13Then young children were brought to him so that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples sternly warned them. [19:14] But Jesus said, "Allow the children to come, and do not hinder them from coming to me, for to such belongs the kingdom of the heavens." [19:15] And he laid his hands on them and departed from there.
MAT 19:13-15
Jesus Blesses the Children
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st-century Mediterranean world, children were often viewed as socially insignificant, lacking the status or honor accorded to adults. Their primary value lay in their potential future contributions to the family or community, not in their present state. The disciples’ rebuke reflects this cultural assumption, as they likely saw the children as a distraction or unworthy of Jesus’ attention. However, Jesus’ response subverts this norm. By welcoming the (young children) and laying hands on them—a gesture of blessing and inclusion—He elevates their status and affirms their inherent worth. The kingdom of heaven, Jesus declares, belongs to such as these, emphasizing humility, dependence, and trust. This act would have been striking to onlookers, as it challenged the honor-shame hierarchy of the time, where only those with social standing were deemed worthy of public recognition. Jesus’ insistence on allowing the children to come to Him underscores a radical redefinition of value and belonging in the kingdom of God.
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How other translations render this
MAT 19:13
- KJV
- Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
- BSB
- Then the little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. And the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
- Koinōnos
- Then young children were brought to him so that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples sternly warned them.
MAT 19:14
- KJV
- But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
- BSB
- But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
- Koinōnos
- But Jesus said, "Allow the children to come, and do not hinder them from coming to me, for to such belongs the kingdom of the heavens.
MAT 19:15
- KJV
- And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
- BSB
- And after He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there.
- Koinōnos
- And he laid his hands on them and departed from there.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
MAT 19:13
- little children:The word translated 'little children' refers to very young children, often infants or toddlers, emphasizing their complete dependence and vulnerability.
- rebuked:The word translated 'rebuked' here carries the sense of a strong warning or a stern prohibition, often with the implication of preventing an action.
MAT 19:14
- do permit:The word translated 'do permit' means to send away, let go, or allow. Here, it specifically means to allow them to come without hindrance.
- do forbid:The word translated 'do forbid' means to hinder, prevent, or restrain. It implies actively stopping someone from doing something.