Mark 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Whosoever {G3739} shall {G1209} not {G3362} receive {G1209} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} as {G5613} a little child {G3813}, he shall {G1525} not {G3364} enter {G1525} therein {G1519}{G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes! I tell you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it!"

Berean Standard Bible

Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:15 presents Jesus' emphatic declaration that entry into the kingdom of God is contingent upon receiving it with the disposition of a little child. This profound statement, delivered immediately after His disciples attempted to prevent children from approaching Him, underscores the essential qualities of humility, dependence, and simple trust required for spiritual entrance into God's sovereign reign, contrasting sharply with the self-sufficiency and pride often characteristic of adults.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct follow-up to Jesus' interaction with children and His disciples' rebuke of those who brought them (Mark 10:13-14). The disciples, perhaps viewing children as insignificant or a distraction, tried to dismiss them. Jesus, however, was "much displeased" (Mark 10:14) and used the children as a living parable. His statement in Mark 10:14, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God," sets the stage. Verse 15 then elaborates on *how* one must receive the kingdom, making the children not just recipients, but models for all who wish to enter. This passage is part of a larger section in Mark (chapters 8-10) where Jesus teaches His disciples about the true nature of discipleship, which often involves self-denial, service, and humility, directly challenging their worldly ambitions and misunderstandings of His kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, and particularly in Jewish society of Jesus' time, children held a significantly lower social status than adults. They lacked legal rights, economic power, and social standing. They were dependent, vulnerable, and often seen as inconsequential. Rabbis typically did not spend time teaching children, focusing instead on adult male disciples. Therefore, Jesus' embrace of children and His elevation of their status as models for kingdom entry would have been counter-cultural and surprising to His audience, especially His disciples. This cultural backdrop highlights the radical nature of Jesus' teaching, which consistently subverted conventional hierarchies and values, emphasizing the marginalized and the humble.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 10:15 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **discipleship**, challenging the disciples' understanding of who is truly great in the kingdom, a theme explored earlier in [Mark 9:33-37](/mark/9-33-37 "Mark 9:33-37 - Who is the Greatest?"). Secondly, it illuminates the **nature of the kingdom of God**, portraying it not as a political or earthly empire to be attained through power or status, but as a spiritual reality that requires a specific posture of heart. This aligns with Jesus' consistent teaching that His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World")). Lastly, it highlights the theme of **humility and dependence**, which is a recurring motif in Jesus' teachings, contrasting with the pride and self-sufficiency that often hinder true spiritual reception. The call to receive the kingdom "as a little child" is a call to radical humility and absolute dependence on God, echoing the beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - The Beatitudes: Poor in Spirit")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _déchomai'_):** This word (G1209) signifies a willing and open acceptance, to take, to accept, to welcome, or to embrace. It implies an active, intentional reception rather than a passive or indifferent one. In the context of the kingdom, it means to welcome God's rule on His terms, with the appropriate disposition.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** This term (G932) refers to royalty, rule, or a realm. In the New Testament, "the kingdom of God" denotes God's sovereign reign, both as a present spiritual reality experienced by those who submit to His rule and as the future consummation of His eternal dominion. It is not a geographical place but the sphere of God's active authority.
* **little child (Greek, _paidíon'_):** This diminutive (G3813) refers to a childling, an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl. Figuratively, it can refer to an immature Christian. In this verse, it is used as a metaphor for the qualities of humility, dependence, and simple trust that are characteristic of young children, rather than immaturity or childishness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily I say unto you":** The Greek "Amēn legō hymin" (G281 G3004 G5213) is a solemn and emphatic declaration, often translated as "Truly, I tell you" or "Amen, I say to you." It signals that what follows is a weighty, non-negotiable truth of utmost importance, demanding serious attention and acceptance.
* **"Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God":** This clause sets a universal condition for entry into God's reign. The "kingdom of God" is not something earned through merit or achievement, but something to be "received" (G1209 déchomai). The negative construction "shall not receive" (G3362 eàn mḗ) emphasizes that this reception is an absolute prerequisite.
* **"as a little child":** This is the crucial simile (G5613 hōs G3813 paidíon). It specifies the *manner* of reception. It's not about being literally a child, but about adopting the disposition of a child: humility (recognizing one's dependence and lack of self-sufficiency), trust (simple, unquestioning reliance), and openness (lack of prejudice, cynicism, or self-important agendas).
* **"he shall not enter therein":** This final clause (G3364 ou mḗ G1525 eisérchomai G1519 G846) serves as a strong, double-negative prohibition, emphasizing the absolute impossibility of entry without the specified childlike disposition. The phrase "not at all" or "by no means" is implied by the Greek construction, reinforcing the non-negotiable nature of the condition.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in Mark 10:15. The phrase "**Verily I say unto you**" serves as a powerful device of **Emphasis**, signaling the profound importance and absolute truth of the statement that follows. It demands the listener's full attention and underscores the non-negotiable nature of the teaching. The core of the verse utilizes **Simile** ("as a little child"), comparing the necessary disposition for kingdom entry to the natural qualities of a young child. This comparison is rich with implications of humility, dependence, and simple trust, contrasting sharply with adult pride and self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the passage employs **Contrast** by juxtaposing the disciples' adult-centric, perhaps status-driven, understanding of the kingdom with Jesus' radical call to childlike humility, thereby challenging conventional wisdom and highlighting the upside-down nature of God's kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:15 is a pivotal statement that encapsulates the radical nature of God's kingdom and the counter-intuitive pathway to enter it. It challenges human notions of merit, power, and self-sufficiency, asserting that God's reign is not for the proud or the self-reliant, but for those who willingly humble themselves and depend entirely on Him, just as a child depends on its parent. This childlike posture is not about immaturity, but about a profound spiritual humility and trust that embraces God's grace as a free gift, rather than something to be earned or achieved. It underscores the truth that the kingdom is received, not conquered, and that its gates are open only to those who approach with simple faith and open hands.

