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

LUKE 18:17KJV
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Luke 18:17 (KJV)

What does Luke 18:17 mean?

Luke 18:17 says that anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will not enter it. Jesus is teaching that a childlike attitude—marked by trust, openness, and humility—is necessary to truly take hold of what God offers.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and those around Him after people brought infants for Him to bless. The verse highlights that entering God’s kingdom is not about status, achievement, or age, but about the simple, trusting way a child receives a gift. Jesus uses the example of children to challenge adults to let go of pride or self-reliance when approaching God.

The Greek behind Luke 18:17

  • “receive” (δέχομαι, dechomai): This Greek word means to welcome or accept. Jesus is emphasizing an active, willing acceptance of God’s kingdom, not just a passive acknowledgment.
  • “as a little child” (ὡς παιδίον, hōs paidion): The word for “child” here refers to a very young child, even an infant. The point is about the helplessness and dependence of a child, not just innocence.
  • “shall in no wise enter” (οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθῃ, ou mē eiselthē): This is a strong Greek phrase meaning “will certainly not enter.” Jesus is making the statement as emphatic as possible.

Why Luke 18:17 matters

  • Luke 18:17 corrects the idea that people must earn their way into God’s kingdom by being impressive or accomplished; instead, it’s about humble trust.
  • The verse fits into a larger section where Jesus welcomes those often overlooked or undervalued, showing that God’s kingdom is open to all who come with childlike faith.
  • This teaching challenges adults to examine their attitudes, especially any pride or self-sufficiency, and to approach God with the same openness and need as a child.

Where else these words appear

“shall” Greek G1209 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
  • Luke 10:10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

“child” Greek G3813 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 5:39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
  • Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

“not” Greek G3362 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
  • Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

“wise” Greek G3364 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
  • John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.