Matthew 10:42

KJV

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)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:42 concludes Jesus's commission to His disciples, emphasizing that even the simplest act of kindness—giving a cup of cold water—to the humblest of His followers, when done out of a genuine recognition of their identity as disciples, will be seen and eternally rewarded by God. This verse underscores the profound spiritual significance of hospitality and service to fellow believers, regardless of the perceived magnitude of the deed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 10:42 serves as the culminating statement in Jesus's extensive discourse to His twelve disciples as He sends them out on their inaugural missionary journey. The preceding verses (Matthew 10:40-41) establish a foundational principle: receiving God's messengers (prophets and righteous individuals) is tantamount to receiving God Himself, and such reception guarantees a corresponding divine reward. Verse 42 broadens this principle dramatically, extending the promise of reward not only to those who receive prominent figures but also to those who offer even the most basic act of hospitality to "one of these little ones," highlighting the profound value God places on every act of service to His humble followers. This final instruction reinforces the interconnectedness of the disciples' mission with the broader kingdom work and God's faithful recompense.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, hospitality was not merely a social custom but a sacred obligation, particularly towards travelers, strangers, and those engaged in religious missions. Providing food, shelter, and especially water, was a fundamental expression of welcome and care in a harsh climate where resources could be scarce. A "cup of cold water" was a simple yet vital provision, often requiring effort (e.g., drawing from a deep well or spring) and representing a genuine act of compassion. The phrase "in the name of a disciple" was a culturally significant expression, indicating that the act was performed out of respect for, identification with, or allegiance to the person's identity and calling as a follower of Christ. This was not merely a casual favor but a conscious act of support for the kingdom work through its representatives.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several key themes central to the Gospel of Matthew and Christian discipleship. Firstly, it highlights the **Value of Humble Service**, demonstrating that God esteems the heart and motivation behind an act more than its material grandeur. The "cup of cold water only" signifies that even the most minimal, accessible acts of kindness are deeply meaningful in God's eyes. Secondly, it emphasizes **Identification with Christ's Followers**, as "one of these little ones" refers to humble believers, perhaps the vulnerable disciples themselves, or new converts. To serve them "in the name of a disciple" means recognizing their connection to Christ and serving them because of that connection. This theme resonates strongly with Jesus's later teaching in [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These"), where He declares that serving "the least of these my brethren" is equivalent to serving Him directly. Finally, the verse offers an **Assured Divine Reward**, promising that such acts "shall in no wise lose his reward." This reward is not necessarily material but encompasses spiritual blessing, divine recognition, and eternal recompense, underscoring God's faithfulness to remember and honor every genuine act of love and service, as affirmed in [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God is not unjust to forget your work and love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **little ones (Greek, _mikrós'_):** This term, meaning "small" in size, quantity, or dignity, is used here to refer to those who are humble, insignificant in the eyes of the world, or vulnerable. In the context of Matthew, it can refer to children (as in [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Offending Little Ones")), but more broadly, it encompasses humble believers, new converts, or even the disciples themselves in their dependent and often persecuted state. It emphasizes their spiritual vulnerability rather than their physical age.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** Beyond a mere label, "name" in biblical thought signifies character, authority, and identity. To do something "in the name of a disciple" means to act with a full understanding and acknowledgment of their identity as a follower of Christ, and thus, implicitly, to act for Christ's sake and for the advancement of His kingdom. It implies a recognition of their mission and a shared allegiance to the Lord they serve.
* **reward (Greek, _misthós'_):** This word denotes pay for service, wages, or recompense, which can be good or bad. Here, it refers to the positive divine recompense for acts of faithful service. It is not necessarily a material payment but a spiritual blessing, honor, and eternal recognition from God. The promise that one "shall in no wise lose his reward" is an emphatic assurance of God's perfect justice and faithfulness in honoring every act done for His sake.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only":** This clause describes the specific act of kindness. "Whosoever" indicates the universality of the promise, open to anyone. "One of these little ones" identifies the recipient as a humble, vulnerable believer. The "cup of cold water only" emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of the act, highlighting that even the smallest, most basic gesture of hospitality, devoid of grandiosity, holds profound value.
* **"in the name of a disciple":** This crucial phrase defines the motivation and context for the act. It means that the giver recognizes the recipient as a disciple of Christ and performs the act out of allegiance to Christ and His mission, identifying with the disciple's calling. It is not merely a random act of charity but a purposeful expression of solidarity with Christ's kingdom.
* **"verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.":** This is Jesus's solemn and emphatic promise. "Verily" (Greek: _amḗn_) introduces a statement of absolute truth and certainty. The double negative "shall in no wise lose" (Greek: _ou mḗ apóllymi_) provides the strongest possible assurance that the reward is absolutely guaranteed. God will faithfully honor every act of service done for His followers, for His sake.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 10:42 employs several powerful literary devices. **Understatement** is evident in "a cup of cold water only," which highlights the minimal nature of the act while simultaneously emphasizing its profound spiritual significance in God's eyes. This simple act serves as a **Metonymy** for any genuine act of kindness or hospitality offered to a believer. The phrase "verily I say unto you" (Greek: _amḗn légō hymîn_) functions as a strong **Affirmation** or **Solemn Declaration**, underscoring the absolute truth and certainty of Jesus's promise regarding the guaranteed reward. This authoritative pronouncement lends weight and credibility to the assurance that no act of service, however small, will go unnoticed or unrewarded by God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly reveals God's economy of grace and justice, demonstrating His meticulous attention to even the humblest acts of love performed for His kingdom. It underscores the theological truth that God values the heart and motivation behind an action more than its material scale. When we serve "one of these little ones" in the "name of a disciple," we are not merely serving a person, but participating in God's redemptive work, identifying with His mission, and expressing our love for Christ Himself. This principle elevates everyday acts of kindness into spiritually significant deeds, assuring believers that no genuine expression of love and support for fellow saints is ever forgotten by God, who perfectly sees and rewards all things done in faith.

