New Testament
Matthew 18:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he said, "I tell you the truth: unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
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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.
What Matthew 18:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility and innocence, comparing the qualities of little children to what is required to enter the kingdom of heaven. He stresses that a person must undergo a transformation, or conversion, to adopt these childlike traits. This means letting go of pride, self-sufficiency, and the complexities of adult life, and instead embracing a simple, trusting faith in God. Children are often seen as dependent, trusting, and open to learning, which are qualities that Jesus values in His followers. The call to become like children is a call to humility, suggesting that only those who can approach God with a pure heart and a willingness to learn can truly belong to His kingdom. This teaching challenges adults to reconsider their attitudes and behaviors, urging them to adopt a mindset that is more aligned with faith and trust rather than skepticism and self-reliance.
How to apply Matthew 18:3 to your life
To apply this teaching, we should strive to cultivate a humble heart and a trusting spirit in our relationship with God. This means letting go of our pride and being open to learning from Him, just as a child learns from a parent. Embrace simplicity in faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Matthew 18:3
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 18:3 mean?
Matthew 18:3 means that Jesus is teaching the importance of humility and childlike faith. He states that to enter the kingdom of heaven, one must change and adopt the trusting, innocent qualities of a child.
What is the meaning of 'become like little children' in Matthew 18:3?
'Become like little children' in Matthew 18:3 refers to adopting a humble and trusting attitude towards God. It emphasizes the need for simplicity in faith and a willingness to learn and depend on God.
How can I apply Matthew 18:3 in my life?
To apply Matthew 18:3, focus on cultivating humility and a trusting spirit in your relationship with God. Let go of pride and be open to learning from Him, just as a child learns from a parent.
What themes are present in Matthew 18:3?
The themes present in Matthew 18:3 include humility, childlike faith, the need for conversion, trust in God, and the nature of the kingdom of heaven.
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