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.”

Immediate Context

The preceding line reads “And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,” The titled verse reads “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.” The following line reads “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Together, these lines place Matthew 18:3 within its immediate canonical and literary sequence.

Reading the Verse

The wording gives an instruction, obligation, prohibition, or prescribed practice. Its force depends on the people addressed, the action required, and the circumstance stated in the passage.

The sentence centres on “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.” The wording sets the subject and the limits of interpretation.

Biblical Significance

Biblical commands show that faithfulness takes concrete form. They must also be read within their covenantal and literary setting so that the original requirement and any later application are not confused.

Application

Readers should first identify exactly what is commanded and why. Application begins with reverence for God’s word, precise observation, and careful distinction between the original setting and present responsibilities.

Read in this setting, Matthew 18:3 speaks through its own wording and context. Its claims and application begin with the KJV text above.