Matthew 18:1 kjv
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
Matthew 18:1 nkjv
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
Matthew 18:1 niv
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
Matthew 18:1 esv
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
Matthew 18:1 nlt
About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?"
Matthew 18 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Humility & Greatness | ||
| Mk 9:33-35 | Then He came to Capernaum... “What were you discussing...?” They were silent, for on the way they had discussed among themselves who was the greatest... | Disciples argue about greatness, parallels Matt 18:1 |
| Lk 9:46 | An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. | Luke's account of the same dispute |
| Matt 20:25-28 | But Jesus called them to Him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them... But whoever would be great among you must be your servant." | Jesus redefines greatness as humble servanthood |
| Mk 10:42-45 | But Jesus called them to Him and said... "whoever would be great among you must be your servant..." | Mark's parallel teaching on servanthood |
| Lk 22:24-27 | A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as greatest. ... “Let the greatest among you become as the youngest..." | Dispute at Last Supper, contrasts earthly rule with kingdom service |
| Jas 4:10 | Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. | God exalts the humble |
| 1 Pet 5:5 | Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another... | Call to mutual humility among believers |
| Phil 2:3-4 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | Call to selflessness and humility |
| Prov 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. | Warning against pride, contrasts with kingdom humility |
| Prov 29:23 | One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. | Humility brings honor |
| Childlike Faith & Entry into Kingdom | ||
| Matt 18:2-4 | And calling a child to him... “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest..." | Jesus' immediate response and explanation of greatness |
| Matt 19:13-14 | Then children were brought to Him... But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” | Reiteration that the kingdom belongs to the childlike |
| Mk 10:13-15 | And He took them in His arms... “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” | Receiving the kingdom with childlike simplicity and trust |
| Lk 18:16-17 | But Jesus called them to Him... “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” | Luke's parallel to receiving the kingdom like a child |
| Ambition & Misunderstanding | ||
| Lk 14:7-11 | When He noticed how the guests chose the places of honor... “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” | Parable teaching against seeking personal prominence |
| Matt 23:5-7 | They do all their deeds to be seen by others... they love the most important places at banquets... greetings in the marketplaces... | Critique of the scribes' and Pharisees' desire for recognition |
| 3 Jn 9 | I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. | Example of leadership seeking preeminence within the early church |
| Rom 12:3 | For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think... | Warning against spiritual pride and inflated self-esteem |
| 1 Cor 1:26-29 | For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards... but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise... | God chooses the humble and weak, contrasting with worldly ideas of status |
| Acts 8:18-19 | Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” | Ambition for power, contrasting with the selfless Spirit-filled ministry |
Matthew 18 verses
Matthew 18 1 Meaning
Matthew 18:1 records a pivotal moment where Jesus' disciples approach Him, asking "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" This question reveals their continued misunderstanding of the true nature of God's kingdom and their earthly desires for status and prominence. It sets the stage for Jesus' foundational teaching on humility, servanthood, and the value of a childlike spirit within the community of believers.
Matthew 18 1 Context
Matthew 18:1 initiates Jesus’ fourth major discourse in Matthew’s Gospel, often termed the "Discourse on Humility and Community." This question arises immediately after Jesus' second prediction of His passion and resurrection (Matt 17:22-23) and the unique episode of paying the temple tax with a coin from a fish's mouth (Matt 17:24-27). Despite Jesus repeatedly teaching about His suffering and death, the disciples' minds were still largely focused on an earthly, political kingdom and their positions within it. Their dispute about who would be "greatest" demonstrates their self-centeredness and their misunderstanding of Messiah's true mission. This chapter provides foundational teachings for communal life in the kingdom, addressing issues of true greatness, the care of "little ones," dealing with sin within the community, and forgiveness.
