Matthew 18:3

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

2 Jesus invited a little child to stand among them.

“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

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

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
KJV
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.
WEB
and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
ASV
and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
DARBY
and said, Verily I say to you, Unless ye are converted and become as little children, ye will not at all enter into the kingdom of the heavens.
BLB
and said, “Truly I say to you⁺, if you⁺ shall not be turned and become as the little children, you⁺ shall never enter into the kingdom of the heavens.
ÅB
og sa: «I sannhet sier jeg dere: uten at dere omvender dere og blir som barn, kommer dere aldri inn i himlenes rike.
OTB
Og Han sa: «Sannelig, jeg sier dere, hvis dere ikke omvender dere og blir som barn, kommer dere aldri inn i himmelriket.
B1930
og sa: Sannelig sier jeg eder: Uten at I omvender eder og blir som barn, kommer I ingenlunde inn i himlenes rike.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Mark 10:14–15

    But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

    Read in context
  • 1 Peter 2:2

    Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

    Read in context
  • Matthew 19:14

    But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

    Read in context
  • 1 Corinthians 14:20

    Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.

    Read in context
  • Luke 18:16–17

    But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

    Read in context
  • Psalms 131:2

    Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

    Read in context
  • John 3:5

    Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

    Read in context
  • John 3:3

    Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

    Read in context