Read the Bible
KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Matthew 18:2–8

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
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.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
¶ Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
Share
Email linkOpen a new message in your email app
Read chapter
More
Report an issueTell us about a text or study problem

PASSAGE SELECTION

Build from either side

7 selected · 3 available

Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

34 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 2

  1. Matthew 19:13–14Rank 1 from verse 2
    Open

    13¶ Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

    14But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

  2. 1 Kings 3:7Rank 2 from verse 2
    Open

    7And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.

  3. Mark 9:36–37Rank 3 from verse 2
    Open

    36And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

    37Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

  4. Jeremiah 1:7Rank 4 from verse 2
    Open

    7¶ But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

From verse 3

  1. Mark 10:14–15Rank 1 from verse 3
    Open

    14But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

    15Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

  2. 1 Peter 2:2Rank 2 from verse 3
    Open

    2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

  3. Matthew 19:14Rank 3 from verse 3
    Open

    14But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

  4. 1 Corinthians 14:20Rank 4 from verse 3
    Open

    20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

  5. Luke 18:16–17Rank 5 from verse 3
    Open

    16But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

    17Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

From verse 4

  1. James 4:10Rank 1 from verse 4
    Open

    10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

  2. Mark 10:43Rank 2 from verse 4
    Open

    43But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

  3. Luke 14:11Rank 3 from verse 4
    Open

    11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

  4. Luke 9:48Rank 4 from verse 4
    Open

    48And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

  5. Matthew 23:11–12Rank 5 from verse 4
    Open

    11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

    12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

From verse 5

  1. Matthew 25:40Rank 1 from verse 5
    Open

    40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

  2. John 13:20Rank 2 from verse 5
    Open

    20Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

  3. Mark 9:37Rank 3 from verse 5
    Open

    37Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

  4. Galatians 4:14Rank 4 from verse 5
    Open

    14And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

  5. Luke 17:1–2Rank 5 from verse 5
    Open

    1THEN said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

    2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

From verse 6

  1. Mark 9:42Rank 1 from verse 6
    Open

    42And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

  2. Luke 17:1–2Rank 2 from verse 6
    Open

    1THEN said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

    2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

  3. Matthew 18:10Rank 3 from verse 6
    Open

    10Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

  4. 2 Thessalonians 1:6–9Rank 4 from verse 6
    Open

    6Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

    7And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

    8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

    9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

  5. Matthew 18:14Rank 5 from verse 6
    Open

    14Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

From verse 7

  1. Luke 17:1Rank 1 from verse 7
    Open

    1THEN said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

  2. 1 Corinthians 11:19Rank 2 from verse 7
    Open

    19For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

  3. Matthew 26:24Rank 3 from verse 7
    Open

    24The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

  4. 1 Timothy 4:1–3Rank 4 from verse 7
    Open

    1NOW the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

    2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

    3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

  5. Jude 1:4Rank 5 from verse 7
    Open

    4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

From verse 8

  1. Matthew 5:29–30Rank 1 from verse 8
    Open

    29And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

    30And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

  2. Philippians 3:8–9Rank 2 from verse 8
    Open

    8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

    9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

  3. Luke 18:22–23Rank 3 from verse 8
    Open

    22Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

    23And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

  4. Romans 13:12Rank 4 from verse 8
    Open

    12The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

  5. Ezekiel 18:31Rank 5 from verse 8
    Open

    31¶ Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 18:2

COMBINED MEANING

called

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of call. Sense 1: To name. Sense 2: To summon or invite. Sense 3: To proclaim or address. Sense 4: To request.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

child

↗

1. A son or daughter; an offspring or descendant. 2. A young person or infant, considered by age or development. 3. In 'with child,' pregnant or carrying an unborn child. 4. One described as belonging to, derived from, characterized by, or dependent upon another person, group, or condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

set

↗

1. To put or place a person or thing in a position, relation, or condition; when passive, to be so placed, fixed, or adorned. 2. To establish, fix, appoint, assign, prescribe, or determine. 3. To arrange, prepare, present, display, or put in order or array. 4. To direct, turn, or firmly apply the face, heart, eyes, mind, affection, or action toward something. 5. To start, advance, send out, proceed on a course or work, or make an attack, as in set forward, set forth, or set upon where those meanings apply. 6. To value or esteem; or, in set at nought or set light by, to despise. 7. Of the sun, to go down.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

midst

↗

The middle, centre, interior, or intervening part of a place, body, company, or condition; among, within, surrounded by, or in the presence of persons or things.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 18:3

COMBINED MEANING

say

↗

Sense 1: To speak, declare, tell, or express. Sense 2: What is said.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

you

↗

The second-person plural pronoun referring to those being addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

except

↗

Sense 1: Unless; with the exclusion of; apart from. Sense 2: To exclude or leave out. Sense 3: To object or take exception.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

ye

↗

The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

children

↗

Sons or daughters; descendants; or persons likened to children by age, relation, or character.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

enter

↗

To go or come in; to penetrate; to become an ingredient or constituent part; to enter the mind.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

kingdom

↗

The rule, royal authority, government, realm, territory, subjects, or dominion of a king.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

heaven

↗

Sense 1: The firmament or expanse above the earth, including the sky and the region of the sun, moon, stars, clouds, rain, and flying creatures. Sense 2: The realm above spoken of as God's throne and dwelling place, and as the place of angels, heavenly beings, and the righteous. Sense 3: By metonymy, God, heavenly authority or source, or those who dwell there.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 18:4

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

humble

↗

Sense 1: Lowly in mind or condition; free from pride. Sense 2: To abase or bring low.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

child

↗

1. A son or daughter; an offspring or descendant. 2. A young person or infant, considered by age or development. 3. In 'with child,' pregnant or carrying an unborn child. 4. One described as belonging to, derived from, characterized by, or dependent upon another person, group, or condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

kingdom

↗

The rule, royal authority, government, realm, territory, subjects, or dominion of a king.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

heaven

↗

Sense 1: The firmament or expanse above the earth, including the sky and the region of the sun, moon, stars, clouds, rain, and flying creatures. Sense 2: The realm above spoken of as God's throne and dwelling place, and as the place of angels, heavenly beings, and the righteous. Sense 3: By metonymy, God, heavenly authority or source, or those who dwell there.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 18:5

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

child

↗

1. A son or daughter; an offspring or descendant. 2. A young person or infant, considered by age or development. 3. In 'with child,' pregnant or carrying an unborn child. 4. One described as belonging to, derived from, characterized by, or dependent upon another person, group, or condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

name

↗

Sense 1: A word, appellation, or designation by which a person or thing is called or known. Sense 2: The person or persons named or represented. Sense 3: Reputation, character, renown, or remembrance. Sense 4: The authority, behalf, or standing represented by a name. Sense 5: As a verb, to call, designate, or mention by name.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 18:6

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

offend

↗

Sense 1: To transgress, sin, or act wrongly against. Sense 2: To displease or scandalize; to cause oneself or another to stumble or fall into sin.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

believe

↗

Sense 1: To accept as true on testimony or evidence; to be persuaded. Sense 2: To trust or place confidence in.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

better

↗

Sense 1: More excellent, more fitting, or to a greater degree. Sense 2: To improve or make better.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

about

↗

1. Around or near in place, position, or movement; on every side, in a circuit, from place to place, or turned from one direction or state toward another. 2. Approximately in number, measure, distance, or time. 3. Concerning, occupied with, or engaged in a matter. 4. On the point of, intending, or attempting an action.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

drowned

↗

Sense 1: Submerged or overwhelmed in water; killed by drowning. Sense 2: Inundated as by a flood.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

depth

↗

Sense 1: Deepness. Sense 2: A deep place, sea, abyss, or downward extent. Sense 3: Figuratively, vast extent or what is profound and unsearchable.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

sea

↗

1. A great body or expanse of gathered waters, including a named sea or lake, in which ships and creatures move. 2. The large brazen or molten basin made for the temple and called a sea. 3. Something represented or compared as a sea.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 18:7

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

whom

↗

The objective form of who, referring to the person or persons acted upon or related to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 18:8

COMBINED MEANING

wherefore

↗

1. For that reason, or as a conclusion from what precedes; therefore or consequently. 2. For what reason or purpose; why.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

hand

↗

Sense 1: The part of the body at the end of the arm. Sense 2: Figuratively, power, possession, aid, or agency.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

foot

↗

Sense 1: The lower extremity used for standing or walking. Sense 2: A measure, base, or lowest part. Sense 3: As a verb, to tread or walk.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

offend

↗

Sense 1: To transgress, sin, or act wrongly against. Sense 2: To displease or scandalize; to cause oneself or another to stumble or fall into sin.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

cut

↗

Sense 1: To divide, sever, remove, or wound with a sharp instrument. Sense 2: Figuratively, to grieve deeply or bring to an end.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

cast

↗

1. To throw, send, put, lay, or direct a person or thing into, upon, around, toward, or away from a place, or into a stated condition. 2. To put away, reject, expel, remove, overthrow, or bring down. 3. To put forth or use a lot for choosing, dividing, or assigning. 4. To form an object by pouring molten material into a mould. 5. To shed, drop, or bring forth young, fruit, leaves, or flowers. 6. To raise, form, or prepare a bank, mount, trench, or way. 7. In "cast ... in his teeth," to reproach or charge something against him. 8. As a noun, the distance something may be thrown.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

better

↗

Sense 1: More excellent, more fitting, or to a greater degree. Sense 2: To improve or make better.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

enter

↗

To go or come in; to penetrate; to become an ingredient or constituent part; to enter the mind.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

halt

↗

Sense 1: Lame or unable to walk soundly; a person or persons so disabled. Sense 2: To limp, falter, or be ready to fall. Sense 3: To waver between opposing choices.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

hands

↗

Sense 1: The end parts of the arms used for holding and working. Sense 2: Figures of power, possession, agency, or aid.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

everlasting

↗

1. Continuing without end. 2. Extending backward without beginning. 3. Enduring or permanent throughout the duration in view.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

fire

↗

Burning flame and heat that gives light, consumes, purifies, or destroys.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

FOLLOW THE THEME

Related Concepts

Choose a connected KJV word or phrase to find where it appears in scripture.

READ THE PASSAGE

View in context

Suggested context · Matthew 18:1–9

The selected passage is highlighted. Context is a study aid.

18:1AT the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

18:2And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

Selected passage

18:3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Selected passage

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

Selected passage

18:5And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Selected passage

18:6But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Selected passage

18:7¶ Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Selected passage

18:8Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

Selected passage

18:9And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

LOCAL PASTOR DIRECTORY

Find a Pastor Near You

Enter a U.S. ZIP code to find nearby pastors committed to holding fast the faithful word.

Your ZIP is processed in this browser from local data. It is not sent to a ZIP lookup service or to a church. ZIP coordinates from GeoNames, licensed under CC BY 4.0.