Mark 10:14

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

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.›"

Context

This verse follows immediately after Mark 10:13, where people were bringing young children to Jesus so he could touch them, and the disciples, perhaps thinking they were protecting Jesus' time or dignity, rebuked those bringing the children. Jesus' reaction in verse 14 is a direct response to his disciples' actions, showing his perspective differs significantly from theirs.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Welcoming Nature: Jesus shows a strong desire to be with children and welcomes them explicitly, contrasting with his disciples' attempt to turn them away.
  • The Nature of the Kingdom of God: Jesus declares that the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. This implies qualities such as humility, trust, dependence, and lack of pretense are essential for entering or belonging to God's kingdom.
  • Discipleship and Understanding Jesus' Heart: The disciples' misunderstanding highlights the need for followers to adopt Jesus' values and perspective, especially concerning who is valued in God's eyes.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "much displeased" translates the Greek word aganakteo (ἀγανακτέω), which conveys strong indignation or vexation. Jesus wasn't mildly annoyed; he was genuinely upset by his disciples' action. The word "Suffer" (ἀφίημι - aphíēmi) here means "allow" or "permit." Jesus is giving a clear command to let the children come without hindrance. The statement "of such is the kingdom of God" (τῶν τοιούτων ἐστὶν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ - tōn toioútōn estìn hē basileía tou theoú) indicates that the kingdom is composed of or characterized by people who possess childlike qualities.

Significance and Application

Jesus' strong words underscore the value he places on children and the qualities associated with them. Unlike the societal norms of the time which often marginalized children, Jesus places them at the center as examples for kingdom membership. This teaching is paralleled in other Gospels, such as Matthew 19:14 and Luke 18:16. Jesus challenges the disciples (and us) to reconsider our own attitudes and recognize that entry into the kingdom requires a humble, trusting dependence like that of a child, rather than self-sufficiency or status. This verse calls us to actively welcome children into the church community and to cultivate childlike faith in our own lives.

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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.