Matthew 18:4

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 18:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself, etc.] Whoever shall entertain mean thoughts of himself, and prefer others to himself, shall behave in a modest humble manner, not affecting dominion over others, or treating his brethren and Christians in a haughty and supercilious manner, with scorn and contempt; but condescend to those of the lowest state, and place himself in the lowest form, conversing with his friends freely and familiarly, without distinction, as this little child; or any other of the like age; for there is no reason to suppose, that there was anything peculiar in this child, which was not in another, it being common to children to behave towards one another, as on a level; not…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See also Mark 9:33-41; Luke 9:46-50. Who is the greatest in the kingdom, of heaven? - By the kingdom of heaven they meant the kingdom which they supposed he was about to set up - his kingdom as the Messiah. They asked the question because they supposed, in accordance with the common expectation of the Jews, that he was about to set up a temporal kingdom of great splendor, and they wished to know who should have the principal offices, and posts of honor and profit. This was among them a frequent subject of inquiry and controversy. Mark Mark 9:34 informs us that they had had a dispute on this subject in the way. Jesus, he says, inquired of them what they had been disputing about. Luke Luke…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“humble: Mat 23:11, Mat 23:12; Psa 131:1, Psa 131:2; Isa 57:15; Luk 14:11; Pe1 5:5; Jam 4:10 greatest: Mat 18:1, Mat 20:26, Mat 20:27; Mar 10:43; Luk 9:48 Matthew 18:5”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification