Matthew 18:10 Meaning of Verse with Simple Commentary

Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”

Explanation and Commentary of Matthew 18:10

Jesus has been emphasizing the importance of humility for those in the Kingdom of God. Jesus liked to used the analogy that a disciple needed to become like a child in wonder, humility, and faith (Mt 18:1-5).

It is not completely clear if Jesus is speaking in this passage of children or those of low position who are “greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” Either interpretation would teach a similar lesson, and neither would detract from the other. From the context, it seems preferable to assume that it is the latter. The disciples seemed obsessed with their own importance at times, and Jesus took pains to correct this. He taught the biblical truth that all people were created in the image of God and had intrinsic value and dignity. Further, “those who believe in me” (Mt 18:6) were of special value.

While the Bible still leaves much mystery concerning angels and heavenly beings, their existence cannot be in doubt.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 18:10

#1 “See that you do not despise…”
The temptation is to look at someone of low station with contempt because of our own sense of self-importance. Indeed, in the world’s way, we must look down on others who are lower as much as we must look up to those we consider great. Look at the tendency to worship celebrities. It is a twisted way to live and Jesus came to undo this.

#2 “…one of these little ones.”
Again, Jesus could be referring to children, but most likely he is referring to children in the faith, especially those of low importance in the eyes of the world. Jesus said the “least of these” are the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven (Luke 9:48). Jesus had a vision of society in the Church that was radical and based on the equal value of all men and women (Gal 3:28).

#3 “For I tell you that their angels in heaven…”
The Sadducees had begun to doubt what the Jews had believed for many generations, that there were angels and that there was a resurrection. Jesus affirms the existence of angels without giving enough details to create a complete theology of the heavenly beings. His statement does seem to affirm the possibility that men and women have some sort of guardian angel whose job it is to intercede with God for them.

#4 “…always see the face of my Father in heaven.”
The imagery is of a court where high officials have greater access to the king who judges. For certain, Jesus’ point is that those we might think are unimportant are extremely important in the Kingdom of God. It should not be inferred that the Father has a physical face since he is constantly portrayed in Scripture as being a Spirit without a form. This is why it is not lawful to draw or carve an image of the Father. Even done in adoration, this is considered idolatry (Isa 42:8).

Bible Study on Matthew 18:10

Expert Overview of Matthew Ch. 14-28

Biblical Translations of Matthew 18:10

NIV
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”

NLT
“Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.”

ESV
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.”

KJV
“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.”

NKJV
“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”