13They were bringing little children to him so that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. [10:14] Seeing this, Jesus was indignant and said to them: Let the little children come to me — do not hinder them — for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [10:15] Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter into it. [10:16] And taking them in his arms, he was greatly blessing them, laying his hands on them.
MRK 10:13-16
Jesus Blesses the Children
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st-century Mediterranean world, children occupied a marginal social status. They were often viewed as dependent and lacking in honor, with little societal value until they could contribute to the household or community. The disciples’ rebuke of those bringing children to Jesus reflects this cultural assumption, as they likely saw such an act as trivial or disruptive. Jesus’ indignation sharply contrasts with this mindset, signaling a radical reorientation of values. His embrace and blessing of the children, accompanied by the laying on of hands, would have been seen as a significant act of honor and inclusion. By declaring that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these, Jesus subverts the honor-shame hierarchy, elevating the socially insignificant. His emphasis on receiving the kingdom ‘as a child’ underscores a posture of dependence and humility, qualities often overlooked in a culture that prized self-sufficiency and status.
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How other translations render this
MRK 10:13
- KJV
- And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
- BSB
- Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
- Koinōnos
- They were bringing little children to him so that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.
MRK 10:14
- KJV
- But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
- BSB
- But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
- Koinōnos
- Seeing this, Jesus was indignant and said to them: Let the little children come to me — do not hinder them — for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
MRK 10:15
- KJV
- Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not 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
- Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter into it.
MRK 10:16
- KJV
- And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
- BSB
- And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.
- Koinōnos
- And taking them in his arms, he was greatly blessing them, laying his hands on them.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
MRK 10:13
- little children:The word translated 'little children' refers to very young children, often infants or toddlers, emphasizing their complete dependence and vulnerability.
MRK 10:14
- was indignant:The word translated 'was indignant' describes a strong, visceral reaction of displeasure or anger, often with a sense of outrage or annoyance.
MRK 10:15
- not:The word translated 'not' here is used for a prohibition or a negative command, indicating something that should not happen or is contrary to intention, rather than a simple statement of fact.
MRK 10:16
- he was greatly blessing:The phrase translated 'he was greatly blessing' suggests an intensive and repeated action of blessing, conveying a profound and abundant bestowal of favor.