Mark 10:13

KJV

¶ And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and [his] disciples rebuked those that brought [them].

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they brought {G4374} young children {G3813} to him {G846}, that {G2443} he should touch {G680} them {G846}: and {G1161} his disciples {G3101} rebuked {G2008} those that brought {G4374} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

People were bringing children to him so that he might touch them, but the talmidim rebuked those people.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And they were bringing unto him little children, that he should touch them: and the disciples rebuked them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry where the inherent tension between societal norms and the radical inclusivity of God's Kingdom is vividly displayed. Parents, seeking a blessing or healing, brought young children to Jesus, only to be met with sharp disapproval from His disciples. This incident sets the stage for Jesus' profound teaching on the value of children and the humble, dependent posture required to enter the Kingdom of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' teaching on marriage and divorce in [Mark 10:1-12](/mark/10-1-12 "Jesus' Teaching on Marriage and Divorce"). Having just addressed deeply theological and ethical matters concerning adults, the narrative shifts abruptly to the bringing of children, creating a stark contrast. The disciples' reaction in [Mark 10:13](/mark/10-13 "Mark 10:13 - Disciples Rebuke Those Bringing Children") and Jesus' subsequent response in [Mark 10:14-16](/mark/10-14-16 "Jesus Blesses the Children") serve as a powerful illustration and counterpoint to the earlier discussion, emphasizing that the Kingdom of God is not solely for the learned or the mature, but for those who receive it with childlike faith. This episode also foreshadows Jesus' later interactions with the marginalized and His consistent challenge to conventional wisdom regarding status and importance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, children, especially young ones, held a significantly lower social status than adults. They were often not considered full members of the community until they reached a certain age and were not typically included in serious religious or public discussions. Their presence might have been seen as a distraction or an imposition. The act of bringing children to a rabbi or holy man for a "touch" (often implying a blessing, prayer, or even healing) was a common practice, reflecting a belief in the spiritual power conveyed through such an act. The disciples' "rebuke" (G2008, _epitimáō_) was a strong admonition, reflecting their cultural understanding that Jesus' time was too valuable for such "trivial" matters and that the parents were out of line.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 10:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Mark. It underscores **Jesus' radical inclusivity and compassion**, demonstrating His willingness to engage with all, particularly the vulnerable and overlooked, directly contrasting with the disciples' more conventional, status-conscious worldview. It highlights the **misunderstanding and spiritual immaturity of the disciples**, a recurring theme throughout Mark, as they consistently struggle to grasp the true nature of Jesus' mission and the Kingdom of God, as seen in their failures to understand the parables in [Mark 4](/mark/4 "Mark 4 - Parables of the Kingdom") or Jesus' suffering in [Mark 8:31-33](/mark/8-31-33 "Peter Rebukes Jesus"). Furthermore, this verse sets the stage for the profound theme of the **value of humility and childlike faith** as prerequisites for entering the Kingdom, a concept Jesus explicitly teaches in [Mark 10:15](/mark/10-15 "Mark 10:15 - Receiving the Kingdom as a Child").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought (Language, _prosphérō'_):** G4374, from πρός and φέρω; to bear towards, i.e. lead to, tender (especially to God), treat. This word implies an intentional, purposeful action of presenting someone or something. Here, it signifies the parents' earnest desire to bring their children into Jesus' presence, likely with an expectation of blessing or spiritual benefit. The word choice emphasizes the direct and personal nature of their approach to Jesus.
* **young children (Language, _paidíon'_):** G3813, neuter diminutive of παῖς; a childling (of either sex), i.e. (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian. This term specifically refers to very young children, perhaps even infants or toddlers, highlighting their complete dependence and vulnerability. Their smallness and lack of social standing in that culture make the disciples' rebuke all the more striking and Jesus' subsequent welcome all the more revolutionary.
* **rebuked (Language, _epitimáō'_):** G2008, from ἐπί and τιμάω; to tax upon, i.e. censure or admonish; by implication, forbid. This is a strong word, indicating a sharp, authoritative reprimand or scolding. The disciples were not merely gently discouraging but actively forbidding the parents from approaching Jesus, revealing their misguided zeal and a profound misunderstanding of Jesus' character and mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they brought young children to him":** This clause introduces the primary action of the verse. "They" refers to parents or guardians, driven by faith or hope, seeking Jesus' interaction with their vulnerable children. The act of bringing them "to him" emphasizes their desire for a personal encounter with Jesus, recognizing His unique authority and power to bless.
* **"that he should touch them":** This phrase clarifies the specific intention behind bringing the children. In the ancient world, a touch from a revered figure was believed to impart blessing, healing, or spiritual favor. It was a tangible expression of connection and the transfer of spiritual power, indicating the parents' belief in Jesus' divine authority and benevolent nature.
* **"and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.":** This final clause introduces the conflict and the disciples' misguided intervention. Their "rebuke" was a harsh admonition, reflecting their perception that the children were an inconvenience or unworthy of Jesus' time. This action highlights their persistent failure to grasp Jesus' inclusive Kingdom values, prioritizing order or perceived importance over compassion and accessibility.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Contrast** as its primary literary device, setting the compassionate intent of the parents against the harsh reaction of the disciples. This immediate juxtaposition highlights the disciples' spiritual blindness and misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. There is also a subtle **Foreshadowing** at play; the disciples' attempt to control access to Jesus and their misjudgment of who is worthy prefigures their later struggles with humility and their eventual abandonment of Jesus during His passion. Furthermore, a degree of **Irony** is present, as those closest to Jesus, who should embody His welcoming spirit, instead act as gatekeepers, unwittingly hindering the very people Jesus came to embrace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:13 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of God's Kingdom and the character of Jesus. It reveals that the Kingdom is not exclusive to the powerful, the learned, or those of high social standing, but is open to the vulnerable, the dependent, and those who approach with simple trust. The disciples' rebuke underscores a common human tendency to create barriers based on perceived worthiness or convenience, a tendency that Jesus consistently challenged. This incident affirms Jesus' radical inclusivity, demonstrating His profound love and accessibility to all, especially those often marginalized or overlooked by society. It teaches us that true spiritual authority is expressed not in guarding access, but in extending welcome and blessing.

