Matthew 18:11

KJV

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} is come {G2064} to save {G4982} that which {G3588} was lost {G622}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the Son of Man came to save the lost.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 18:11, though sometimes bracketed in certain textual traditions, encapsulates the very essence of Jesus Christ's redemptive mission: His divine purpose in coming to earth was to actively seek out and rescue humanity from its lost and perishing state. This profound declaration serves as a foundational theological statement, underscoring God's compassionate initiative to restore those alienated by sin, setting the stage for the subsequent Parable of the Lost Sheep and revealing the immense value God places on every individual soul.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a significant discourse by Jesus concerning the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven, humility, and the value of "little ones" (likely referring to believers, especially new or vulnerable disciples). It immediately follows Jesus' teaching on the severe consequences of causing a "little one" to stumble and precedes the well-known [Parable of the Lost Sheep](/matthew/18-12-14 "Matthew 18:12-14 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep"). In this parable, a shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that has strayed, emphasizing God's relentless pursuit and immense care for each individual who is lost. Thus, Matthew 18:11 functions as a theological underpinning or a summary statement for the divine compassion illustrated in the parable, revealing the ultimate purpose behind God's active seeking.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "lostness" would have resonated deeply with a Jewish audience familiar with Old Testament themes of Israel straying from God's covenant and needing to be gathered. Shepherds were common figures in ancient Israel, and their diligence in caring for their flock was a well-understood metaphor for leadership and divine care. The "Son of Man" title, frequently used by Jesus, carries significant weight, drawing from [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receiving Dominion") where a human-like figure is given eternal dominion and authority. This title simultaneously emphasizes Jesus' humanity and His divine, authoritative role as the promised Messiah, who comes not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")).
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 18:11 powerfully articulates several core theological themes. Firstly, it highlights **The Mission of the Son of Man**, clearly stating Jesus' primary purpose for incarnation: to "save that which was lost." This is not a secondary objective but the very heart of His earthly ministry. Secondly, it addresses **The State of Humanity**, portraying mankind as "lost"—a condition implying spiritual alienation, separation from God, and an inability to find the way back independently. This lostness is a direct result of sin, as seen in passages like [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). Thirdly, the verse beautifully illustrates **Divine Initiative and Compassion**. God does not passively wait for humanity to find Him; instead, He actively "comes" in the person of Jesus to seek and rescue. This theme of God's proactive love is central to the Gospel, echoed by Jesus Himself in [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost"), where He declares, "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Finally, the verse points to **Salvation** as the ultimate outcome of Christ's mission—deliverance from the power and penalty of sin, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **For (Greek, _gár_):** This particle serves to assign a reason or provide an explanation for the preceding statement. In this context, it introduces the foundational theological truth that justifies and explains Jesus' concern for the "little ones" and His subsequent teaching on the lost sheep. It signifies that His mission to save the lost is the underlying principle for His entire ministry.
* **is come (Greek, _érchomai_):** This verb signifies a purposeful arrival or movement. Here, it denotes Jesus' intentional incarnation and presence on earth. It emphasizes that His coming was not accidental or coincidental, but a deliberate act of God, fulfilling divine prophecy and initiating the plan of salvation.
* **lost (Greek, _apóllymi_):** While this word can mean "to destroy fully" or "to perish," in this context, it refers to a state of being astray, wandering, or in spiritual peril. It describes humanity's condition apart from God—alienated, without direction, and facing ruin unless rescued. It implies a dire need for intervention, aligning with the imagery of a sheep that has wandered away from the safety of the flock.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the Son of man is come":** This clause identifies the agent and the action. "The Son of man" is Jesus' self-designation, emphasizing both His true humanity and His unique, divinely appointed authority as the Messiah. His "coming" signifies His incarnation, His deliberate entry into human history, not as an observer, but as an active participant with a specific purpose.
* **"to save that which was lost":** This clause states the explicit purpose of Jesus' coming. The infinitive "to save" (Greek: _sṓzō_) indicates the goal of His mission: to deliver, heal, preserve, and make whole. "That which was lost" refers to humanity in its fallen, sinful, and alienated state—those who are spiritually adrift, separated from God, and unable to find their way back on their own. This phrase encompasses all individuals in need of redemption.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Identification** is central, as Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as "the Son of Man," a title rich with Old Testament prophetic **Allusion** (especially to [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man in Daniel's Vision")) that underscores His unique authority and messianic role. The phrase "to save that which was lost" uses **Metaphor** and **Synecdoche**. "Lost" functions metaphorically to describe humanity's spiritual condition of being astray from God, akin to a wandering sheep. "That which was lost" is also a form of synecdoche, where a part (the lost individual) stands for the whole (all humanity in need of salvation). The entire verse functions as a concise **Thesis Statement**, encapsulating the overarching purpose of Jesus' earthly ministry and providing the theological framework for the subsequent Parable of the Lost Sheep.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 18:11 serves as a concise yet profound summary of God's redemptive heart, revealing that His ultimate desire is not judgment but salvation. It underscores the divine initiative in seeking out humanity, which is inherently lost due to sin, and highlights the unparalleled compassion of God embodied in Jesus Christ. This verse is a testament to the Gospel's core message: God's love is so great that He sent His Son to bridge the chasm created by sin, offering rescue and restoration to all who believe. It sets the stage for understanding the depth of God's pursuit of every individual soul, emphasizing that each life holds immeasurable value in His eyes.

