and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just saying "be nice"; he's emphasizing a radical turn from worldly ambition. The original Greek word for "converted" literally means to "turn around" or "turn back," highlighting that entering God's kingdom requires a complete reorientation of your desires, away from seeking status and toward the humble dependence of a child.
and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples have just asked Jesus who will be the greatest in his kingdom, revealing their worldly ambitions and a competitive spirit among them. Jesus responds by setting a child among them, directly addressing their pride and clarifying that greatness in his kingdom is measured by humility, not status. He emphasizes that unless they undergo a radical change—a turning away from such worldly desires and becoming like trusting, unpretentious children—they won't even gain entrance into the kingdom he is establishing.
The disciples were asking who would be the greatest in Jesus' kingdom. Jesus' response wasn't about ranking, but about a radical reorientation.
Jesus' call to 'be converted' here isn't about the initial step into faith, but a specific turning away from worldly ambition and pride. The disciples were caught up in thoughts of earthly power and status. Jesus redirects them, emphasizing that entering His kingdom requires a profound shift in perspective.
A New Direction
This conversion is about 'turning' from self-seeking and rivalry to a completely different way of thinking and valuing. It’s about facing the opposite direction of the world’s values and aligning with God's kingdom values.
Why would Jesus hold up children as the ultimate model for entering His kingdom? It's not about being immature, but about possessing specific, God-honoring qualities.
Jesus points to children as the perfect example of the heart attitude required for His kingdom. This isn't about mimicking childish immaturity, but about embodying their inherent qualities:
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Jesus’ words are stark and absolute: 'you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.' This isn't a suggestion; it's a critical condition.
The phrase 'you will never enter' (or 'shall not enter' in some translations) carries immense weight. Jesus isn't saying it would be difficult or that they might miss out on being great in the kingdom; He's stating it's an absolute barrier to entry.
Beyond Greatness
The disciples' question was about who would be greatest. Jesus flips the script entirely, making the childlike disposition not just a path to prominence, but the very prerequisite for entrance.
This teaches us that the nature of God's kingdom is fundamentally opposed to the proud, self-exalting spirit of the world. Genuine entry requires this transformation, this embrace of humility and childlike faith.
Understand the original words
amēn · Greek Adverb/Interjection
A solemn, emphatic introductory formula used by Jesus to underscore the truth and divine authority of his subsequent statement.
strefō · Greek Verb
A complete change of mind and direction; biblically, it signifies turning away from sin and self-centeredness toward God.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18, emphasizing that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it 'like a little child,' reinforcing the humility and openness required.
1 Corinthians 14:20Paul urges the Corinthian believers not to be children in their thinking but to be mature, which highlights a specific aspect of Jesus' teaching here – that true spiritual 'childlikeness' is about humility and teachability, not immaturity.
Colossians 3:10This verse speaks of being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator, which aligns with the 'conversion' Jesus calls for in Matthew 18:3 – a turning from old ways of thinking to a new, Christ-like perspective.
Matthew 5:3Jesus declared 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven' in the Sermon on the Mount, a concept that echoes the humility and lack of self-importance characteristic of the 'childlike' state He demands for entering His kingdom.
henryMatthew 18:1-6: "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
18:1-6 Christ spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet the disciples fasten upon that, and overlook the others. Many love to hear and speak of privileges and glory, who are willing to pass by the thoughts of work and trouble. Our Lord set a little child before them, solemnly assuring them, that unless they were converted and made like little children,…
bensonMatthew 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."
Matthew 18:3-4 . And said, Verily I say unto you — What I say is an undoubted and most important truth, a truth which you ought not only firmly to believe but seriously to lay to heart: except ye be converted — Turned from these worldly and carnal views and desires; and become like little children — “Free from pride, covetousness, and ambition, a…
Jesus isn't just saying "be nice"; he's emphasizing a radical turn from worldly ambition. The original Greek word for "converted" literally means to "turn around" or "turn back," highlighting that entering God's kingdom requires a complete reorientation of your desires, away from seeking status and toward the humble dependence of a child.
The disciples have just asked Jesus who will be the greatest in his kingdom, revealing their worldly ambitions and a competitive spirit among them. Jesus responds by setting a child among them, directly addressing their pride and clarifying that greatness in his kingdom is measured by humility, not status. He emphasizes that unless they undergo a radical change—a turning away from such worldly desires and becoming like trusting, unpretentious children—they won't even gain entrance into the kingdom he is establishing.
The disciples have just asked Jesus who will be the greatest in his kingdom, revealing their worldly ambitions and a competitive spirit among them. Jesus responds by setting a child among them, directly addressing their pride and clarifying that greatness in his kingdom is measured by humility, not status. He emphasizes that unless they undergo a radical change—a turning away from such worldly desires and becoming like trusting, unpretentious children—they won't even gain entrance into the kingdom he is establishing.
"and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." — Jesus isn't just saying "be nice"; he's emphasizing a radical turn from worldly ambition. The original Greek word for "converted" literally means to "turn around" or "turn back," highlighting that…
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Last reviewed October 2026