Matthew 18 10

Matthew 18:10 kjv

Take heed that ye despise 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.

Matthew 18:10 nkjv

"Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 18:10 niv

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

Matthew 18:10 esv

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 18:10 nlt

"Beware that you don't look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.

Matthew 18 verses

Matthew 18 10 Meaning

Matthew 18:10 conveys a solemn warning against despising any humble believer or vulnerable individual who exemplifies childlike faith within the Kingdom of Heaven. It reveals a profound truth: these "little ones" are held in high esteem by God, as evidenced by their dedicated angels who continuously behold the very face of God in heaven, acting as advocates or representatives of their divine value and protection. The verse emphasizes the immense care God has for the vulnerable and unassuming.

Matthew 18 10 Context

Matthew 18, often called "The Discourse on Humility and Forgiveness," begins with the disciples asking Jesus who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus uses a child as an object lesson, emphasizing humility (vv. 1-4) and welcoming children (v. 5) as fundamental to Kingdom life. Immediately preceding verse 10, Jesus pronounces a severe warning against causing these "little ones" to stumble spiritually (vv. 6-9), underscoring the preciousness of those with childlike faith. Verse 10 further reinforces this by revealing God's specific protection over them, leading into the Parable of the Lost Sheep (vv. 12-14), which highlights God's diligent pursuit of the single vulnerable soul. The entire chapter advocates for valuing, protecting, and restoring those who are spiritually humble and vulnerable within the community of believers.

Matthew 18 10 Word analysis

• See (Gk. Horate): An imperative verb, demanding attention and observation. It's a command to perceive, consider, and understand a profound truth about the "little ones."
• despise (Gk. kataphronēsēte): From kata (down) and phronos (mind/thought), meaning to think down upon, scorn, disdain, treat with contempt. It implies a devaluing or a disregard for their significance. This is a strong prohibition, highlighting the seriousness of mistreating or ignoring these individuals.
• one of these little ones (Gk. hena tōn mikrōn toutōn):
  • Little ones (mikroi): Not exclusively referring to young children, though children are certainly included. In the broader New Testament and particularly Matthew's context, "little ones" often designates the humble, the insignificant, the vulnerable, the new or weaker believers, or even Christ's disciples who have taken on the humble position of children in the Kingdom. It implies a state of dependency and unassuming faith. This phrase often describes Christ's followers who are humble and in need of care, connecting to "the least of these" (Matt 25:40, 45).
• For (Gk. Gar): Introduces the reason or ground for the preceding command; it explains why one should not despise them.
• I say to you (Gk. Legō hymin): A formula used by Jesus to introduce an authoritative, solemn declaration, often profound truth or teaching. It marks the following statement as divinely true and weighty.
• Their angels (Gk. Hoi angeloi autōn):
  • Angels (angeloi): Heavenly beings, messengers of God. The genitive "their" (autōn) suggests a special relationship or assignment.
  • This phrase refers to angels specifically assigned to minister to and represent these "little ones." While interpretations vary (guardian angels for each individual, or representing groups, or interceding spirits), the core idea is divine, personal oversight and care through angelic ministry. This resonates with Old Testament concepts of angels as divine agents protecting God's people (Ps 34:7, 91:11).
• always (Gk. Pantos): Indicates continuous, unceasing action or state. The angels' beholding is constant, not occasional.
• behold the face of My Father who is in heaven (Gk. blepesi to prosōpon tou Patros mou tou en ouranois):
  • Behold (blepesi): To look intently, perceive clearly, have vision.
  • The face of My Father (to prosōpon tou Patros mou): "Face" (prosopon) often denotes immediate, unhindered access to and intimate presence with God (Ex 33:11; Ps 16:11). It suggests being in the immediate presence and favor of the King. This means these angels are of the highest rank, with direct access to God's throne room, serving as intercessors or witnesses for those they are assigned to. It underscores the immense value God places on these humble believers, giving them the highest form of heavenly representation and advocacy.
  • who is in heaven (tou en ouranois): Reaffirms God's divine transcendence, sovereignty, and supreme authority, underscoring the ultimate source of care and protection.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• See that you do not despise: A clear and forceful imperative, highlighting the spiritual danger and offense of treating humble believers with contempt. It directly contrasts the world's values of status and power with God's valuation of the meek.
• one of these little ones: Defines the object of care, emphasizing individual worth despite perceived low status. It calls for profound respect for every single vulnerable member of the community of faith.
• for I say to you: Jesus asserts His divine authority and knowledge of heavenly realities, making this statement exceptionally weighty and irrefutable.
• their angels always behold the face of My Father who is in heaven: This powerful phrase reveals the extraordinary dignity and worth of the "little ones" in God's eyes. It suggests that those who appear insignificant on Earth are represented by glorious beings with the highest access in heaven, indicating God's constant, vigilant care, advocacy, and ultimate protection for them. The angels serve as a continuous conduit for God's attention and grace towards His most vulnerable saints.

Matthew 18 10 Bonus section

The concept of "guardian angels" often stems from this verse. While the New Testament does not explicitly teach that every individual has a permanently assigned personal guardian angel, this verse strongly suggests specific angelic ministry and representation on behalf of God's vulnerable people. The idea that angels "behold the face" of God relates to the ancient Near Eastern courtly custom where highest-ranking officials and advisors had direct access to the king's presence, signifying their elevated status and authority. This underscores the exceptional regard in which God holds His humble children – they have direct, influential advocates in His presence. This verse serves as a powerful theological basis for God's immeasurable care, ensuring no "little one" is ever truly unnoticed or forgotten in the divine economy.

Matthew 18 10 Commentary

Matthew 18:10 is a pivotal statement on divine care and the infinite worth of every believer, particularly those considered humble or weak. It stands as a solemn warning to avoid demeaning or causing harm to any follower of Christ, especially new or vulnerable converts. The presence of "their angels" perpetually in God's immediate presence ("behold the face of My Father") signifies God's deep affection and watchful oversight for these "little ones." This isn't merely a philosophical idea but a profound spiritual reality that affirms their absolute security and value in God's Kingdom. It implies that to despise a "little one" is to disrespect someone whom the Heavenly Father Himself highly cherishes and vigilantly protects through His closest angelic servants. It challenges disciples to mirror God's profound care, prioritizing humility and protective nurturing over pride and ambition within the church community. For instance, in any church setting, leaders are admonished to prioritize the spiritual well-being and inclusion of the marginalized or spiritually immature, ensuring their voices are heard and needs met, rather than catering solely to the influential or articulate members. This also speaks to a parent's diligent care for their child, or a mature believer's gentle guidance of a new convert, recognizing their immense worth in God's sight.