extends this principle to include even the humblest act of service to "one of these little ones." The immediate context emphasizes the identification of the giver with the disciple's mission and, by extension, with Christ Himself.

Key Themes

  • The Value of Small Acts of Kindness: The phrase "a cup of cold water only" signifies the simplest, most fundamental act of hospitality and charity. It suggests that even without great resources, anyone can offer meaningful support. This emphasizes that the heart behind the giving, not the magnitude of the gift, is what truly matters to God.
  • Identifying with Christ's Followers: "One of these little ones" refers to humble believers, perhaps those who are vulnerable, new in faith, or simply the disciples themselves in their dependence. To serve them "in the name of a disciple" means to serve them because they are a disciple of Christ, recognizing their connection to Him. This theme is powerfully echoed later in Jesus' teaching about serving "the least of these my brethren" as serving Christ Himself.
  • Assured Reward: The promise, "he shall in no wise lose his reward," assures believers that every act of genuine service and generosity, no matter how small, is seen and valued by God. This reward is not necessarily material wealth but a spiritual blessing, recognition, and eternal recompense from God, who "is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love".

Linguistic Insights

The term "little ones" (Greek: mikros) is used in the New Testament to refer to those who are humble, insignificant in the eyes of the world, or children. Here, it likely encompasses both the vulnerable nature of the disciples as they embark on their mission and, more broadly, any humble believer. The phrase "in the name of a disciple" means not just identifying the recipient as a disciple, but acting out of respect for or allegiance to the disciple's identity and mission, which is ultimately Christ's mission.

Practical Application

This verse profoundly encourages believers to practice hospitality and acts of service, however humble, toward fellow Christians, especially those who are serving God. It reminds us that our simple gestures of kindness, done with a heart of genuine love and identification with Christ, are highly esteemed by God. It challenges us to look for opportunities to support and refresh those who are weary in ministry or struggling in their faith, knowing that such actions carry an eternal reward. Even a small act of generosity can be a powerful testimony of faith and love.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 6:10 (18 votes)

    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 (18 votes)

    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 (16 votes)

    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 (16 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    ¶ 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 (9 votes)

    Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.