* [Matthew 19:13-15](/matthew/19-13-15 "Jesus Blesses the Children in Matthew")
* [Luke 18:15-17](/luke/18-15-17 "Jesus Welcomes Children in Luke")
* [1 Corinthians 1:26-29](/1_corinthians/1-26-29 "God Chooses the Weak and Lowly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:13 is a profound mirror reflecting our own attitudes and priorities. It challenges us to examine who we might inadvertently exclude or deem "unworthy" of our time, attention, or spiritual resources. Just as the disciples sought to protect Jesus from what they considered a distraction, we too can fall into the trap of prioritizing efficiency, order, or perceived importance over genuine compassion and radical welcome. This verse calls us to cultivate a heart that values the "least of these," recognizing that God's Kingdom often operates in ways contrary to human wisdom. It reminds us that true discipleship involves embracing the vulnerable, extending grace, and fostering environments where all, regardless of age or status, feel seen, valued, and welcomed into the presence of Christ. It encourages us to be conduits of blessing, not barriers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like the disciples, inadvertently create barriers to others encountering Jesus or experiencing His love?**
* **How does my attitude towards children, or those considered "insignificant" by society, reflect my understanding of God's Kingdom?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more welcoming and inclusive posture, both personally and within my community?**
* **How does the humility and dependence of a child serve as a model for my own faith journey?**

### FAQ
**Why did the disciples rebuke those who brought children to Jesus?**

Answer: The disciples likely rebuked the parents out of a misguided sense of protecting Jesus' time and dignity. In ancient Jewish culture, children held a lower social status and were not typically seen as participants in serious religious discussions or public ministry. The disciples probably viewed the parents' actions as an imposition or an interruption to Jesus' more "important" work of teaching adults, failing to grasp Jesus' radical inclusivity and the true nature of the Kingdom of God, which values the humble and vulnerable.

**What does it mean that Jesus should "touch" the children?**

Answer: In the cultural context of the time, a "touch" from a revered spiritual leader like Jesus was understood to convey a blessing, a prayer, or even healing. People believed that a holy person's physical contact could impart spiritual power or favor. The parents bringing their children for Jesus to touch them indicates their faith in His authority and their desire for His divine favor and blessing upon their children's lives. This act was a tangible expression of seeking spiritual benefit from Him.

**How does this verse relate to the value of children in the church today?**

Answer: Mark 10:13, especially when read in conjunction with Jesus' subsequent response in [Mark 10:14-16](/mark/10-14-16 "Jesus Blesses the Children"), profoundly shapes Christian theology regarding the value of children. It teaches that children are not merely future members of the church but are precious in God's sight right now. Jesus' welcome of them challenges believers to actively value, protect, and nurture children, seeing them as examples of the humility and trust required to enter the Kingdom of God. It calls the church to be a place where children are not just tolerated but genuinely welcomed, taught, and discipled, recognizing their inherent spiritual capacity and worth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:13, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, profoundly foreshadows and illuminates the very heart of Christ's mission. The disciples' attempt to block access to Jesus for those deemed "unworthy" or "insignificant" stands in stark contrast to Jesus' ultimate purpose: to break down every barrier and extend an open invitation to all humanity. Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"), does not turn away the vulnerable lambs but actively seeks them out, demonstrating God's boundless love and compassion. His later sacrifice on the cross, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the ultimate act of radical welcome, making a way for all—including the "least of these"—to draw near to God. This verse, therefore, is a microcosm of the Gospel: Jesus, the [Son of Man who came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"), consistently dismantles human-made hierarchies and offers grace to the marginalized, revealing that His Kingdom is built on humility, dependence, and unconditional love, a love perfectly embodied in His willingness to embrace the children.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 19:13

¶ Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put [his] hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

Matthew 19:15

And he laid [his] hands on them, and departed thence.

Luke 18:15

¶ And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when [his] disciples saw [it], they rebuked them.

Luke 18:17

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

Exodus 10:9

And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we [must hold] a feast unto the LORD.

Exodus 10:11

Not so: go now ye [that are] men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.

Deuteronomy 31:12

Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that [is] within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: