SEV Biblia, Chapter 18:4
Así que, cualquiera que se abajare como este nio, ste es el mayor en el Reino de los cielos.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Matthew 18:4
Verse 4. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself] So great is the disparity between the kingdom of Christ and the kingdoms of this world, that there is no way of rising to honours in the former, but by humility of mind, and continual self-abasement. The same is greatest] Thus our Lord shows them that they were all equal, and that there could be no superiority among them, but what must come from the deepest humility; he intimates also, that wherever this principle should be found, it would save its possessor from seeking worldly honours or earthly profits, and from seeking to be a ruler over his brethren, or a lord in God's heritage.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 4. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself , etc.] Whoever shall entertain mean thoughts of himself, and prefer others to himself, shall behave in a modest humble manner, not affecting dominion over others, or treating his brethren and Christians in a haughty and supercilious manner, with scorn and contempt; but condescend to those of the lowest state, and place himself in the lowest form, conversing with his friends freely and familiarly, without distinction, as this little child ; or any other of the like age; for there is no reason to suppose, that there was anything peculiar in this child, which was not in another, it being common to children to behave towards one another, as on a level; not to envy one another, or to set up one above another, or be vainly elated with the distinctions of birth and fortune. The same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven ; in the Gospel church state; which was verified in the Apostle Paul, though not one of the twelve: nor are these words limited to them; at least, this passage may be illustrated in his case: he thought himself to be the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints, and unworthy to be called an apostle; yet had the largest measures of grace, the greatest gifts and abilities; and was honoured with the greatest usefulness and success in the preaching of the Gospel to the conversion of sinners, and planting of churches; labouring more abundantly than they all.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 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 befor them, solemnly assuring them, that unless they were converted and mad like little children, they could not enter his kingdom. Children, when very young, do not desire authority, do not regard outwar distinctions, are free from malice, are teachable, and willingl dependent on their parents. It is true that they soon begin to sho other dispositions, and other ideas are taught them at an early age but these are marks of childhood, and render them proper emblems of the lowly minds of true Christians. Surely we need to be daily renewed in the spirit of our minds, that we may become simple and humble, a little children, and willing to be the least of all. Let us daily stud this subject, and examine our own spirits.
Greek Textus Receptus
οστις 3748 R-NSM ουν 3767 CONJ ταπεινωση 5013 5661 V-AAS-3S εαυτον 1438 F-3ASM ως 5613 ADV το 3588 T-NSN παιδιον 3813 N-NSN τουτο 5124 D-NSN ουτος 3778 D-NSM εστιν 2076 5748 V-PXI-3S ο 3588 T-NSM μειζων 3187 A-NSM-C εν 1722 PREP τη 3588 T-DSF βασιλεια 932 N-DSF των 3588 T-GPM ουρανων 3772 N-GPM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
4. As this little child. Not, as this little child humbles himself, but, shall make himself humble as this little child is lowly; shall willingly become by spiritual process what the child is by nature.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
18:4 { this little child} (to paidion touto). this saying about humbling oneself Jesus repeated a number of times as for instance in #Mt 23:12. Probably Jesus pointed to the child by his side. The ninth-century story that the child was Ignatius is worthless. It is not that the child humbled himself, but that the child is humble from the nature of the case in relation to older persons. That is true, however "bumptious" the child himself may be. Bruce observes that to humble oneself is "the most difficult thing in the world for saint as for sinner."
