Matthew 18:5

5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Matthew 18:5 in Other Translations

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

5 "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,

5 “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.

5 What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me.

5 And whoever welcomes one child like this in My name welcomes Me.

Matthew 18:5 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 18:5

And whoso shall receive one such little child
Which is to be understood, not literally but metaphorically; meaning not such an one in age, but one, as the Syriac renders it, (and aylj Kya) , "that is as this child": like unto it for modesty and humility; one, that is as that, free from pride, ambition, and envy. Christ's sense is, that whoever receives his disciples, that are meek and lowly, into their houses, or into their hearts and affections; that receives their ministry and message, embraces the Gospel preached by them with readiness and cheerfulness, with faith and love,

in my name;
on his account, because they are his disciples, believe in him, preach his Gospel, and, as being sent by, and representing him,

receiveth me:
it is so taken by Christ, as if he was personally present, and personally received, and had all the favours shown to his, done to himself in person; yea, such receive Christ in the ministry of the word, he being the sum and substance of it. This is said to encourage modesty and humility; and intimates, that proud and haughty persons will not be received as the disciples and followers of the meek and lowly Jesus; and to encourage persons to receive such that are modest and humble, since the respect shown to them, is all one as if shown to him.

Matthew 18:5 In-Context

3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!

Cross References

• 1. Matthew 10:40