What does Matthew 18:10 mean?

"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

Matthew 18:10

Matthew 18:10

Matthew 18:10 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads, "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." This verse is part of a larger passage where Jesus is teaching his disciples about the importance of humility and the value of every individual in the eyes of God.

The verse begins with a command to "take heed" or to pay close attention to an important warning. Specifically, the warning is to not despise or look down upon "one of these little ones." The phrase "these little ones" is often interpreted to refer not only to children, but also to believers who are spiritually young or weak in their faith. Jesus is emphasizing the importance of treating every person with respect and care, regardless of their age, status, or spiritual maturity.

The verse continues with a powerful statement about the heavenly care and protection afforded to these "little ones." Jesus tells his disciples that the angels of these individuals always behold the face of God the Father in heaven. This imagery of angels constantly in the presence of God suggests that these individuals are always under the watchful care and protection of God.

This verse carries several important themes, the first being the value of every individual. Jesus is emphasizing that every person, no matter how young, weak, or vulnerable, is important and worthy of respect and care. This aligns with other teachings of Jesus, such as his parables about the lost sheep and the lost coin, where he emphasizes the great value God places on each individual.

Another important theme in this verse is the idea of heavenly care and protection. By speaking of the angels always beholding the face of God on behalf of these "little ones," Jesus is reassuring his disciples that God is intimately involved in the lives of his followers, and that he provides for their needs and protects them from harm.

Contextually, this verse comes within the larger context of Matthew 18, where Jesus is teaching his disciples about the values and principles that should govern their interactions with one another. Additionally, this passage comes on the heels of Jesus rebuking the disciples for their argument over who was the greatest among them. In this light, the verse about not despising the "little ones" can be seen as a direct admonition against pride and arrogance, and a call to humility and care for others.

Symbolically, the mention of angels beholding the face of God can be seen as a powerful image of divine care and protection. It serves as a reminder of the unseen spiritual realities that surround believers, and the heavenly support that is available to them.

In summary, Matthew 18:10 in the King James Version of the Bible contains a powerful message about the value of every individual, the importance of humility, and the heavenly care and protection granted to believers. It is a call to treat others with respect and care, and a reassurance of God's watchful care over his people. This verse continues to inspire and encourage believers to this day.

Matthew 18:10 Artwork

Matthew 18:10

Matthew 18:10

Matthew 18:10 - "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 - "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 10:18 - "And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles."

Matthew 10:18 - "And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles."

Matthew 18:23-34

Matthew 18:23-34

Matthew 18:23-34

Matthew 18:23-34

Matthew 18:23-34

Matthew 18:23-34

Luke 10:18-19

Luke 10:18-19

Luke 10:18-19

Luke 10:18-19

Luke 10:18-19

Luke 10:18-19

Luke 10:18-19

Luke 10:18-19

Luke 10:18-19

Luke 10:18-19

Luke 10:18-19

Luke 10:18-19

Matthew 13:18 - "¶ Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower."

Matthew 13:18 - "¶ Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower."

Matthew 18:11 - "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."

Matthew 18:11 - "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."

Matthew 27:18 - "For he knew that for envy they had delivered him."

Matthew 27:18 - "For he knew that for envy they had delivered him."

Matthew 14:18 - "He said, Bring them hither to me."

Matthew 14:18 - "He said, Bring them hither to me."

Nehemiah 10:18 - "Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai,"

Nehemiah 10:18 - "Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai,"

Matthew 21:18 - "Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered."

Matthew 21:18 - "Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered."

Matthew 10:12 - "And when ye come into an house, salute it."

Matthew 10:12 - "And when ye come into an house, salute it."

Matthew 14:10 - "And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison."

Matthew 14:10 - "And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison."

Matthew 10:3 - "Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;"

Matthew 10:3 - "Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;"

Matthew 10:30 - "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

Matthew 10:30 - "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

Matthew 10:6 - "But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

Matthew 10:6 - "But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

Matthew 10:36 - "And a man's foes shall be they of his own household."

Matthew 10:36 - "And a man's foes shall be they of his own household."

Matthew 18:27 - "Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt."

Matthew 18:27 - "Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt."

Matthew 2:10 - "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."

Matthew 2:10 - "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."

Matthew 10:7 - "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Matthew 10:7 - "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Matthew 6:10 - "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."

Matthew 6:10 - "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."

Matthew 27:10 - "And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me."

Matthew 27:10 - "And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me."

Matthew 7:10 - "Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?"

Matthew 7:10 - "Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?"