New International VersionThen he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”
New Living TranslationThen he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.”
English Standard Versionand said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
Berean Standard BibleAnd He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.”
Berean Literal Bibleand He said to them, "Whoever shall receive this child in My name, receives Me; and whoever shall receive Me, receives the One having sent Me. For the one being least among you all, he shall be great."
King James BibleAnd said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
New King James Versionand said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”
New American Standard Bibleand He said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.”
NASB 1995and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.”
NASB 1977and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for he who is least among you, this is the one who is great.”
Legacy Standard Bibleand said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.”
Amplified Bibleand He told them, “Whoever welcomes this child in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me [also] welcomes Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you [that is, the one who is genuinely humble—the one with a realistic self-view]—he is the one who is [truly] great.”
Christian Standard BibleHe told them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes him who sent me. For whoever is least among you—this one is great.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe told them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me. And whoever welcomes Me welcomes Him who sent Me. For whoever is least among you—this one is great.”
American Standard Versionand said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same is great.
Contemporary English VersionThen he said to his disciples, "When you welcome even a child because of me, you welcome me. And when you welcome me, you welcome the one who sent me. Whichever one of you is the most humble is the greatest."
English Revised Versionand said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same is great.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me. Whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. The one who is least among all of you is the one who is greatest."
Good News Translationand said to them, "Whoever welcomes this child in my name, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, also welcomes the one who sent me. For the one who is least among you all is the greatest."
International Standard VersionThen he told them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, because the one who is least among all of you is the one who is greatest."
NET Bibleand said to them, "Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, for the one who is least among you all is the one who is great."
New Heart English Bibleand said to them, "Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me. Whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For whoever is least among you all, this one is great."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd said to them, Whoever shall receive this child in my name, receiveth me; and whoever shall receive me, receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
Weymouth New Testamentand said to them, "Whoever for my sake receives this little child, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives Him who sent me. For the lowliest among you all--he is the greatest." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he will be the greatest.”
World English Bibleand said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me. Whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For whoever is least among you all, this one will be great.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand said to them, “Whoever may receive this child in My Name, receives Me, and whoever may receive Me, receives Him who sent Me, for he who is least among you all—he will be great.”
Berean Literal Bibleand He said to them, "Whoever shall receive this child in My name, receives Me; and whoever shall receive Me, receives the One having sent Me. For the one being least among you all, he shall be great."
Young's Literal Translation and said to them, 'Whoever may receive this child in my name, doth receive me, and whoever may receive me, doth receive Him who sent me, for he who is least among you all -- he shall be great.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he said to them, Whoever should receive this child in my name receives me: and whoever should receive me, receives him having sent me: for he being less among you all, the same shall be great. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd said to them: Whosoever shall receive this child in my name, receiveth me; and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth him that sent me. For he that is the lesser among you all, he is the greater.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd he said to them: “Whoever will receive this child in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives him who sent me. For whoever is the lesser among you all, the same is greater.”
New American Bibleand said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”
New Revised Standard Versionand said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to them, Everyone who receives a little boy like this one in my name, receives me; and he who receives me receives him who sent me; for whoever is least among you, let him be great.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd he said to them, “Whoever receives a boy like this one in my name, that one receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me, for whoever is least among you all, this one will be great.” NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand said to them: Whoever will receive this little child on my account, receives me; and whoever will receive me, receives him that sent me. For he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
Godbey New Testament
and said to them,Whosoever may receive this little child in my name receives me; and whosoever may receive me receives him that sent me. For he who is least among you all, the same shall be great.
Haweis New Testament
and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name, receiveth me; and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth Him that sent me: for he who is the least among you all, he shall be great.
Mace New Testament
whoever receives such a child in my name, receives me: and he that receives me, receives him that sent me, for he that is least among you all, he shall be greatest.
Weymouth New Testament
and said to them, "Whoever for my sake receives this little child, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives Him who sent me. For the lowliest among you all--he is the greatest."
Worrell New Testament
and said to them,"Whosoever shall receive this child in My name, receives Me; and whosoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for he that is least among you all, the same is great."
Worsley New Testament
Whosoever shall receive this little child for my sake, receiveth me: and he that receiveth me, receiveth Him that sent me. For he that is lest among you all, shall be great.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Greatest in the Kingdom… 47But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him. 48AndHe saidto them,“Whoeverwelcomesthislittle childinMynamewelcomesMe,andwhoeverwelcomesMewelcomesthe One whosentMe.Forwhoeveristhe leastamongallof you,heisthe greatest.”49“Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”…
Cross References Matthew 18:4-5Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. / And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me.
