Luke 18:17

17 "Truly I say to you, ¹whoever * does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all."

Luke 18:17 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 18:17

Verily I say unto you
, Christ takes an occasion from hence to teach his disciples humility, and guard them against pride and vanity:

whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God;
the King Messiah, the doctrines of the Gospel, and the ordinances of it, even the whole Gospel dispensation;

as a little child;
without prejudice, pride, ambition, and vanity, with meekness, and humility:

shall in no wise enter therein;
a very unfit and improper person to be a professor of the Gospel; or to be admitted to Gospel ordinances: or be a member of a Gospel church; or be reckoned a subject of the Messiah's kingdom, which is of a spiritual nature; and as he has not a meetness for, and a right unto the kingdom of glory, he shall never see it, and enjoy it.

Luke 18:17 In-Context

15 And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them.

16 But Jesus called for them, saying, "Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

17 "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all."

18 A ruler questioned Him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

19 And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.

Cross References

• 1. Matthew 18:3; Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:15; 1 Corinthians 14:20; 1 Peter 2:2