New Testament
Matthew 18:11
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus identifies Himself as the 'Son of Man,' a title that emphasizes His humanity and mission.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
For the Son of Man came to save what was lost.
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus identifies Himself as the 'Son of Man,' a title that emphasizes His humanity and mission. He states that His purpose is to save those who are lost, which refers to people who are spiritually disconnected from God. This highlights the core message of the Gospel: Jesus came to offer redemption and reconciliation to humanity. The term 'lost' signifies those who are in sin, without hope, or wandering away from the truth. By coming to save the lost, Jesus demonstrates His love and compassion, showing that no one is beyond the reach of His grace. This verse encapsulates the essence of His ministry, which is centered on bringing salvation to all, regardless of their past or current state. It reassures believers that Jesus actively seeks out those who are in need of salvation, emphasizing His role as a Savior who cares deeply for every individual.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 18:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the lives of those around us. We should actively seek to share the message of hope and salvation with others, reminding them that no one is too far gone to be saved. It calls us to be instruments of God's love.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 18:11 mean?
Matthew 18:11 means that Jesus, referred to as the 'Son of Man,' came to save those who are spiritually lost or disconnected from God. It emphasizes His mission to offer redemption and hope to everyone.
What is the meaning of 'Son of Man' in Matthew 18:11?
In Matthew 18:11, 'Son of Man' is a title Jesus uses to highlight His humanity and His role as a Savior. It signifies His connection to people and His mission to bring salvation to those who are lost.
How does Matthew 18:11 relate to salvation?
Matthew 18:11 relates to salvation by stating that Jesus' mission is to save those who are lost, indicating that He offers hope and redemption to everyone, regardless of their situation.
What does 'lost' mean in Matthew 18:11?
In Matthew 18:11, 'lost' refers to people who are spiritually disconnected from God, often due to sin or wandering away from the truth. It highlights the need for salvation and Jesus' desire to reach those individuals.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Unlock the full Matthew summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.