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

MATTHEW 18:5KJV
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Matthew 18:5 (KJV)

What does Matthew 18:5 mean?

Matthew 18:5 says that anyone who welcomes or accepts a child like the one Jesus has just pointed out, and does so because of Jesus, is actually welcoming Jesus himself. The verse highlights the deep value Jesus places on those who are humble and childlike in faith.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after placing a child among them as an example of the kind of humility and trust he wants in his followers. By saying that receiving a child "in my name" is like receiving him, Jesus is teaching that kindness and care shown to the humble and vulnerable is as significant as if it were shown to Jesus personally.

The Greek behind Matthew 18:5

  • "δέξηται" (dechētai, "receive"): This Greek word often means to welcome, accept, or receive warmly. Here, it suggests more than just letting someone in—it means showing genuine acceptance and hospitality.
  • "τοιοῦτον" (toiouton, "such"): This word points to a specific kind of child, not just any child, but one like the example Jesus has just given—humble and lowly.
  • "ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου" (epi tō onomati mou, "in my name"): The phrase means acting because of Jesus or as his representative, not just doing a good deed in general. It connects the act of welcoming directly to loyalty or devotion to Jesus.

Why Matthew 18:5 matters

  • Matthew 18:5 clarifies that Jesus identifies closely with the humble and those who seem least important, showing that how we treat them is how we treat him.
  • The verse ties into the larger conversation where Jesus is teaching about greatness in God’s kingdom, turning common ideas of status upside down.
  • It reminds readers that small acts of kindness, when done out of devotion to Jesus, carry deep spiritual significance.

Where else these words appear

“receive” 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 16:4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
  • 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 5:40 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.

“such” Greek G5108 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

“me” Greek G1691 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
  • John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
  • John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;