Mark 9:35-37Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.” / Then He had a little child stand among them. Taking the child in His arms, He said to them, / “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes not only Me, but the One who sent Me.”
Matthew 23:11-12The greatest among you shall be your servant. / For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
John 13:20Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me.”
Matthew 10:40-42He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. / Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. / And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”
Mark 10:43-45But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. / For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
John 12:26If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
Philippians 2:5-7Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.
1 Peter 5:5-6Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.
James 4:10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.
Romans 12:16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.
1 John 4:20If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
Proverbs 16:19It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Isaiah 57:15For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.
Treasury of Scripture And said to them, Whoever shall receive this child in my name receives me: and whoever shall receive me receives him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. Whosoever shall receive this. Luke 10:16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. Matthew 10:40-42 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me… Matthew 18:5,6,10,14 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me… he that. Luke 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. Luke 14:11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 22:30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Jump to Previous ChildGivesGreatGreatestHonourLittleReceiveReceivesReceivethSakeWelcomesJump to Next ChildGivesGreatGreatestHonourLittleReceiveReceivesReceivethSakeWelcomesLuke 9 1.Jesus sends his apostles to work miracles, and to preach.7.Herod desires to see Jesus.10.The apostles return.12.Jesus feeds five thousand;18.inquires what opinion the world had of him; foretells his passion;23.proposes to all the pattern of his patience.28.The transfiguration.37.He heals the lunatic;43.again forewarns his disciples of his passion;46.commends humility;51.bids them to show mildness toward all, without desire of revenge.57.Many would follow him, but upon conditions.And He said to themThis phrase indicates Jesus is addressing His disciples, often teaching them important lessons about the Kingdom of God. The context is a discussion among the disciples about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom, revealing their misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and values. Whoever welcomes this little child in My name
In the cultural context of the time, children were considered low in social status and without power. By using a child as an example, Jesus emphasizes humility and the importance of serving those who are often overlooked. Welcoming a child "in My name" suggests acting with the authority and character of Jesus, highlighting the importance of intention and heart posture in service. welcomes Me
This phrase underscores the identification of Jesus with the lowly and humble. It reflects the biblical principle that serving others, especially those who cannot repay, is akin to serving Christ Himself. This teaching is consistent withMatthew 25:40, where Jesus says that whatever is done for the least of His brothers is done for Him. and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me
Here, Jesus connects His mission directly to God the Father, affirming His divine authority and unity with God. This reflects the Johannine theme found inJohn 12:44-45, where Jesus states that believing in Him is believing in the One who sent Him. It emphasizes the Trinitarian relationship and the representation of God through Jesus. For whoever is the least among all of you
This phrase challenges the disciples' notions of greatness and status. In the Greco-Roman world, social hierarchy was significant, and being "least" was undesirable. Jesus subverts this by suggesting that true greatness in God's Kingdom is found in humility and servitude. he is the greatest
This paradoxical statement is a hallmark of Jesus' teaching, where the values of the Kingdom often invert worldly values. It echoes the Beatitudes inMatthew 5, where the meek and poor in spirit are blessed. This teaching encourages believers to pursue humility and service, reflecting the character of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus- The central figure in this passage, teaching His disciples about humility and greatness in the kingdom of God. 2. The Disciples- Jesus' followers who are being taught a lesson on humility and service. 3. The Child- Represents innocence, humility, and the least in society, used by Jesus as an example to convey His message. 4. The One who sent Me- Refers to God the Father, emphasizing the divine authority and mission of Jesus. 5. The Kingdom of God- The broader context of Jesus' teaching, focusing on the values and principles of God's reign. Teaching Points Humility as GreatnessTrue greatness in the kingdom of God is measured by humility and service, not by worldly standards of power and status. Welcoming the LeastEmbracing and serving those who are considered the least in society is akin to welcoming Christ Himself. Childlike FaithBelievers are called to exhibit childlike faith and trust in God, characterized by innocence and dependence. Reflecting Christ's CharacterAs followers of Christ, we are to reflect His character by valuing humility and service over self-promotion. Divine Authority and MissionRecognizing Jesus' divine mission and authority compels us to align our values with His teachings on humility and service. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 9:48?
2.How does Luke 9:48 redefine greatness in the kingdom of God?
3.What does "least among you" teach about humility and leadership?
4.How can we apply "receives this child" in our daily interactions?
5.Which other Scriptures emphasize serving others as a path to greatness?
6.How can we embody being "least" in our community and church?
7.How does Luke 9:48 challenge our understanding of greatness and humility in society?
8.What does "the least among you all" mean in the context of Luke 9:48?
9.How does Luke 9:48 redefine leadership and authority from a biblical perspective?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 9?
11.Mary, did you know your son would change the world?
