15They were bringing to him also the infants, that he might touch them; but the disciples, having seen it, were rebuking them. [18:16] But Jesus called them to himself, saying: "Permit the little children to come to me and do not forbid them, for of such as these is the kingdom of God. [18:17] Amen, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a child will certainly not enter it."
LUK 18:15-17
Jesus Blesses the Children
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st-century Mediterranean world, children held a complex social status. While valued within the family, they were often seen as marginal in public life, lacking social agency or honor. The act of bringing infants to Jesus for His touch reflects a cultural practice of seeking blessing or protection from a respected figure, akin to Jewish traditions of seeking rabbinic blessings. The disciples’ rebuke aligns with societal norms that prioritized adult concerns over children’s presence in significant gatherings. Jesus’ response, however, subverts these norms. By welcoming (children) and declaring that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these, He challenges the honor-shame hierarchy of His time. His use of the emphatic negation underscores the radical inclusivity of the kingdom, where dependence and humility, traits embodied by children, are prerequisites for entry. This would have been countercultural, especially in a society that prized self-sufficiency and status.
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How other translations render this
LUK 18:15
- KJV
- And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
- BSB
- Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them.
- Koinōnos
- They were bringing to him also the infants, that he might touch them; but the disciples, having seen it, were rebuking them.
LUK 18:16
- KJV
- But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
- BSB
- But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
- Koinōnos
- But Jesus called them to himself, saying: "Permit the little children to come to me and do not forbid them, for of such as these is the kingdom of God.
LUK 18:17
- KJV
- Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
- BSB
- Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
- Koinōnos
- Amen, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a child will certainly not enter it.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
LUK 18:15
- infants:The word translated 'infants' here specifically refers to babies, often newborns, emphasizing their complete helplessness and dependence.
- He may touch;:The term used here for 'touch' often implies a more intimate or impactful contact, not just a casual brush, suggesting a desire for a blessing or healing touch.
LUK 18:16
- little children:The word translated 'little children' refers to young children, typically up to around seven years old, highlighting their youth and innocence.
LUK 18:17
- certainly:The word translated 'certainly' is a strong, emphatic negative, indicating an absolute and undeniable truth, not just a simple 'no'.