Matthew 18 1 Word analysis
At that time (Ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ, En ekeinē tē hōra): This temporal phrase directly connects the disciples' question to the events just described, particularly Jesus' payment of the temple tax. It signifies a continuous narrative flow, highlighting that even immediately after witnessing miraculous provision and receiving somber teaching about the future, the disciples were preoccupied with status. The phrasing suggests an immediate moment rather than a general period.
the disciples (οἱ μαθηταί, hoi mathētai): Refers to Jesus' closest followers, a select group being trained for ministry. The term mathētai denotes "learners" or "apprentices," yet their question reveals a persistent lack of understanding despite their intimate association with the Master. It underscores their human imperfection and need for further spiritual formation.
came to (προσῆλθον, proseltʰon): Literally "approached" or "drew near." This verb suggests intentionality; they initiated the conversation, bringing their internal debate directly to Jesus for resolution. It was a conscious seeking of His judgment on their dispute.
Jesus (Ἰησοῦς, Iēsous): The focal point, the ultimate authority to whom they appeal. This simple naming emphasizes that the question is brought to the one true Lord of the kingdom, highlighting the disciples' error in not understanding His teaching thus far.
Who then (Τίς ἄρα, Tis ara): "Who then, indeed?" or "Who after all?" The particle ara lends emphasis, indicating a deduction or a pressing, perhaps somewhat exasperated, inquiry based on their current assumptions or ongoing debate. It highlights their serious (though misguided) consideration of this hierarchical question.
is greatest (μείζων, meizōn): The comparative form of "great" (μέγας, megas). It literally means "greater" or "larger." This word reveals the core of their dispute: an ambition for superiority and position. Their concept of "greatness" was worldly, focusing on status, power, and prestige, in direct opposition to Jesus' teaching on humility and servanthood. It suggests a hierarchical structure they envisioned, where someone had to be at the top.
in the kingdom of heaven (ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τῶν οὐρανῶν, en tē basileia tōn ouranōn): This is Matthew's characteristic phrase for the "kingdom of God," used interchangeably elsewhere in the Gospels. The phrase reveals the disciples' fundamental misunderstanding. They perceived the kingdom as an earthly realm similar to contemporary political structures, where rank and preeminence were important. They failed to grasp its spiritual, counter-cultural, and future dimensions that required humility and inner transformation rather than outward displays of power. It represents their focus on a physical, powerful rule in the present or immediate future rather than on the transformative work of God in human hearts and society.
Matthew 18 1 Bonus section
The disciples' question in Matthew 18:1 is not an isolated incident but part of a recurring pattern of ambition seen throughout their time with Jesus (e.g., the mother of James and John asking for seats of honor in Matt 20:20-28; the argument at the Last Supper in Lk 22:24-27). This consistent human flaw serves as a stark reminder that even close proximity to divine truth does not automatically eliminate carnal desires. This incident also positions Jesus as the ultimate arbiter and teacher, transforming a misguided question into an opportunity for profound spiritual revelation about kingdom values. It emphasizes the "already but not yet" nature of the kingdom: while it is present in Jesus, the disciples are still anticipating its full, earthly manifestation, hence their focus on positions of power. This polemic subtly contrasts with the desire for prominent synagogue seats or market greetings prevalent among certain religious leaders of that time, showing that Jesus calls His followers to a radically different ethos.
Matthew 18 1 Commentary
Matthew 18:1 encapsulates the persistent human struggle with pride and the worldly understanding of power and status, even among those closest to Christ. The disciples, despite being trained by Jesus and privy to divine truths, were still entrenched in a mindset that valued social hierarchy and personal preeminence. Their question reveals a deep disconnect between Jesus’ teachings on suffering, humility, and the cross, and their expectations of an earthly, glorious kingdom where positions of honor would be parceled out.
This verse acts as a literary pivot, transitioning from individual events to communal instruction. Jesus, instead of answering their competitive question directly and validating their pursuit of status, subverts it entirely. His response, revealed in the subsequent verses (18:2-4), radically redefines "greatness" within the kingdom not through worldly ambition, but through humble self-effacement and the innocent receptiveness exemplified by a child. This foundational truth—that kingdom greatness is inverted to worldly wisdom—is crucial for the church’s understanding of its internal dynamics and mission.
Examples:
- A leader in a ministry who consistently deflects praise to God and lifts up team members, embodying true servanthood.
- A volunteer who prefers doing overlooked, essential tasks rather than seeking visible roles or recognition.