New International VersionAnd if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
New Living TranslationAnd if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”
English Standard VersionAnd whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
Berean Standard BibleAnd 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.”
Berean Literal BibleAnd whoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you, he shall certainly not lose his reward."
King James BibleAnd whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
New King James VersionAnd whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”
New American Standard BibleAnd whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”
NASB 1995“And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”
NASB 1977“And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you he shall not lose his reward.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”
Amplified BibleAnd whoever gives to one of these little ones [these who are humble in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water to drink because he is my disciple, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.”
Christian Standard BibleAnd whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleAnd whoever gives just a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple —I assure you: He will never lose his reward!”
American Standard VersionAnd whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Contemporary English VersionAnd anyone who gives one of my most humble followers a cup of cool water, just because that person is my follower, will be rewarded.
English Revised VersionAnd whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI can guarantee this truth: Whoever gives any of my humble followers a cup of cold water because that person is my disciple will certainly never lose his reward."
Good News TranslationYou can be sure that whoever gives even a drink of cold water to one of the least of these my followers because he is my follower, will certainly receive a reward."
International Standard VersionI tell all of you with certainty, whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple will never lose his reward."
NET BibleAnd whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple, I tell you the truth, he will never lose his reward."
New Heart English BibleAnd whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink because he is a disciple, truly I tell you he will in no way lose his reward."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd whoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones, a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily, I say to you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink because he is a disciple, I solemnly tell you that he will not lose his reward." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd 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.”
World English BibleWhoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand whoever may give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you, he may not lose his reward.”
Berean Literal BibleAnd whoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you, he shall certainly not lose his reward."
Young's Literal Translation and whoever may give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say to you, he may not lose his reward.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd whoever should give to drink one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say to you, he shall not lose his reward. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd whosoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, amen I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd whoever shall give, even to one of the least of these, a cup of cold water to drink, solely in the name of a disciple: Amen I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”
New American BibleAnd whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple—amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”
New Revised Standard Versionand whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnyone who gives a drink to one of these little ones, if only a cup of cold water, in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you, he shall never lose his reward.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“And everyone who gives one of these little ones a cup of cold water only to drink, in the name of a disciple, amen, I say to you, he will not lose his reward.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd whoever will give one of these little ones only a cup of cold water to drink, because he is a disciple, verily I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.
Godbey New TestamentAnd whosoever may give one of these little ones only a cup of cold water, in the name of a disciple, truly I say unto you, He can not lose his reward.
Haweis New Testament
And whosoever shall give to one of these little ones, if but a cup of cold water to drink, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Mace New Testament
and whoever shall give only a cup of cold water to the meanest of you, considering him as my disciple, shall most assuredly be far from losing his reward.
Weymouth New Testament
And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink because he is a disciple, I solemnly tell you that he will not lose his reward."
Worrell New Testament
And whosoever shall give to drink a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple, verily I say to you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."
Worsley New Testament
And whosoever shall give to one of these meanpersons but a cup of coldwater to drink, asmy disciple, I assure you, he shall not lose his reward.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Reward of Service… 41Whoever 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. 42Andif anyonegivesevena cupof cold waterto oneof theselittle onesbecause he is Mydisciple,trulyI tellyou,he will never losehisreward.”
Cross References Mark 9:41Indeed, if anyone gives you even a cup of water because you bear the name of Christ, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.
Matthew 25:40And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
Matthew 25:34-36Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. / For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’
Hebrews 6:10For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
Proverbs 19:17Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
Luke 6:35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
Galatians 6:9-10Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
James 2:15-16Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?
1 John 3:17-18If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.
Isaiah 58:10and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will go forth in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. / Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
Luke 14:13-14But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, / and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Proverbs 11:25A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Acts 10:4Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?” The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God.
