Matthew 18:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} whoso {G3739}{G1437} shall receive {G1209} one {G1520} such {G5108} little child {G3813} in {G1909} my {G3450} name {G3686} receiveth {G1209} me {G1691}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me;

Berean Standard Bible

And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 18:5, set within Jesus' discourse on kingdom values, profoundly declares that welcoming and caring for a humble "little child" in His name is tantamount to receiving Jesus Himself. This verse extends the teaching on humility from the preceding verses, emphasizing that true greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven is demonstrated not by status or power, but by embracing the vulnerable and marginalized, thereby manifesting a direct reception of Christ's presence and authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 18:5 is an integral part of Jesus' "Discourse on the Church," delivered to His disciples in Capernaum. The chapter begins with the disciples' question about who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven ([Matthew 18:1](/matthew/18-1 "Matthew 18:1 - Disciples Ask About Greatness")). Jesus responds by calling a "little child" and placing him in their midst, declaring that unless they "turn and become like little children," they will never enter the kingdom of heaven ([Matthew 18:2-3](/matthew/18-2-3 "Matthew 18:2-3 - Becoming Like Children")). He further states that whoever humbles himself "like this little child" is the greatest ([Matthew 18:4](/matthew/18-4 "Matthew 18:4 - Humility as Greatness")). Verse 5 then builds on this foundation, shifting from the internal quality of humility to the external act of receiving those who embody it, or those who are vulnerable, thereby connecting the internal disposition with outward action and identifying such acts directly with Himself. The subsequent verses warn against causing "one of these little ones" to stumble ([Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Warning Against Causing Stumbling")), reinforcing the high value Jesus places on these individuals.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In 1st-century Jewish society, children generally held a low social status. They were not considered independent legal entities, possessed no rights, and were largely seen as property or apprentices, dependent on adults for survival and instruction. Their value was often tied to their future potential as laborers or heirs, rather than their inherent worth as individuals. This cultural backdrop makes Jesus' actions and words in Matthew 18 all the more revolutionary. By setting a child as the paradigm for kingdom greatness and identifying Himself with the act of receiving such a one, Jesus radically subverts prevailing social norms. His teaching elevates the vulnerable and powerless, demonstrating God's preferential option for the humble and dependent, a stark contrast to the hierarchical and status-conscious societies of His time.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Kingdom Values**, revealing the "upside-down" nature of God's kingdom where greatness is found in humility, dependence, and service, rather than worldly power or prestige. The child serves as a powerful symbol of these qualities. Secondly, it highlights **Identification with Christ**, a profound theological truth where Jesus explicitly links acts of kindness and acceptance shown to the humble and vulnerable directly to Himself. This principle is echoed elsewhere, such as when Jesus states that receiving His messengers is equivalent to receiving Him ([Matthew 10:40](/matthew/10-40 "Matthew 10:40 - Receiving Messengers")), and most powerfully in His teaching on the Last Judgment, where serving "the least of these" is serving Him directly ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")). Thirdly, the phrase "in my name" introduces the theme of **Christ's Authority and Character**, implying that such reception is not merely a charitable act but one motivated by allegiance to Christ, reflecting His own compassionate heart and purposes. Finally, the verse implicitly touches on **Care for the Vulnerable**, establishing a kingdom ethic that prioritizes the protection and nurturing of those who are often overlooked or marginalized by society.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _déchomai_):** This verb (G1209) is a middle voice form of a primary verb, meaning "to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)." It implies an active, intentional welcoming or acceptance. Unlike merely "taking" something, _déchomai_ suggests a posture of hospitality, openness, and often, an embrace of what is offered or presented. In this context, it signifies not just physical reception, but an internal posture of acceptance and affirmation of the person.
* **little child (Greek, _paidíon_):** This neuter diminutive (G3813) of _paîs_ refers to a "childling" of either sex, an infant, or by extension, a half-grown boy or girl. Figuratively, it can refer to an immature Christian. Here, while literally referring to a child, it carries symbolic weight, representing those who are humble, dependent, vulnerable, and perhaps lacking social standing or power, mirroring the qualities Jesus previously commended in [Matthew 18:3-4](/matthew/18-3-4 "Matthew 18:3-4 - Becoming Like Children and Humbling Oneself").
* **name (Greek, _ónoma_):** Derived from a presumed root related to knowing (G3686), "name" refers not just to a designation but to the very authority, character, and reputation of a person. To act "in my name" (G1909 _epí_ + G3450 _moû_ + G3686 _ónoma_) means to act by Jesus' authority, in alignment with His character, for His purposes, and as His representative. It signifies a deep identification with Christ's mission and values.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whoso shall receive one such little child":** This clause sets the condition for the profound statement that follows. "Whoso" (G3739 _hós_ + G1437 _eán_) emphasizes the universality of the principle – anyone who performs this action. The phrase "one such little child" refers not only to literal children but, in light of the preceding verses, also to those who embody the humility and dependence characteristic of children, or those who are vulnerable, insignificant, or marginalized in the eyes of the world. To "receive" (G1209 _déchomai_) implies an active, intentional welcoming, acceptance, and care, extending beyond mere tolerance to genuine affirmation and hospitality.
* **"in my name":** This crucial phrase defines the motivation and authority behind the act of reception. It means to receive the child not out of mere human kindness, social obligation, or self-interest, but because of one's allegiance to Jesus Christ, in recognition of His authority, and in a manner that reflects His character and purposes. It implies acting as Christ's representative, with His compassion and love, and for His glory. This transforms a simple act of charity into a profound spiritual act.
* **"receiveth me":** This is the startling and profound consequence of the act. Jesus declares a direct identification between Himself and the "little child" (or the humble/vulnerable one). By welcoming such a person with Christ-like motivation, the individual is, in a very real and spiritual sense, welcoming Jesus Himself. This highlights Jesus' solidarity with the marginalized and His intimate connection to those who embody kingdom humility. It elevates the seemingly small act of receiving a child to an act of cosmic significance, demonstrating that service to the least of these is service to the Lord of glory.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 18:5 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, as the "little child" functions not only as a literal child but also as a symbol for humility, dependence, and vulnerability—qualities Jesus previously extolled as essential for kingdom greatness. This symbolic representation allows the teaching to extend beyond literal children to all who are "least" in the world's eyes. **Identification** is another key device, where Jesus explicitly equates the reception of the child with the reception of Himself. This direct correlation creates a powerful theological statement about Christ's solidarity with the humble and marginalized. Furthermore, the verse presents a profound **Paradox** or **Inversion**, characteristic of kingdom ethics: worldly greatness is often sought through power and status, but Jesus reveals that true greatness, and even the reception of the divine, is found in humbling oneself and serving the seemingly insignificant. This "upside-down" kingdom logic challenges conventional human wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 18:5 is a cornerstone for understanding Christian ethics and the nature of God's kingdom. It reveals that the heart of God is profoundly oriented towards the humble, the dependent, and the vulnerable. The verse elevates the act of hospitality and care for such individuals from a mere good deed to a direct encounter with Christ. It teaches that our treatment of the "least of these" is a litmus test of our genuine relationship with Jesus, demonstrating that true discipleship involves embodying Christ's own humility and compassion. This principle has profound implications for how the church should operate, prioritizing the marginalized and fostering an environment where all, especially the vulnerable, are welcomed and valued as Christ Himself.