* [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")
* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Remembers Your Work and Love")
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord by Helping the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 10:42 serves as a powerful encouragement and a profound challenge for every believer. It reminds us that our spiritual impact is not solely measured by grand gestures or public ministries, but often by the quiet, humble acts of kindness we extend to others, especially those who are vulnerable, struggling, or serving the Lord. This verse calls us to cultivate a heart of genuine hospitality and service, to be attentive to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to offer support not for human praise, but out of recognition of their identity as Christ's own. It assures us that every act of love, no matter how small—a listening ear, a word of encouragement, a simple meal, or indeed, a cup of cold water—when offered with a sincere heart "in the name of a disciple," is deeply valued by God and carries an eternal reward. This truth should free us from the pressure of always needing to do "big" things and empower us to faithfully engage in the "small" acts of love that build up the body of Christ and honor His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who are the "little ones" in my life or community whom God might be calling me to serve?**
* **What "cups of cold water"—simple acts of kindness, encouragement, or practical help—can I offer to fellow believers this week?**
* **How does the promise of an assured reward motivate or reshape my perspective on acts of service, especially those that go unnoticed by others?**

### FAQ
**Who are "these little ones" in Matthew 10:42?**

Answer: While the term "little ones" (Greek: _mikrós_) can sometimes refer literally to children, in this context, it most broadly refers to humble, vulnerable, or seemingly insignificant believers. This includes the disciples themselves, who were being sent out in a position of dependence and potential persecution, as well as any humble follower of Christ who might be overlooked or in need. It emphasizes their spiritual status as Christ's own, rather than their age or worldly standing.

**What does it mean to give "in the name of a disciple"?**

Answer: To give "in the name of a disciple" means that the act of kindness is performed specifically because the recipient is recognized as a follower of Christ. It implies acting out of respect for their identity as a disciple, in solidarity with their mission, and ultimately, out of allegiance to Christ Himself. It's not just a general act of charity, but one rooted in shared faith and a desire to support the work of God through His people.

**What kind of "reward" is promised in this verse?**

Answer: The "reward" (Greek: _misthós_) promised here is primarily a spiritual and eternal recompense from God, rather than necessarily a material or earthly one. It signifies divine recognition, blessing, and eternal favor. It assures believers that God sees and values every act of genuine love and service done for His sake, and He will faithfully honor it, ensuring that no such deed, no matter how small, will ever be forgotten or lose its eternal significance in His kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:42 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of the one who gave Himself entirely, not just a cup of cold water, but His very life, for the "little ones"—humanity lost in sin. His entire ministry was characterized by humble service, identifying with the marginalized and ministering to the vulnerable, embodying the very spirit He commends to His followers (cf. [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Furthermore, Christ Himself profoundly identifies with His "little ones"; when we serve them, we are, in essence, serving Him (as seen in [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These") and [Acts 9:4](/acts/9-4 "Acts 9:4 - Jesus Identifies with His Persecuted Church")). The "reward" promised is ultimately found in Christ Himself—the eternal life and fellowship with God that He secured through His sacrifice, and the privilege of participating in His ongoing kingdom work. Our acts of service, empowered by the Spirit and done in His name, become an extension of His own compassionate ministry, drawing us deeper into His likeness and securing for us the blessed inheritance that is ours in Him (cf. [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God and Christ")).

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

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.