Lukas 9:47-48

9:47 But when Jesus discerned their innermost thoughts, ¹  he took a child, had him stand by ²  his side, 9:48 and said to them, “Whoever welcomes ³  this child ⁴  in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, for the one who is least among you all is the one who is great.” ⁵ 

[9:47]  ¹ tn Grk “knowing the thoughts of their hearts” (an idiom).

[9:47]  ² tn On this use of παρά (para), see BDF §239.1.1.

[9:48]  ³ tn This verb, δέχομαι (decomai), is a term of hospitality (L&N 34.53).

[9:48]  ⁴ sn Children were very insignificant in ancient culture, so this child would be the perfect object lesson to counter the disciples’ selfish ambitions.

[9:48]  ⁵ tn Grk “among you all, this one is great.” The absence of a comparative term here makes the point that comparison should not be done.