* [Matthew 10:40](/matthew/10-40 "Matthew 10:40 - Receiving Messengers of Christ")
* [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")
* [Mark 9:37](/mark/9-37 "Mark 9:37 - Receiving a Child in Jesus' Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 18:5 calls believers to a radical posture of humility and service, challenging us to re-evaluate our priorities and perceptions of greatness. It compels us to look beyond superficial appearances and societal status, recognizing the inherent dignity and value that God places on every individual, especially those who are weak, dependent, or overlooked. To receive "one such little child" in Jesus' name means to actively extend compassion, protection, and welcome to all who are vulnerable—whether literal children, the poor, the marginalized, the oppressed, or those lacking power and influence. Our actions towards these individuals are not just acts of charity, but acts of worship, for in serving them, we are serving Christ Himself. This verse urges us to cultivate a heart that mirrors Jesus' own, prioritizing the needs of others and embracing the "upside-down" values of the kingdom, where true greatness is found in humble, Christ-centered service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, like the disciples, seek greatness or recognition in worldly terms, rather than through humility and service?**
* **Who are the "little children" or vulnerable individuals in my life, community, or the wider world that Jesus is calling me to "receive" in His name?**
* **How does understanding that "receiving them is receiving Jesus" change my motivation and approach to serving others?**
* **What practical steps can I take to embody greater humility and compassion in my daily interactions, reflecting Christ's heart for the marginalized?**

