Matthew 18:4

4 Therefore whoever meeketh him[self] as this little child, he is [the] greater in the kingdom of heavens. [+Therefore whoever shall meek himself as this little child, he is the greater in the realm of heavens.]

Matthew 18:4 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 18:4

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself
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 to envy one another, or to set up one above another, or be vainly elated with the distinctions of birth and fortune.

The same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven;
in the Gospel church state; which was verified in the Apostle Paul, though not one of the twelve: nor are these words limited to them; at least, this passage may be illustrated in his case: he thought himself to be the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints, and unworthy to be called an apostle; yet had the largest measures of grace, the greatest gifts and abilities; and was honoured with the greatest usefulness and success in the preaching of the Gospel to the conversion of sinners, and planting of churches; labouring more abundantly than they all.

Matthew 18:4 In-Context

2 And Jesus called a little child, and put him in the middle of them; [And Jesus, calling a little child, set him in the midst of them;]

3 and said, I say truth to you [and said, Truly I say to you], but ye be turned, and [be] made as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heavens.

4 Therefore whoever meeketh him[self] as this little child, he is [the] greater in the kingdom of heavens. [+Therefore whoever shall meek himself as this little child, he is the greater in the realm of heavens.]

5 And he that receiveth one such little child in my name, receiveth me.

6 But whoso causeth to stumble one of these small [+Forsooth who shall offend one of these little], that believe in me, it speedeth to him that a millstone of asses be hanged in his neck, and [that] he be drowned in the deepness of the sea.