Mark 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when Jesus {G2424} saw {G1492} it, he was much displeased {G23}, and {G2532} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Suffer {G863} the little children {G3813} to come {G2064} unto {G4314} me {G3165}, and {G2532} forbid {G2967} them {G846} not {G3361}: for {G1063} of such {G5108} is {G2076} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, when Yeshua saw it, he became indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me, don't stop them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me; forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 10:14, Jesus sternly rebukes his disciples for hindering children from approaching him, unequivocally declaring that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who embody the qualities of such little ones. This pivotal moment reveals Jesus' radical inclusivity, his deep displeasure with those who obstruct access to him, and his profound redefinition of who is truly valued in God's eyes, setting a foundational principle for kingdom membership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct and forceful reaction by Jesus to the preceding event described in [Mark 10:13](/mark/10-13 "Mark 10:13 - Children Brought to Jesus"). There, people were bringing young children to Jesus for him to touch them, a common practice seeking blessing or healing. However, the disciples, likely operating under prevailing social norms or perhaps attempting to "protect" Jesus' time and dignity from what they perceived as trivial interruptions, "rebuked them." Jesus' response in verse 14 is not merely a mild correction but a strong expression of indignation, immediately overturning his disciples' misguided actions and articulating a foundational truth about the nature of God's Kingdom and who is welcome within it. This incident is part of a larger section in Mark (chapters 8-10) where Jesus repeatedly challenges his disciples' worldly understanding of power, greatness, and discipleship, often contrasting their ambition with the humility and servanthood required for true kingdom living, as seen in their arguments about who is greatest in [Mark 9:33-37](/mark/9-33-37 "Mark 9:33-37 - Who is the Greatest?").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first-century Roman and Jewish societies, children held a significantly lower status than adults. They possessed few, if any, legal rights, were often regarded as property, and were not considered important members of the community in a public or religious sense. Their opinions were not sought, and their presence was often overlooked or dismissed. It was highly unusual for an esteemed rabbi or teacher to dedicate time specifically to children, let alone to use them as a paradigm for spiritual truth. The disciples' actions in [Mark 10:13](/mark/10-13 "Mark 10:13 - Children Brought to Jesus") would have been entirely consistent with the prevailing cultural attitudes of the time. Jesus' reaction, therefore, was counter-cultural and revolutionary, elevating the status of children and challenging the established social hierarchy by placing them at the very center of his teaching on the Kingdom of God.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 10:14 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Jesus' radical inclusivity and compassion**, demonstrating his welcoming nature towards the marginalized and overlooked, contrasting sharply with the exclusive tendencies of his disciples. Secondly, it profoundly redefines the **nature of the Kingdom of God**, asserting that its entry requirements are not based on social status, intellectual prowess, or religious achievements, but on qualities akin to those found in children—humility, dependence, trust, and lack of pretense. This theme is further developed in other teachings, such as the call to humble oneself like a child in [Matthew 18:3-4](/matthew/18-3-4 "Matthew 18:3-4 - Becoming Like Children"). Lastly, the incident serves as another crucial lesson in **discipleship**, highlighting the disciples' persistent misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and values. It underscores the ongoing need for followers to shed worldly perspectives and adopt the counter-cultural values of God's Kingdom, emphasizing that true greatness in the Kingdom is found in servanthood and humility, as Jesus teaches elsewhere in [Mark 9:35](/mark/9-35 "Mark 9:35 - The First Shall Be Last").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **much displeased (Greek, _aganaktéō'_):** From G23, meaning "to be greatly afflicted, i.e. (figuratively) indignant." This word conveys a strong emotion, indicating Jesus was not merely annoyed but genuinely vexed or indignant. His displeasure was profound, signaling a deep offense at his disciples' actions and their failure to grasp a fundamental aspect of his ministry and God's heart.
* **Suffer (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** From G863, meaning "to send forth, in various applications... to allow, permit, let." In this context, Jesus issues a clear command to "allow" or "permit" the children to come to him without hindrance. It is an authoritative directive to cease their obstruction and facilitate access.
* **little children (Greek, _paidíon'_):** From G3813, a neuter diminutive of _país_, meaning "a childling (of either sex), i.e. (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl." The term emphasizes the tender age and vulnerability of those being brought to Jesus, making his welcome even more poignant and his disciples' rebuke more egregious.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when Jesus saw [it], he was much displeased":** This clause highlights Jesus' immediate and strong emotional reaction. The disciples' attempt to keep the children away provoked a deep indignation in Jesus, indicating that their actions were not merely a minor misstep but a significant affront to his mission and the nature of God's Kingdom. His displeasure underscores the importance he places on welcoming the vulnerable and accessible.
* **"and said unto them, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not":"** Jesus directly addresses his disciples, issuing a clear, authoritative command. "Suffer" (allow/permit) is an imperative, directly countermanding their previous actions. The double negative "forbid them not" emphasizes the absolute nature of his instruction, leaving no room for misunderstanding or further obstruction. He desires direct, unhindered access for the children to himself.
* **"for of such is the kingdom of God.":** This is the theological grounding for Jesus' command, providing the profound reason for his indignation and his welcome. The phrase "of such" (Greek, _toioûtos_, G5108) refers to those who possess the qualities characteristic of children—humility, dependence, trust, lack of pretense, and openness. Jesus declares that the Kingdom of God is not built upon power, status, or self-sufficiency, but on these childlike attributes. These are the qualities necessary for entry into and participation in God's reign.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Contrast** to highlight Jesus' radical values against the conventional wisdom of his disciples and society. The disciples' attempt to exclude the children stands in stark opposition to Jesus' indignant welcome, emphasizing the chasm between worldly and kingdom perspectives. Furthermore, Jesus uses **Simile** (or a form of **Metaphor**) when he declares, "for of such is the kingdom of God." He is not saying the kingdom is literally made up only of children, but that it belongs to those who possess childlike qualities, making children a living parable for kingdom entry. This also functions as a form of **Inversion**, as Jesus reverses the societal hierarchy by elevating the marginalized and vulnerable (children) as models for the most profound spiritual truth (the Kingdom of God), challenging his followers' understanding of true greatness and spiritual status.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:14 is a profound theological statement that redefines the nature of spiritual access and kingdom membership. It reveals God's heart for the humble, the dependent, and the marginalized, contrasting sharply with human tendencies to value power, status, or self-sufficiency. Jesus' indignation underscores that hindering access to him, especially for the vulnerable, is a serious offense against the divine will. The "childlike" qualities he extols—humility, trust, and simple faith—are presented as the essential prerequisites for entering God's Kingdom, challenging any notion that spiritual maturity or religious achievement are the primary gateways. This passage calls believers to cultivate a radical dependence on God and to actively welcome all who seek Jesus, regardless of their perceived status or worth.

