And 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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to focus on the "cup of cold water" as a tiny act, but the real depth is in the "in the name of a disciple" part. Jesus isn't just rewarding simple kindness; He's highlighting that the motive behind the action—doing it specifically because the person belongs to Him—is what makes it eternally significant. This reveals that even the smallest gesture, when rooted in loyalty to Christ, carries immense value in God's eyes.
And 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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is commissioning his disciples, sending them out with specific instructions for their initial mission to Israel. He warns them of the persecution they will face, explaining that they will be treated like he is and that they must be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. He emphasizes that loyalty to him surpasses all earthly relationships and even the desire to preserve one's own life.
When Jesus calls his followers 'little ones,' what does he really mean? It’s not just about size or age.
In this passage, Jesus refers to his disciples as 'little ones.' This term isn't about their physical stature or even their spiritual maturity. Instead, it highlights their humble status in the eyes of the world.
Is it just about being nice? Jesus emphasizes a crucial element that elevates a simple act to eternal significance.
The verse is clear: the reward is tied not just to the act, but to the reason behind it. Giving a cup of cold water is a simple, inexpensive act of kindness, especially in hot climates. However, Jesus specifies it must be done 'in the name of a disciple' or 'because he is a disciple.'
Ask a follow-up
Jesus promises a reward for the smallest act of kindness. What does this mean for our present and future?
The assurance that 'he will by no means lose his reward' is incredibly powerful. It’s a promise from Jesus himself, spoken with divine certainty.
Understand the original words
mikros · Greek Adjective
In the ministry of Jesus, this term refers to those who are humble, lowly, or of little status in the eyes of the world. It often highlights the special care and protection God provides to those who are socially marginalized or spiritually dependent.
mathētēs · Greek Noun
A follower or apprentice of a teacher; in the New Testament, one who commits to learning from, following, and imitating Jesus Christ. It implies a life of ongoing transformation, obedience, and alignment with the teachings and example of the Master.
This verse, spoken by Jesus during His ministry, is deeply rooted in the immediate context of commissioning His disciples for their initial mission. However, its meaning resonates powerfully throughout the history of the early Church as believers faced hardship and relied on the kindness of others, and as the mission expanded beyond its Jewish beginnings.
c. AD 27-28— this verse
Jesus commissions the Twelve Apostles
Jesus calls and commissions his twelve closest disciples for a specific mission to the Jewish people, equipping them with authority to heal and cast out demons. He instructs them on how to travel, preach, and respond to rejection.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus teaches radical discipleship
In conjunction with the commissioning of the Twelve, Jesus delivers a discourse on the cost and demands of discipleship, emphasizing loyalty to Him above family ties and willingness to suffer for His sake.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The central event of Christian faith: Jesus is crucified and then resurrected, validating His teachings and paving the way for the spread of the Gospel beyond its initial Jewish context.
c. AD 33
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the Gospel. This marks the beginning of the Church's mission to all nations, including Samaritans and Gentiles.
c. AD 40s-60s
The spread of the early Church
The Gospel spreads rapidly throughout the Roman Empire, often accompanied by persecution, leading to the establishment of numerous Christian communities in various cities.
This verse echoes the sentiment that showing kindness to the needy is a loan to the Lord, implying His generous repayment, much like Jesus promises a reward for the smallest act of charity toward His disciples.
1 Samuel 2:30God's word here states, 'those who honor me I will honor.' This directly relates to Matthew 10:42, as honoring Christ by caring for His disciples, even in small ways, brings honor and reward from Him.
Hebrews 6:10This passage assures believers that God is not unjust; He will not forget their work and the love they have shown for His name, particularly in their service to the saints. This powerfully undergirds Jesus' promise of an unfailing reward.
Matthew 25:40Jesus directly links acts of kindness shown to 'the least of these my brothers' to acts of kindness shown to Himself, reinforcing the idea that serving His followers is serving Him and will be rewarded.
Galatians 6:10Paul encourages believers to 'do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to the family of God.' This passage highlights the importance of extending kindness within the community of faith, aligning with the specific focus of Jesus' promise in Matthew 10:42.
barnesMatthew 10:42: "And 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."
These little ones - By "these little ones" are clearly meant his disciples. They are called "little ones" to denote their want of wealth, rank, learning, and whatever the world calls "great." They were "little" in the estimation of the world and in their own estimation. They were "learners," not yet "teac…
calvinMatthew 10:37-42: "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
- He who loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38. And he who doth not take his cross and follow me, [603] is not worthy of me. 39. He who findeth his life [604] shall lose it; and he who loseth his life for my sake shall find it. [605] 40. He who receiv…
It's easy to focus on the "cup of cold water" as a tiny act, but the real depth is in the "in the name of a disciple" part. Jesus isn't just rewarding simple kindness; He's highlighting that the motive behind the action—doing it specifically because the person belongs to Him—is what makes it eternally significant. This reveals that even the smallest gesture, when rooted in loyalty to Christ, carries immense value in God's eyes.
Jesus is commissioning his disciples, sending them out with specific instructions for their initial mission to Israel. He warns them of the persecution they will face, explaining that they will be treated like he is and that they must be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. He emphasizes that loyalty to him surpasses all earthly relationships and even the desire to preserve one's own life.
Jesus is commissioning his disciples, sending them out with specific instructions for their initial mission to Israel. He warns them of the persecution they will face, explaining that they will be treated like he is and that they must be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. He emphasizes that loyalty to him surpasses all earthly relationships and even the desire to preserve one's own life.
"And 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.”" — It's easy to focus on the "cup of cold water" as a tiny act, but the real depth is in the "in the name of a disciple" part. Jesus isn't just rewarding simple kindness; He's highlighting that the *mot…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026