* [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")
* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")
* [1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 18:11 offers profound comfort and a clear call to action for every believer. For those who feel adrift, burdened by past mistakes, or separated from God, this verse is a beacon of hope, assuring them that Jesus' primary purpose was to find and save them. It reminds us that no one is too far gone, too broken, or too lost for His redemptive reach. His mission was not to condemn, but to restore. For believers, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the immense value God places on every individual. Just as Jesus actively sought the lost, so too are His followers called to embody His heart, extending compassion, grace, and the message of salvation to those around them who are spiritually lost. It fuels our passion for evangelism and mission, compelling us to participate in the divine work of seeking and saving, mirroring the Good Shepherd's love for His flock.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I recognize my own "lostness" and ongoing need for Christ's saving work in my life?**
* **How does the truth that Jesus came to save the lost impact my view of those who are far from God?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to participate in Christ's mission of seeking and saving the lost in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why is Matthew 18:11 sometimes bracketed or omitted in certain Bible translations?**

Answer: The bracketing or omission of [Matthew 18:11](/matthew/18-11 "Matthew 18:11 - The Son of Man Came to Save the Lost") in some modern translations, particularly those based on critical Greek texts (like the NIV, ESV, NASB), stems from textual criticism. This verse is present in the Textus Receptus (the Greek text underlying the King James Version) but is absent from some of the earliest and most reliable Greek manuscripts, such as Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus. Scholars believe it was likely a marginal note or an interpolation from [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost") that found its way into later manuscripts. Despite its textual uncertainty in Matthew, the theological truth it expresses is undeniably affirmed elsewhere in Scripture, particularly in Luke's Gospel, making its message consistent with the broader biblical narrative of Jesus' mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 18:11 stands as a profound declaration of Christ's redemptive purpose, revealing the very heart of God's plan for humanity. Jesus, as the "Son of Man," embodies the divine initiative to seek and save those who are spiritually lost. This mission finds its ultimate fulfillment in His sacrificial death and resurrection. He did not merely come to identify the lost, but to pay the ultimate price for their redemption, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus provides the means by which humanity, alienated by sin, can be reconciled to God ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Was Reconciling the World to Himself")). His resurrection demonstrates His victory over sin and death, offering new life and eternal salvation to all who believe ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Raised to Walk in Newness of Life")). Thus, Matthew 18:11 is not just a statement of intent, but a prophecy of the glorious work Christ would accomplish, culminating in the establishment of His church, which continues His mission of seeking and saving the lost until His return ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")).

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.