* [Matthew 19:14](/matthew/19-14 "Matthew 19:14 - Let the Little Children Come")
* [Luke 18:16](/luke/18-16 "Luke 18:16 - Jesus Blesses Children")
* [Matthew 18:3](/matthew/18-3 "Matthew 18:3 - Become Like Little Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' passionate defense of children in Mark 10:14 serves as a timeless challenge to our own attitudes and practices. In a world that often values independence, strength, and achievement, Jesus elevates humility, dependence, and simple trust as the hallmarks of kingdom citizens. This passage compels us to examine our own hearts: do we, like the disciples, sometimes inadvertently create barriers for others to come to Jesus, perhaps through our judgments, our busyness, or our focus on outward appearances? It calls the church to be a place where children are not merely tolerated but celebrated, valued, and seen as vital participants in the community of faith, not just future members. Furthermore, it reminds us that true spiritual growth involves embracing a childlike posture before God—a willingness to trust completely, to admit our need, and to receive grace with open hands, free from the pretense and self-reliance that often hinder our relationship with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' strong reaction to his disciples challenge our own assumptions about who is "important" or "worthy" in God's eyes?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or as a church community, inadvertently "forbid" or hinder others from coming to Jesus today?**
* **What specific "childlike" qualities does Jesus highlight as essential for entering the Kingdom of God, and how can we cultivate these in our own lives?**
* **How can our churches better reflect Jesus' welcoming heart towards children and those who are often marginalized in society?**

### FAQ

**Why were the disciples rebuking those bringing children to Jesus?**

Answer: The disciples were likely operating under common cultural norms of the time, where children held little social status and were not typically considered important enough to warrant a rabbi's attention. They may have thought they were protecting Jesus' time, dignity, or energy from what they perceived as trivial interruptions, or perhaps they believed that only adults, particularly those with a certain level of religious understanding or social standing, were worthy of Jesus' direct engagement. Their actions stemmed from a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the true nature of God's Kingdom, which Jesus consistently sought to correct, as seen in his teaching on servanthood in [Mark 9:33-37](/mark/9-33-37 "Mark 9:33-37 - Who is the Greatest?").

**What does Jesus mean by "of such is the kingdom of God"?**

Answer: When Jesus says, "of such is the kingdom of God," he is not implying that only literal children can enter the Kingdom. Instead, he is using children as a powerful illustration of the qualities required for kingdom membership. The "such" refers to those who possess childlike attributes: humility, dependence, trust, openness, and a lack of pretense or self-sufficiency. Unlike adults who often rely on their own wisdom, achievements, or status, children naturally depend on others, are open to learning, and approach life with simple trust. Jesus teaches that these are the essential spiritual postures for receiving God's reign, as he further explains in [Matthew 18:3-4](/matthew/18-3-4 "Matthew 18:3-4 - Becoming Like Children").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who not only preached the Kingdom of God but embodied it perfectly. His indignant welcome of the children underscores his identity as the compassionate Shepherd who gathers the vulnerable and the Lamb of God who humbles himself for the sake of humanity. Jesus himself is the ultimate example of the childlike humility he commends, as seen in his willingness to empty himself and take on the form of a servant, even to death on a cross, as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ"). Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated the Kingdom of God, making access possible for all who come to him with childlike faith, dependence, and trust. He is the one who invites all who are weary and burdened to come to him for rest, promising that his yoke is easy and his burden is light, a call that resonates deeply with the simple trust of a child ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me")). Thus, the Kingdom of God is "of such" because it is founded upon and accessed through the one who perfectly demonstrated and graciously provides the very humility and dependence he calls us to.

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 19:14

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:10

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 18:4

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Psalms 131:1

¶ A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.

Psalms 131:2

Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul [is] even as a weaned child.

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 18:16

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.