12.Will a little child lead them?
13.Luke 10:25-37 - How does the sympathetic portrayal of the Samaritan compare with other biblical passages that cast Samaritans negatively?
14.Why would an all-knowing God ask Adam and Eve where they were (Genesis 3:9)?What Does Luke 9:48 Mean “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me”• Jesus places a real child in front of the Twelve (Luke 9:47) to make the lesson tangible. • Welcoming someone “in My name” means receiving them because they belong to Christ, not for personal advantage; compareMatthew 18:5 andMark 9:37. • Children were socially insignificant in that culture—no status, no power. By highlighting a child, Jesus redefines greatness as humble service (cf.Philippians 2:3-5). • Practical take-away: – Embrace those who cannot repay you (Luke 14:12-14). – Serve believers who seem unimportant; Christ counts that as service to Himself (Matthew 25:40). • Welcoming the least reveals a heart aligned with Jesus’ own compassion (Mark 10:13-16).
“and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me”• Jesus links Himself inseparably to the Father (John 5:23). To receive Jesus is to receive God Himself—there is no higher honor. • This confirms Christ’s divine mission (John 3:17;Galatians 4:4-5). • The chain of welcome: – Child → Jesus → the Father. – By opening your life to the lowly, you draw near to the very throne of God (Hebrews 4:16;James 1:27). • Ministry to the unnoticed becomes worship of the Almighty. That perspective fuels joyful, sacrificial hospitality (Romans 12:13;1 Peter 4:9).
“For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.”• “Least” points to humble, self-forgetting service; “greatest” reflects Heaven’s evaluation, not earth’s applause (Matthew 20:26-28). • Jesus overturns the disciples’ argument about who was greatest (Luke 9:46) by redefining glory in terms of humility. • Cross references reinforce the principle: –Luke 14:11: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” –1 Peter 5:5-6: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. • True greatness grows out of: – Dependency on God, like a child (Matthew 18:3-4). – Service without seeking recognition (Colossians 3:23-24). – Willingness to take the lowest place, trusting God to exalt in His time (Luke 22:24-27).
summaryJesus teaches that embracing society’s smallest in His name equals embracing Him—and, through Him, the Father. Kingdom greatness is measured not by status but by humble, childlike service. Welcoming the least becomes worship of God, and the one who gladly takes the lowest place stands tallest in Heaven’s sight. (48) For he that is least among you all.--The addition in this place and this form are peculiar to St. Luke's report, but agree in substance with Mark 9:35. The same shall be great.--The better MSS. give, "the sameis great," the greatness not being thrown forward as a compensation to be received in the far-off future, but thought of as actually attained in the midst of, and by means of, the seeming humiliation. Verse 48. - Whosoever shall receive this child in my Name receiveth me. The general lesson here - and it is one that has gone to the heart more or less of all professing Christians - is that all the followers of Jesus should practise humility before, and show tenderness to, the weak. It is one of the great sayings of the Master which has stirred that practical charity which has ever been one of the great characteristic features of Christianity. But while the general lesson is clear, the particular reminder still claims attention. Singular and touching was the affection of Jesus for children. Several marked instances of this are noted in the Gospels. To this passage, however, and to the sequel as reported in St. Mark ( Mark 9:42), may be especially referred the thought which has founded the countless child-homes, schools, and hospitals in all lands in different ages, and in our own time the institution of the Sunday school, not the least beautiful of Christian works done in the Master's Name.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.He saidεἶπεν(eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.to them,αὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.“WhoeverὋς(Hos)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.welcomesδέξηται(dexētai)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1209:To take, receive, accept, welcome. Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive.thisτοῦτο(touto)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.little childπαιδίον(paidion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3813:Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian.inἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.Myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.nameὀνόματί(onomati)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686:Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.welcomesδέχεται(dechetai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1209:To take, receive, accept, welcome. Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive.Me,ἐμὲ(eme)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.whoeverὃς(hos)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.welcomesδέξηται(dexētai)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1209:To take, receive, accept, welcome. Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive.Meἐμὲ(eme)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.welcomesδέχεται(dechetai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1209:To take, receive, accept, welcome. Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive.the [One who]τὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.sentἀποστείλαντά(aposteilanta)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 649:From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.Me.με(me)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.whoeverὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.isὑπάρχων(hyparchōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5225:To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb).[the] leastμικρότερος(mikroteros)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 3398:Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).amongἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.allπᾶσιν(pasin)Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.of you,ὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.heοὗτός(houtos)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.[the] greatest.”μέγας(megas)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3173:Large, great, in the widest sense.
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NT Gospels: Luke 9:48 And said to them Whoever receives this (Luke Lu Lk) |