### FAQ

**Does "little child" in Matthew 18:5 only refer to literal children?**

Answer: While the immediate context involves a literal child, the phrase "one such little child" carries significant symbolic weight. In light of [Matthew 18:3-4](/matthew/18-3-4 "Matthew 18:3-4 - Becoming Like Children and Humbling Oneself"), where Jesus uses the child as an example of humility and dependence, the "little child" in verse 5 extends to represent anyone who embodies these qualities or who is vulnerable, weak, marginalized, or lacking social standing in the eyes of the world. This includes not only literal children but also the poor, the oppressed, the sick, the outcasts, and those who are humble in spirit. The core message is about welcoming and valuing those whom society often overlooks or disregards.

**What does it mean to receive someone "in my name"?**

Answer: To receive someone "in my name" (Greek: _en tō onomati mou_) is far more than simply uttering Jesus' name. It signifies acting with Jesus' authority, in alignment with His character, and for His purposes. It means that the act of reception is motivated by one's allegiance to Christ, reflecting His own compassionate heart and divine will. It implies recognizing the inherent value of the individual as God's creation and acting out of a desire to honor Christ, rather than for personal gain, social recognition, or mere humanistic charity. It transforms a simple act of kindness into a profound spiritual act of worship and identification with Christ's mission.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of hospitality in the Bible?**

Answer: Matthew 18:5 is a powerful expression of biblical hospitality, which is often understood as welcoming the stranger, the vulnerable, and the outsider. Unlike mere social politeness, biblical hospitality, as seen here, is an act of faith and obedience that recognizes Christ's presence in the one being welcomed. It aligns with the Old Testament command to care for the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow ([Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18-19 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God Loves the Sojourner")) and finds its ultimate expression in Jesus' teaching that when we care for "the least of these," we are caring for Him ([Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats")). This verse elevates hospitality to a Christ-centered act, where the host becomes a channel for Christ's love and the guest, in a sense, becomes a vessel for Christ's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 18:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus, the Son of God, perfectly embodied the very humility He calls His disciples to emulate. He did not cling to His divine status but "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). His entire ministry was characterized by welcoming the "little children" of society—the tax collectors, sinners, the sick, the poor, and the marginalized—those whom the religious elite often scorned. He consistently identified with the outcast, declaring that He came "not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" ([Luke 5:32](/luke/5-32 "Luke 5:32 - Jesus Calls Sinners")). By His incarnation, Jesus Himself became "one such little child," dependent and vulnerable, entering humanity to redeem it. His death on the cross, the ultimate act of self-giving love, was for "the least of these" among us, demonstrating that God's love extends to all who are humble and in need of grace ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Therefore, when we receive "one such little child in my name," we are not merely imitating Christ's actions; we are participating in His ongoing mission, extending His radical welcome, and experiencing His very presence, for He has promised to be with us "always, even unto the end of the world" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - 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.

Cross-References

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 9:37

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.

Galatians 4:14

And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, [even] as Christ Jesus.

John 13:20

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Luke 17:1

¶ Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe [unto him], through whom they come!

Luke 17:2

It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

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.