Matthew 18:1 NIV: At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

Matthew 18:1

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◄ Matthew 18:1 ►

New International Version (© 2011)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

King James Bible
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

American Standard Version
In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

Young's Literal Translation
At that hour came the disciples near to Jesus, saying, 'Who, now, is greater in the reign of the heavens?'

Matthew 18:1 Additional Translations
Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

At the same time - Or hour; but ωρα is frequently used to signify some particular time: however, instead of ωρα, three MSS., all the Itala but four, and Origen, read ημερα, day. Origen says both readings were extant in MSS. in his time.

Who is the greatest - Could these disciples have viewed the kingdom of Christ in any other light than that of a temporal one? Hence they wished to know whom he would make his prime minister - whom his general - whom his chief chancellor - whom supreme judge, etc., etc. Is it he who first became thy disciple, or he who is thy nearest relative, or he who has most frequently entertained thee, or he who is the oldest, merely as to years? Could this inquiry have proceeded from any but the nine disciples who had not witnessed our Lord's transfiguration? Peter, James, and John, were surely more spiritual in their views! And yet how soon did even these forget that his kingdom was not of this world! See Mark 10:35, etc.; John 18:10, etc. The disciples having lately seen the keys delivered to Peter, and found that he, with James and John, had been privileged with being present at the transfiguration, it is no wonder if a measure of jealousy and suspicion began to work in their minds. From this inquiry we may also learn, that the disciples had no notion of Peter's supremacy; nor did they understand, as the Roman Catholics will have it, that Christ had constituted him their head, either by the conversation mentioned Matthew 16:18, Matthew 16:19, or by the act mentioned in the conclusion of the preceding chapter. Had they thought that any such superiority had been designed, their present question must have been extremely impertinent. Let this be observed.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

the same.

Mark 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that you disputed among yourselves by the way?

*etc:

Who.

Matthew 20:20-28 Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him...

Matthew 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Mark 9:34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

Mark 10:35-45 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come to him, saying, Master, we would that you should do for us whatever we shall desire...

Luke 9:46-48 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest...

Luke 22:24-27 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest...

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;