Matthew 18:14
New International Version
In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

New Living Translation
In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.

English Standard Version
So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Berean Standard Bible
In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

Berean Literal Bible
Thus it is not the will of your Father who is in the heavens that one of these little ones should perish.

King James Bible
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

New King James Version
Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

New American Standard Bible
So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish.

NASB 1995
“So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish.

NASB 1977
“Thus it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish.

Legacy Standard Bible
In this way, it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish.

Amplified Bible
So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones be lost.

Christian Standard Bible
In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones perish.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones perish.

American Standard Version
Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Contemporary English Version
That's how it is with your Father in heaven. He doesn't want any of these little ones to be lost.

English Revised Version
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In the same way, your Father in heaven does not want one of these little ones to be lost.

Good News Translation
In just the same way your Father in heaven does not want any of these little ones to be lost.

International Standard Version
In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost."

Majority Standard Bible
In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

NET Bible
In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that one of these little ones be lost.

New Heart English Bible
Even so it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Webster's Bible Translation
Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Weymouth New Testament
Just so it is not the will of your Father in Heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.

World English Bible
Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
so it is not [the] will in [the] presence of your Father who is in the heavens that one of these little ones may perish.

Berean Literal Bible
Thus it is not the will of your Father who is in the heavens that one of these little ones should perish.

Young's Literal Translation
so it is not will in presence of your Father who is in the heavens, that one of these little ones may perish.

Smith's Literal Translation
So is not the will of your Father, he in the heavens, that one of these little ones be lost.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Even so it is not the will of your Father, who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Even so, it is not the will before your Father, who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should be lost.

New American Bible
In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.

New Revised Standard Version
So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Even so, your Father in heaven does not want one of these little ones to be lost.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Just so, it is not the will before your Father who is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Even so, it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should be lost.

Godbey New Testament
So it is not the will of your Father who is in the heavens, that one of these little ones may perish.

Haweis New Testament
Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones perish.

Mace New Testament
in like manner your heavenly father would not that any person of such humility should be lost.

Weymouth New Testament
Just so it is not the will of your Father in Heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.

Worrell New Testament
In like manner it is not the will of your Father Who is in Heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Worsley New Testament
Even so it is not the will of your heavenly Father, that any one of these little ones should be lost.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
13And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. 15If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.…

Cross References
Luke 15:4-7
“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? / And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, / comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ ...

John 10:11-16
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

Ezekiel 34:11-16
For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. / As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. / I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. ...

Isaiah 53:6
We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.

John 6:39
And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day.

1 Timothy 2:4
who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Psalm 119:176
I have strayed like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments.

Jeremiah 23:3
Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply.

John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. / For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

Romans 5:8
But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Isaiah 40:11
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.

1 Peter 2:25
For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Ezekiel 18:23
Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?


Treasury of Scripture

Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

it is.

Luke 12:32
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

John 6:39,40
And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day…

John 10:27-30
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: …

your.

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 6:9,32
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name…

one.

Isaiah 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Zechariah 13:7
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

John 21:15
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

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Matthew 18
1. Jesus warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,
7. to avoid offenses,
10. and not to despise the little ones;
15. teaches how we are to deal with our brothers when they offend us,
21. and how often to forgive them;
23. which he sets forth by a parable of the king who took account of his servants,
32. and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow servant.














In the same way
This phrase connects the preceding parable of the lost sheep to the current teaching. The Greek word used here, "houtōs," implies a direct comparison or manner. Jesus is emphasizing that just as a shepherd seeks out a lost sheep, God actively seeks to save those who are lost. This reflects the consistent biblical theme of God's relentless pursuit of humanity, underscoring His love and mercy.

your Father in heaven
The term "Father" (Greek: "patēr") is deeply relational, indicating a personal and intimate relationship between God and believers. "In heaven" signifies God's sovereignty and divine authority. This phrase reassures believers of God's omnipotence and His loving nature as a caring Father who desires the best for His children. It reflects the familial relationship that believers are invited into, highlighting the personal care and concern God has for each individual.

is not willing
The Greek word "thelō" is used here, meaning to will, wish, or desire. This indicates God's intentional and deliberate desire. It is not merely a passive hope but an active will that none should perish. This aligns with 2 Peter 3:9, which states that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. It emphasizes God's proactive love and His desire for salvation for all.

that any
The word "any" (Greek: "hen") is inclusive, signifying that no one is excluded from God's concern. This reflects the universal scope of God's love and salvation. It underscores the value of every individual soul, regardless of status or background, in the eyes of God.

of these little ones
"Little ones" (Greek: "mikros") can refer to children or those who are humble and lowly in spirit. In the context of Matthew 18, it likely refers to believers who are vulnerable or marginalized. This phrase highlights God's special care for those who are often overlooked or undervalued by society. It serves as a reminder of the kingdom values where the last shall be first, and the humble are exalted.

should perish
The Greek word "apollymi" means to destroy or lose. In this context, it refers to spiritual ruin or eternal separation from God. The use of this word underscores the gravity of being lost and the dire consequences of being separated from God's love and grace. However, the verse assures us that it is not God's desire for anyone to face such a fate, emphasizing His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

(14) Even so it is not the will . . .--The form of the proposition has all the force that belongs to the rhetorical use of the negative. "It is not the will" suggests the thought that the will of the Father is the very opposite of that, and so the words are identical in their teaching with those of St. Paul, "He will have all men to be saved" (1Timothy 2:4). The continued presence of the child is again emphasised in "one of these little ones."

Verse 14. - Even so. The teaching of the parable is summed up; the conduct of the earthly shepherd is a figure of that of the heavenly Shepherd. The will of your Father... perish. To scandalize one of these little ones, or lead him into sin (which is to cause to perish), is to fight against God's will, who would have all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). "When the dignity of the little ones was asserted, it was Πατρός μου, 'my Father;' now that a motive directly acting on the conscience of the Christian is urged, it is Πατρὸς ὑμῶν, your Father" (Alford). St. Paul teaches that Christ died for the weak brethren (Romans 14:15; 1 Corinthians 8:11). With this text (ver. 14) before him, it is inconceivable that any one can hold the doctrine of the eternal reprobation of certain souls. The whole passage is opposed to the theory of irrespective predestination and irresistible grace.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
In the same way,
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

Father
Πατρὸς (Patros)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

heaven
οὐρανοῖς (ouranois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

is
ἔστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

willing
θέλημα (thelēma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2307: An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.

that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

any
ἓν (hen)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

of these
τούτων (toutōn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

little ones
μικρῶν (mikrōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3398: Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).

should perish.
ἀπόληται (apolētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 622: From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.


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