Luke 18:17

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Whosoever {G3739} shall {G1209} not {G3362} receive {G1209} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} as {G5613} a little child {G3813} shall {G1525} in no wise {G3364} enter {G1525} therein {G1519}{G846}.

Yes! I tell you that whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will not enter it at all!โ€

Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.โ€

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.

Commentary

Luke 18:17 presents a profound teaching from Jesus Christ about the necessary disposition for entering the Kingdom of God. Following an encounter where His disciples tried to prevent children from approaching Him, Jesus uses the innocence and dependence of children as a powerful metaphor for true faith.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' tender rebuke of His disciples for hindering little children from coming to Him (Luke 18:15-16). He had just declared that the Kingdom belongs to such as these. Verse 17 then serves as a direct, emphatic statement on the attitude required for entry. It also sets the stage for the subsequent encounter with the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-30), who struggles with the very self-sufficiency and pride that children lack. This teaching is also found in parallel accounts in Matthew 18:3 and Mark 10:15.

Key Themes

  • Childlike Humility and Trust: Jesus emphasizes that entering God's Kingdom is not about intellectual prowess, social status, or accumulated wealth, but about an attitude of humble dependence. A child inherently trusts, is open to receiving, and lacks the self-sufficiency and pride that often characterize adults.
  • Receiving the Kingdom: The word "receive" (Greek: dechomai) implies a welcoming, an acceptance of a gift, rather than achieving something through effort or merit. The Kingdom of God is a divine gift, not a human accomplishment.
  • Exclusivity of Entry: The phrase "shall in no wise enter therein" underscores the absolute necessity of this childlike disposition. There is no alternative path or workaround; this humility is a non-negotiable prerequisite.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "Verily" is Amen, a strong affirmation used by Jesus to emphasize the truth and certainty of His statement. The phrase "as a little child" (Greek: hลs paidion) refers to the qualities of a child, such as dependence, trust, lack of pretense, and willingness to be taught, rather than immaturity or naivety. It highlights the posture of humility and open receptivity required to embrace God's sovereign rule.

Practical Application

Luke 18:17 calls believers to a profound self-assessment. It challenges us to shed our pride, self-reliance, and perceived wisdom, and instead approach God with the simple, trusting heart of a child. This means acknowledging our spiritual bankruptcy and complete dependence on His grace. Just as a child relies entirely on its parents for provision and protection, we are called to rely wholly on God for salvation and guidance. This verse encourages us to embrace a posture of humility, openness, and eager receptivity to God's will and His transforming power in our lives, recognizing that the Kingdom is given to those who simply receive it in faith.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 18:3 (7 votes)

    And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

  • Mark 10:15 (6 votes)

    Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

  • Psalms 131:1 (5 votes)

    ยถ A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.

  • Psalms 131:2 (5 votes)

    Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul [is] even as a weaned child.

  • 1 Peter 1:14 (5 votes)

    As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: