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.

MATTHEW 18:3KJV
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Matthew 18:3 (KJV)

What does Matthew 18:3 mean?

Matthew 18:3 means that unless a person changes and becomes like a little child, they cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is saying that a fundamental change in attitude—one that reflects the humility and trust of a child—is necessary to be part of God’s kingdom.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after they ask Him who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. He responds by calling a child to stand among them and uses the child as an example. The verse highlights that entering God’s kingdom is not about status or achievement, but about adopting a humble, childlike posture before God.

The Greek behind Matthew 18:3

  • "converted" (στραφῆτε, straphēte): This Greek word means to turn or change direction. Here, it suggests a complete change of heart or attitude, not just a small adjustment.
  • "become" (γένησθε, genēsthe): This word means to become or to come into being. Jesus is not asking for childishness, but for a new way of being that reflects the qualities of a child.
  • "children" (παιδία, paidia): The Greek term refers to young children, often those who are dependent and without social standing. This emphasizes humility, openness, and trust.

Why Matthew 18:3 matters

  • Matthew 18:3 corrects the common idea that greatness in God’s kingdom comes from achievement or status; instead, it comes from humility and a willingness to depend on God.
  • The verse sets the tone for the rest of Matthew 18, where Jesus continues to teach about relationships, forgiveness, and care for the vulnerable.
  • By using a child as an example, Jesus challenges cultural expectations of power and importance, making clear that God’s values are different from human values.

Where else these words appear

“converted” Greek G4762 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
  • Luke 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
  • John 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

“children” 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 5:40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
  • Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

“Except” 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.

“not” 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 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
  • 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.