Romans 12:13Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Treasury of Scripture And whoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. one. Matthew 8:5,6 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, … Matthew 18:3-6,10,14 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… Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have doneit unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have doneit unto me. a cup. Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. Mark 12:42,43 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing… Mark 14:7,8 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always… he shall. Proverbs 24:14 Soshall the knowledge of wisdombe unto thy soul: when thou hast foundit, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off. Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful andto the evil. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 But thisI say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully… Jump to Previous ColdCupDiscipleDrinkGivesLittleOnesRewardSolemnlyVerilyWaterWayWiseJump to Next ColdCupDiscipleDrinkGivesLittleOnesRewardSolemnlyVerilyWaterWayWiseMatthew 10 1.Jesus sends out his apostles, enabling them with power to do miracles;5.giving them their charge, teaches them;16.comforts them against persecutions;40.and promises a blessing to those who receive them.And if anyone gives even a cup of cold waterThis phrase emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of the act of kindness. In the ancient Near East, water was a precious resource, especially in arid regions. Offering a cup of cold water was a basic yet significant gesture of hospitality and care. This act symbolizes the importance of small deeds done with a pure heart. It reflects the biblical principle that God values the intentions behind our actions, not just the actions themselves ( 1 Samuel 16:7). to one of these little ones
"Little ones" can refer to children or those who are humble and lowly in status. In the context ofMatthew 10, it likely refers to Jesus' disciples, who were often seen as insignificant by societal standards. This phrase underscores the value Jesus places on those who follow Him, regardless of their worldly status. It aligns with Jesus' teaching inMatthew 18:3-5, where He emphasizes the importance of humility and receiving the kingdom of heaven like a child. because he is My disciple
The motivation for the act is crucial. The phrase indicates that the kindness is extended because the recipient is a follower of Christ. This highlights the interconnectedness of believers and the importance of supporting one another within the body of Christ. It also reflects the idea that acts of service to believers are acts of service to Christ Himself, as seen inMatthew 25:40. truly I tell you
This phrase is a solemn affirmation used by Jesus to emphasize the truth and importance of what He is about to say. It is a common expression in the Gospels, often introducing a significant teaching or promise. It assures the listener of the certainty and reliability of Jesus' words. he will never lose his reward.
The promise of a reward underscores the eternal perspective of Christian service. While the act may seem small and insignificant, it holds great value in God's eyes and will be remembered in eternity. This assurance encourages believers to continue in good works, knowing that their efforts are not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). The concept of reward is consistent with other teachings of Jesus, such as inMatthew 6:19-21, where He speaks of storing up treasures in heaven. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, providing instructions and encouragement to His disciples. 2. DisciplesFollowers of Jesus who are being sent out to preach the Gospel and perform miracles. 3. Little OnesRefers to those who are humble, possibly new believers or those in need, whom Jesus values. 4. Cup of Cold WaterA simple act of kindness and hospitality, symbolizing care and support. 5. RewardThe promise of eternal or spiritual reward for acts of kindness done in Jesus' name. Teaching Points The Value of Small ActsEven the smallest acts of kindness, like giving a cup of cold water, are significant in God's eyes when done in His name. Motivation MattersThe motivation behind our actions should be love and obedience to Christ, not seeking personal gain or recognition. Eternal PerspectiveOur actions on earth have eternal consequences. God promises rewards for those who serve others in His name. Inclusivity in ServiceServing "little ones" reminds us to care for all, especially those who are often overlooked or marginalized. Encouragement in MinistryThis verse encourages believers that their efforts, no matter how small, are noticed and valued by God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Matthew 10:42?
2.How can we apply Matthew 10:42's teaching on giving "a cup of cold water"?
3.What does Matthew 10:42 reveal about the value of small acts of kindness?
4.How does Matthew 10:42 connect with Proverbs 19:17 on generosity?
5.In what ways can we support "little ones" in our community today?
6.How does Matthew 10:42 encourage us to serve others without seeking recognition?
7.What does Matthew 10:42 reveal about the importance of small acts of kindness in faith?
8.How does Matthew 10:42 challenge our understanding of reward in the Christian life?
9.Why does Jesus emphasize giving "a cup of cold water" in Matthew 10:42?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 10?
11.What is worth doing even if done poorly?
12.What is worth doing even if done poorly?
13.What is the Prophet's Reward?
14.Matthew 10:23 - Why has Jesus not returned if he promised his disciples they wouldn't finish visiting all the towns of Israel before his coming?What Does Matthew 10:42 Mean And if anyone givesJesus throws the net wide—“anyone” means every single believer has the opportunity to participate in His mission. • No rank or title required; the invitation extends to the newest convert as much as to an apostle (cf.Acts 11:29–30). • The Lord dignifies the giver, not just the gift, showing that our obedience matters regardless of status.
even a cup of cold waterHe highlights the smallest, simplest act—something anyone can afford. • “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name…he will by no means lose his reward” (Mark 9:41). • Cold water refreshes; likewise, tiny deeds done in Christ’s name revive weary servants. • Literal generosity counts. Symbolic “cups” count too—texts, smiles, a listening ear—anything that refreshes a disciple’s spirit.
