Matthew 18:3
Viewing the King James Version. Click to switch to 1611 King James Version of Matthew 18:3.
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.
- King James Bible "Authorized Version", Cambridge Edition
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Other Translations of Matthew 18:3
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan
and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
- New American Standard Version (1995)
and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
- American Standard Version (1901)
And said, Truly, I say to you, If you do not have a change of heart and become like little children, you will not go into the kingdom of heaven.
- Basic English Bible
and said, Verily I say to you, Unless ye are converted and become as little children, ye will not at all enter into the kingdom of the heavens.
- Darby Bible
And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
- Douay Rheims Bible
And said, Verily I say to you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
- Webster's Bible
said, "In solemn truth I tell you that unless you turn and become like little children, you will in no case be admitted into the Kingdom of the Heavens.
- Weymouth Bible
and said, "Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
- World English Bible
and seide, Y seie treuthe to you, but ye be turned, and maad as litle children, ye schulen not entre in to the kyngdom of heuenes.
- Wycliffe Bible
and said, `Verily I say to you, if ye may not be turned and become as the children, ye may not enter into the reign of the heavens;
- Youngs Literal Bible
View Wesley's Notes for Matthew 18:3
18:3 Except ye be converted - The first step toward entering into the kingdom of grace, is to become as little children: lowly in heart, knowing yourselves utterly ignorant and helpless, and hanging wholly on your Father who is in heaven, for a supply of all your wants. We may farther assert, (though it is doubtful whether this text implies so much,) except ye be turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God:, except ye be entirely, inwardly changed, renewed in the image of God, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of glory. Thus must every man be converted in this life, or he can never enter into life eternal. Ye shall in no wise enter - So far from being great in it. #Matt 19:14|.
View People's Bible Notes for Matthew 18:3
Mt 18:3 Except ye be converted. The Revised Version translates, "Except ye turn", which is correct. The Greek word "strepho" translated in the Common Version "be converted" is found in the New Testament in the active voice in every instance but one, and means "to turn". It means something that the subject is "to do", not something that is to be done for him. Become as little children. Humble, teachable and free from selfish ambition, like little children. Ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Instead of discussing who should be greatest in the kingdom of heaven, they had better inquire whether they were going to get in at all.
Ogalmoses's comment on 2012-12-28 13:37:42:
So let us pray to be like children.
ben weaver's comment on 2011-06-10 06:42:23:
My attention is drawn to the word "kingdom" rather than heaven itself. The kingdom of a government is the domain or realm that is subject to - and benefits from its supremacy. Therefore, one could be "delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom (of heaven)[Col.1:13]" while still living in this life. Isn't Jesus saying, "To be truly great, one must be converted in attitude, from this world's manner, to relying on Him, like a little child relies on its parents. The adult ego tends to hinder true greatness.
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