And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

MATTHEW 10:42KJV
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Matthew 10:42 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:42 mean?

Matthew 10:42 says that anyone who gives even a simple act of kindness, like offering a cup of cold water to one of Jesus’ followers because they are a disciple, will certainly not miss out on their reward. Jesus promises that even small, thoughtful actions done for his followers, simply because they belong to him, are noticed and valued by God.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples as he sends them out to spread his message. He reassures them that those who support or care for his followers, even in small ways, are participating in something meaningful. The focus is on the value of every act of kindness done for the sake of being connected to Jesus, no matter how ordinary it may seem.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:42

  • "Little ones" (G3398: μικρός, mikros) often refers to those who are humble, insignificant, or new in faith. Here, it highlights that even the least prominent of Jesus’ followers matter to God.
  • "In the name of a disciple" (G3686: ὄνομα, onoma; G3101: μαθητής, mathētēs) means doing something because the person is recognized as a follower of Jesus, not for personal gain or recognition.
  • "Reward" (G3408: μισθός, misthos) refers to something given in return, often understood as God’s acknowledgment or blessing. The verse stresses that God notices and will not forget even the smallest good deed done for his sake.

Why Matthew 10:42 matters

  • Matthew 10:42 clarifies that God values even the smallest acts of kindness, not just grand gestures or public works.
  • The verse emphasizes that the motivation—doing something because someone belongs to Jesus—is what matters most, not the size or impressiveness of the action.
  • This teaching fits into the wider passage where Jesus prepares his disciples for both hardship and hospitality, showing that those who support his followers are part of his mission too.

Where else these words appear

“cold” Greek G5593 · used in 3 verses

  • Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
  • Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

“drink” Greek G4222 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
  • Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

“reward” Greek G3408 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  • Luke 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

“ones” Greek G3398 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
  • Luke 9:48 And 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.
  • Hebrews 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.