to one of these little ones“Little ones” points to Christ’s followers, often unnoticed or vulnerable. • Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes one such little child in My name welcomes Me” (Matthew 18:5). • The King later affirms, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40). • Caring for believers—new converts, missionaries, children’s workers—honors their Savior.
because he is My discipleMotivation matters. The reward is tied to recognizing and supporting someone precisely because he belongs to Jesus. • The Shunammite woman received blessing because she cared for Elisha “a holy man of God” (2 Kings 4:9–10). • John commends Gaius for aiding traveling ministers “for the sake of the Name” (3John 7–8). • Our giving is ultimately to Christ (Philippians 4:18).
truly I tell youThis solemn “amen” underscores divine guarantee. • Jesus’ “Truly” statements always nail down unbreakable truth (cf.John 3:3;Matthew 5:18). • We can bank on His promise; heaven keeps perfect accounts.
he will never lose his rewardGod remembers forever—even what others forget. • “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people” (Hebrews 6:10). • “If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward” (1 Corinthians 3:14). • At Christ’s return He declares, “My reward is with Me” (Revelation 22:12). • Obedience brings present joy and future honor; nothing done in His name is ever wasted.
summaryMatthew 10:42 assures believers that the smallest act, done out of love for Jesus and directed toward His followers, carries eternal weight. God notices, Jesus promises, and the Spirit empowers. Every cup of water, every moment of refreshment given to Christ’s “little ones,” is recorded in heaven and will be rewarded—guaranteed by the Lord Himself. (42) One of these little ones.--The term was familiarly used of the scholars of a Rabbi, and in this sense our Lord, as the great Master, sending forth His disciples, now employs it. He would not disregard even the cup of cold water given to the humblest disciple as such and for the sake of Christ. Taken by themselves, the words do not go beyond this but the language of Matthew 25:40 justifies their extension to every act of kindness done to any man in the name of that humanity which He shares with those whom He is not ashamed to call His brethren ( Hebrews 2:11). Verse 42. - Parallel passage: Mark 9:41, where it will be observed that the following verse is parallel to Matthew 18:6 and Luke 17:2 (cf. supra, ver. 40). One of these little ones... a disciple. It is evident, from a comparison of ver. 41, that the two titles refer to one and the same person. Christ, using his own term, calls his followers "little ones;" using the term of others, he calls them "disciples." Little ones. Partly a word of personal endearment (cf. Matthew 25:40); partly a comparison with those mentioned in ver. 41. He is now speaking of one who is not distinguished from other believers by the reception of extraordinary Divine gifts, or by special zeal and holiness, but is only an ordinary disciple. In Matthew 18:6 the term is used directly of children, but in Luke 17:2, and probably in Mark 9:41, 42, it is used metaphorically. A cup of cold water only. Observe that "if the ' cup of cold water' is not to lose its reward, it must be proffered when he who gives it has nothing better to give" (H. Melvill, in Exell, on ver. 41). In the name of a disciple (ver. 41, note). Verily I say unto you, He shall in no wise lose his reward (cf. Hebrews 6:10). Lose ( ἀπολέσῃ). Does the Western reading, "His reward shall in no wise perish," indicate the unending duration of heavenly bliss, or is ἀπόληται, there a synonym for the πταίσῃ of Ecclus. 2:8? Observe that if the original Aramaic were יֵיבַד אגריה, it might be understood in either way (cf. references in Levy, 'Chald. Worterb.,' s.v.אבד) .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.if anyoneὃς(hos)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.givesποτίσῃ(potisē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4222:To cause to drink, give to drink; irrigate, water. From a derivative of the alternate of pino; to furnish drink, irrigate.evenμόνον(monon)Adverb
Strong's 3440:Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.a cupποτήριον(potērion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4221:A drinking cup, the contents of the cup; fig: the portion which God allots.of cold [water]ψυχροῦ(psychrou)Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 5593:Cool, cold; fig: cold-hearted. From psuchos; chilly.to oneἕνα(hena)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520:One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.of theseτούτων(toutōn)Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.little onesμικρῶν(mikrōn)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3398:Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).[because he is My]ὄνομα(onoma)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686:Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.disciple,μαθητοῦ(mathētou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3101:A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.trulyἀμὴν(amēn)Hebrew Word
Strong's 281:Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.I tellλέγω(legō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.you,ὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.he will never loseἀπολέσῃ(apolesē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 622:From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
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.reward.”μισθὸν(misthon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3408:(a) pay, wages, salary, (b) reward, recompense, punishment. Apparently a primary word; pay for service, good or bad.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 10:42 Whoever gives one of these little ones (Matt. Mat Mt) |
