Matthew 18:14

KJV

Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even so {G3779} it is {G2076} not {G3756} the will {G2307} of {G1715} your {G5216} Father {G3962} which {G3588} is in {G1722} heaven {G3772}, that {G2443} one {G1520} of these {G5130} little ones {G3398} should perish {G622}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus your Father in heaven does not want even one of these little ones to be lost.

Berean Standard Bible

In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

American Standard Version

Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 18:14 stands as a profound declaration of God's benevolent and active will, revealing the Heavenly Father's deep desire that not even one of His "little ones"—those who are humble, vulnerable, or new in faith—should ever be lost to spiritual ruin. This verse encapsulates the divine heart of redemption, emphasizing the immeasurable value God places on every individual soul and His relentless pursuit to preserve them within His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant section of Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - Teachings on Humility and Forgiveness"), often referred to as the "Discourse on Humility and Forgiveness." The chapter begins with the disciples' question about who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven, prompting Jesus to call a child and declare that greatness is found in humility and childlike faith ([Matthew 18:1-4](/matthew/18-1-4 "Matthew 18:1-4 - Jesus Teaches Humility")). Following this, Jesus issues a severe warning against causing these "little ones" to stumble ([Matthew 18:6-9](/matthew/18-6-9 "Matthew 18:6-9 - Warnings Against Causing Others to Stumble")). The immediate precursor to verse 14 is the [Parable of the Lost Sheep](/matthew/18-12-13 "Matthew 18:12-13 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep"), where a shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for one that has gone astray, rejoicing greatly when it is found. Matthew 18:14 serves as the interpretive key and theological summation of this parable, directly linking the shepherd's diligent search to the Father's divine will for the salvation of the vulnerable.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first-century Jewish world, children generally held a low social status and possessed little to no legal standing. They were dependent and often overlooked. By using a child as an example of humility and then extending the term "little ones" to encompass vulnerable believers, Jesus subverts conventional societal values. His teaching elevates the status of the marginalized and highlights God's particular care for those whom society might deem insignificant. The imagery of a shepherd and his flock was also deeply resonant in an agrarian society, and it carried rich Old Testament connotations of God as the Shepherd of His people, providing, protecting, and seeking out the lost (e.g., [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd") or [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - God's Judgment Against the Shepherds of Israel")). This context underscores the radical nature of Jesus' emphasis on the value of every individual, especially the vulnerable.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Divine Will for Salvation**, asserting that the Father's ultimate desire is for the preservation and salvation of His people, not their destruction. This echoes the sentiment found in [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance"), where it states that the Lord is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." Secondly, it underscores the **Immense Value of Every Individual** in God's eyes. The parable of the lost sheep, immediately preceding this verse, vividly illustrates that even one "little one" is worth the diligent pursuit of the Shepherd, reflecting the profound love of God for each soul. Finally, it implicitly calls for the **Protection of the Vulnerable** within the community of faith. The warning against causing these "little ones" to stumble ([Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Warning Against Causing Others to Stumble")) combined with the Father's will for their preservation, places a clear responsibility on believers to nurture and safeguard those who are spiritually young, weak, or easily led astray.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **will (Greek, _thélēma'_):** From G2307, this word signifies a determination, purpose, decree, or volition. In this context, it refers to God the Father's active, benevolent, and fixed purpose. It is not merely a passive desire but an intentional, sovereign resolve concerning the destiny of His "little ones." This "will" is foundational to His character and redemptive plan.
* **little ones (Greek, _mikrós'_):** From G3398, meaning small in size, quantity, number, or figuratively, dignity. While it can literally refer to children, in the broader context of Matthew 18, it extends to those who are humble, vulnerable, new in faith, or considered insignificant by the world. It encompasses disciples who are weak, easily influenced, or prone to stumbling, highlighting their dependence and need for care.
* **perish (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** From G622, meaning to destroy fully, to perish, or to lose, literally or figuratively. In this theological context, "perish" does not refer to physical death but to spiritual ruin, eternal separation from God, or being ultimately lost from His presence. It signifies a state of spiritual destruction and eternal damnation, emphasizing the seriousness of the Father's desire for their salvation and preservation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine decree and the source of this profound truth. "Even so" (G3779, _hoútō_) links directly back to the preceding parable of the lost sheep, indicating that just as the shepherd rejoices over finding one lost sheep, so too does the Heavenly Father. The phrase "not the will" (G3756, _ou_ + G2307, _thélēma_) is a strong negation, asserting definitively that God's purpose is contrary to the perishing of His children. The identification of God as "your Father which is in heaven" (G3962, _patḗr_ + G1722, _en_ + G3772, _ouranós_) emphasizes His personal relationship with believers, His supreme authority, and His perfect, loving nature.
* **"that one of these little ones should perish."**: This clause specifies the object and outcome of the Father's will. "That" (G2443, _hína_) introduces the purpose or result. "One of these little ones" (G1520, _heîs_ + G5130, _toútōn_ + G3398, _mikrós_) highlights the individual value God places on each person, no matter how humble or vulnerable. The use of "one" underscores the meticulous care and attention God gives to each soul. The verb "should perish" (G622, _apóllymi_) describes the dire spiritual consequence that God actively wills against, confirming His desire for their eternal well-being and salvation rather than their spiritual destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 18:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Emphasis through Negation**, where Jesus states what is *not* the Father's will ("not the will") to underscore what *is* His will—the preservation of the little ones. This creates a strong, unambiguous declaration. There is also clear **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like volition and desire ("will," "not willing") to God the Father, making His divine purpose relatable and understandable to human listeners. The phrase "one of these little ones" uses **Synecdoche**, where "one" represents the whole category of vulnerable believers, emphasizing the individual significance within the larger group. Finally, the verse functions as a **Theological Statement** that interprets the preceding parable, drawing a direct theological conclusion from the narrative action of the shepherd, thus elevating the parable's practical lesson to a divine principle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 18:14 is a cornerstone verse that illuminates the very character of God, portraying Him as a loving, compassionate Father who actively desires the eternal well-being of His children. It underscores the profound truth that God's redemptive purpose is inclusive and extends to the most vulnerable, reflecting His boundless grace and mercy. This divine will for salvation is not merely a passive hope but an active, sovereign commitment that shapes His interaction with humanity and forms the basis for the mission of the church to seek and save the lost. The verse challenges any notion of a distant or indifferent deity, instead presenting a God who is intimately concerned with the destiny of every individual soul, particularly those who might be overlooked or deemed insignificant by the world.

* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")
* [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance")
* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 18:14 offers immense comfort and a profound challenge to believers. For those who feel small, overlooked, or even lost in their faith journey, this verse is a powerful assurance that the Heavenly Father sees them, values them, and actively desires their spiritual flourishing and eternal salvation. It reminds us that our worth is not determined by worldly standards of greatness or strength, but by God's infinite love and His specific will for our preservation. This truth should instill deep confidence and peace, knowing that we are held securely in His divine purpose.

Beyond personal comfort, this verse calls the church and individual Christians to embody the Father's heart. We are mandated to extend radical care and protection to the "little ones" among us—new converts, those struggling with doubt, the marginalized, and the vulnerable. This means actively working against anything that might cause them to stumble, providing nurturing discipleship, offering compassionate support, and relentlessly pursuing those who have strayed, just as the shepherd sought the one lost sheep. Our actions within the community of faith should reflect God's unwavering commitment to prevent spiritual loss, ensuring that no one perishes due to neglect, harshness, or lack of guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that it is "not the will of your Father... that one of these little ones should perish" impact your understanding of God's character and love?**
* **In what ways might you, or your community, inadvertently cause "little ones" to stumble, and what steps can be taken to prevent this?**
* **Considering God's active desire for the preservation of the vulnerable, how might this influence your approach to evangelism, discipleship, and pastoral care?**
* **If you identify as one of the "little ones," how does this verse reassure you about your value and security in God's hands?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "little ones" Jesus refers to in Matthew 18:14?**

Answer: The "little ones" (Greek: _mikroi_) in [Matthew 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - Teachings on Humility and Forgiveness") primarily refer to those who are humble in spirit, childlike in their faith, or vulnerable within the community of believers. While the chapter begins with Jesus using an actual child as an example of humility ([Matthew 18:2-4](/matthew/18-2-4 "Matthew 18:2-4 - Jesus Uses a Child as an Example")), the term quickly expands to include new converts, those weak in faith, or any disciple who is easily overlooked, marginalized, or susceptible to being led astray. It encompasses anyone who, in their spiritual journey, is dependent and in need of protection and nurturing, reflecting a spiritual state rather than solely a physical age.

**Does this verse imply universal salvation, meaning everyone will ultimately be saved?**

Answer: No, [Matthew 18:14](/matthew/18-14 "Matthew 18:14 - The Father's Will for the Little Ones") does not teach universal salvation. While it clearly states that it is "not the will of your Father... that one of these little ones should perish," this refers specifically to "these little ones"—those who are already identified as belonging to God's flock, those who are humble and vulnerable within the community of faith. The verse emphasizes God's active desire for the preservation of *His* children and the diligence with which He seeks to prevent their spiritual ruin. It highlights His character and redemptive purpose for those He has called, rather than asserting that all humanity, regardless of faith, will ultimately be saved. Other scriptures consistently affirm the necessity of faith and repentance for salvation ([John 3:16-18](/john/3-16-18 "John 3:16-18 - God So Loved the World"), [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through Jesus Alone")).

**What does it mean for God's "will" that one should "perish"?**

Answer: The "will" (Greek: _thélēma_) of God here refers to His benevolent and active purpose or desire. It means that God the Father does not intend or decree the spiritual destruction (Greek: _apóllymi_, to perish or be lost eternally) of those who are His. Instead, His will is for their salvation, preservation, and eternal life. This verse underscores God's deep compassion and His commitment to His covenant people. It contrasts God's loving desire with the tragic reality of spiritual loss, highlighting His active pursuit to prevent such an outcome for His "little ones." This divine will is perfectly aligned with His character as a loving Shepherd who seeks to gather and protect His flock.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 18:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the Father's will, the very manifestation of God's desire that not one of His "little ones" should perish. Jesus is the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"), who not only leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one lost sheep, but *is* the one who lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:15](/john/10-15 "John 10:15 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). His entire earthly ministry was a relentless pursuit of the lost, the marginalized, and the vulnerable—the very "little ones" His Father wills to preserve. From His incarnation, humbling Himself to become one of us ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility")), to His compassionate healing and teaching of the crowds, Jesus consistently sought out those whom society deemed insignificant. Ultimately, His atoning death on the cross and His resurrection are the supreme acts by which the Father's will is accomplished, providing the means by which "little ones" are rescued from perishing and granted eternal life ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). Through Christ, the Father's will to save is not merely a desire but a glorious, accomplished reality, ensuring that all who come to Him will never be lost ([John 6:39](/john/6-39 "John 6:39 - Jesus Will Lose None of Those the Father Has Given Him")).

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

2 Peter 3:9

¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

John 6:39

And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

John 6:40

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 17:12

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

Isaiah 40:11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

Zechariah 13:7

¶ Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man [that is] my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: