Matthew 18
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
FURTHER TEACHING ON THE SAME SUBJECT INCLUDING THE PARABLE OF THE UNMERCIFUL DEBTOR. (Mat. 18:10-35) Take heed that ye despise--stumble. not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven--A difficult verse; but perhaps the following may be more than an illustration:--Among men, those who nurse and rear the royal children, however humble in themselves, are allowed free entrance with their charge, and a degree of familiarity which even the highest state ministers dare not assume. Probably our Lord means that, in virtue of their charge over His disciples (Heb 1:13; Joh 1:51), the angels have errands to the throne, a welcome there, and a dear familiarity in dealing with "His Father which is in heaven," which on their own matters they could not assume.
Open source ↗At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus,.... When the receivers of the half shekel had spoke to Peter about his master's paying it, and Christ and he had conversed about it, by whose orders he had taken up a fish out of the sea, and from it a piece of money, which he had paid for them both; just at this time came the other eleven disciples to the house where Christ and Peter were: saying, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Mark says, that the disciples disputed this point in the way; and that when they came to Jesus, he put the question to them, what they had been disputing about: and Luke takes no notice of any question put by one or another; but observes, that Christ perceiving the thoughts of their hearts, in order to rebuke, and convince them, took the method hereafter mentioned. All which is reconcilable, and of a piece: the sum is this; that as they were in the way to Capernaum they fell upon this question, which, being known to Christ, the omniscient God; when they came to Capernaum, and to the house where he was, and knowing that the same thought was in them, he asked them what they had been talking of by the way; upon which they were silent; but calling them nearer to him, and they finding that the matter was known, took courage to put the question to him, and desired to have his sense of it. The Vulgate Latin reads, "who dost thou think"; and the Arabic version, "who in thy opinion", &c. The occasion of this could not be the respect shown to Peter, in paying the half shekel for him; for this conversation was begun in the way, and before this was done, or, at least, before they knew it: rather it might be occasioned by his promise of giving the keys of the kingdom of heaven to him; or by his taking him, and James, and John, so lately to the mo…
Open source ↗As there never was a greater pattern of humility, so there never was a greater preacher of it, than Christ; he took all occasions to command it, to commend it, to his disciples and followers. I. The occasion of this discourse concerning humility was an unbecoming contest among the disciples for precedency; they came to him, saying, among themselves (for they were ashamed to ask him, Mar 9:34), Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? They mean not, who by character (then the question had been good, that they might know what graces and duties to excel in), but who by name. They had heard much, and preached much, of the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of the Messiah, his church in this world; but ass yet they were so far from having any clear notion of it, that they dreamt of a temporal kingdom, and the external pomp and power of it. Christ had lately foretold his sufferings, and the glory that should follow, that he should rise again, from whence they expected his kingdom would commence; and now they thought it was time to put in for their places in it; it is good, in such cases, to speak early. Upon other discourses of Christ to that purport, debates of this kind arose (Mat 20:19, Mat 20:20; Luk 22:22, Luk 22:24); he spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet they fasten upon that, and overlook the other; and, instead of asking how they might have strength and grace to suffer with him, they ask him, "Who shall be highest in reigning with him." Note, Many love to hear and speak of privileges and glory, who are willing to pass by the thoughts of work and trouble. They look so much at the crown, that they forget the yoke and the cross. So the disciples here did, when they asked, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 1. They suppose that…
Open source ↗18:1-35 This fourth major discourse in Matthew (see study note on Matt 5:1–7:29) focuses on responses to the Messiah—acceptance by the disciples and rejection by the Jewish leaders and most of the populace. In light of this growing polarization, Jesus began to instruct his followers on the nature of community life. For a community to live according to Jesus’ standards, it must live with humility (18:1-5), sensitivity (18:6-9), compassion (18:10-14), discipline (18:15-18), and forgiveness (18:21-35). As with the other discourses, a concluding formula (19:1-2) bridges to the next section. 18:1 About that time: Matthew connects the disciples’ questions with the previous discussion concerning the Temple. The disciples began to assume that their new freedom in relation to Jewish authority entitled them to authority of their own. In addition, talk of special revelations (11:25-27; 13:11-17) and roles of leadership (10:2-4; 19:28) probably gave rise to jealous comparisons and petty desires for power among the disciples, perhaps revolving around the apparent privilege of Peter (17:25) or Peter, James, and John (17:1-3).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed ὥρα (hṓra, G5610) — an "hour" (literally or figuratively) προσέρχομαι (prosérchomai, G4334) — to approach, i.e. (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to μαθητής (mathētḗs, G3101) — a learner, i.e. pupil Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) ἄρα (ára, G686) — a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows) ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are μείζων (meízōn, G3187) — larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age) βασιλεία (basileía, G932) — properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or… οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites προσκαλέομαι (proskaléomai, G4341) — to call toward oneself, i.e. summon, invite παιδίον (paidíon, G3813) — a childling (of either sex), i.e. (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown… ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. μέσος (mésos, G3319) — middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) ἀμήν (amḗn, G281) — properly, firm, i.e. (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ἐὰν μή (eàn mḗ, G3362) — if not, i.e. unless στρέφω (stréphō, G4762) — to twist, i.e. turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively) γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) παιδίον (paidíon, G3813) — a childling (of either sex), i.e. (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown… εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai, G1525) — to enter (literally or figuratively) οὐ μή (ou mḗ, G3364) — a double negative strengthening the denial; not at all εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… βασιλεία (basileía, G932) — properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or…
Open source ↗ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly ταπεινόω (tapeinóō, G5013) — to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart) ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing παιδίον (paidíon, G3813) — a childling (of either sex), i.e. (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown… οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are μείζων (meízōn, G3187) — larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. βασιλεία (basileía, G932) — properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or… οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… δέχομαι (déchomai, G1209) — to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively) εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one τοιοῦτος (toioûtos, G5108) — truly this, i.e. of this sort (to denote character or individuality) παιδίον (paidíon, G3813) — a childling (of either sex), i.e. (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) ἐμέ (emé, G1691) — me
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἄν (án, G302) σκανδαλίζω (skandalízō, G4624) — to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy… εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one τούτων (toútōn, G5130) — of (from or concerning) these (persons or things) μικρός (mikrós, G3398) — small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity) ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) πιστεύω (pisteúō, G4100) — to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἐμέ (emé, G1691) — me συμφέρω (symphérō, G4851) — to bear together (contribute), i.e. (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce;… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
Open source ↗οὐαί (ouaí, G3759) — "woe" κόσμος (kósmos, G2889) — orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow… ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… σκάνδαλον (skándalon, G4625) — a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e. snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin) γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἀνάγκη (anánkē, G318) — constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) πλήν (plḗn, G4133) — moreover (besides), i.e. albeit, save that, rather, yet ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy χείρ (cheír, G5495) — the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or… ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than πούς (poús, G4228) — a "foot" (figuratively or literally) σκανδαλίζω (skandalízō, G4624) — to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy… ἐκκόπτω (ekkóptō, G1581) — to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… βάλλω (bállō, G906) — to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… σέ (sé, G4571) — thee ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmós, G3788) — the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the… σκανδαλίζω (skandalízō, G4624) — to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy… σέ (sé, G4571) — thee ἐξαιρέω (exairéō, G1807) — actively, to tear out; middle voice, to select; figuratively, to release αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… βάλλω (bállō, G906) — to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are καλός (kalós, G2570) σοί (soí, G4671) — to thee εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai, G1525) — to enter (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗ὁράω (horáō, G3708) — by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear καταφρονέω (kataphronéō, G2706) — to think against, i.e. disesteem μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one τούτων (toútōn, G5130) — of (from or concerning) these (persons or things) μικρός (mikrós, G3398) — small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity) γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… υἱός (huiós, G5207) — a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively,… ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) σώζω (sṓzō, G4982) — to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively) ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἀπόλλυμι (apóllymi, G622) — to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
Open source ↗τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) δοκέω (dokéō, G1380) — compare the base of G1166 (δεικνύω)) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… ἑκατόν (hekatón, G1540) — a hundred πρόβατον (próbaton, G4263) — something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e. (specially), a sheep (literally or… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πλανάω (planáō, G4105) — to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… εὑρίσκω (heurískō, G2147) — to find (literally or figuratively) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἀμήν (amḗn, G281) — properly, firm, i.e. (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because χαίρω (chaírō, G5463) — to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation… μᾶλλον (mâllon, G3123) — (adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than ἐννενηκονταεννέα (ennenēkontaennéa, G1768) — ninety-nine
Open source ↗οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not θέλημα (thélēma, G2307) — a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose,… ἔμπροσθεν (émprosthen, G1715) — in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time) ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one τούτων (toútōn, G5130) — of (from or concerning) these (persons or things) μικρός (mikrós, G3398) — small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
The greatest among you shall be your servant.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”