* [Matthew 18:3-4](/matthew/18-3-4 "Matthew 18:3-4 - Becoming Like Children")
* [Luke 18:17](/luke/18-17 "Luke 18:17 - Receiving the Kingdom as a Child")
* [John 3:3-5](/john/3-3-5 "John 3:3-5 - Born Again to See the Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:15 serves as a perennial challenge to believers of all ages, calling us to a radical re-evaluation of our spiritual posture. In a world that often values independence, intellectual prowess, and self-assertion, Jesus invites us to embrace the vulnerability, dependence, and simple trust characteristic of a child. This means letting go of our spiritual pride, our need to understand everything, and our tendency to rely on our own efforts or achievements for God's favor. It calls us to approach God's grace with open hands and a receptive heart, recognizing our utter dependence on Him for salvation, guidance, and sustenance. To "receive the kingdom as a little child" is to cultivate a spirit of humility that acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty and our complete need for His mercy, fostering a faith that is unburdened by cynicism and unhindered by self-sufficiency. It is a call to surrender, to trust, and to simply receive the immeasurable gift of God's reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to exhibit childlike humility and dependence on God?**
* **How might a "childlike" approach to faith differ from a "childish" one, and how can you cultivate the former?**
* **What specific "adult" tendencies (e.g., self-sufficiency, pride, cynicism) might be hindering your reception of God's kingdom in its fullness?**
* **How does the concept of receiving the kingdom as a gift, rather than earning it, impact your daily walk with God?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "receive the kingdom of God as a little child"?**

Answer: To "receive the kingdom of God as a little child" means to approach God's sovereign rule and salvation with the disposition of a young child. This implies several key qualities: **humility**, recognizing one's complete dependence on God and lack of self-sufficiency, much like a child depends entirely on its parents; **trust**, having a simple, unquestioning faith in God's goodness and provision, without needing to fully comprehend or control every aspect; and **openness**, being free from the prejudices, cynicism, and self-important agendas that often characterize adults. It's not about being immature or childish, but about embodying these virtues that allow one to simply accept the kingdom as a gracious gift, rather than trying to earn or achieve it through one's own efforts. This posture contrasts with the self-reliance and pride that Jesus frequently challenged in His teachings, as seen in passages like [Matthew 18:1-4](/matthew/18-1-4 "Matthew 18:1-4 - Who is Greatest in the Kingdom?").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:15 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who perfectly embodies the childlike humility and dependence He calls His followers to embrace. He, the Son of God, "did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He emptied Himself, by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). Jesus' entire earthly ministry was characterized by His absolute reliance on the Father, living a life of perfect obedience and trust, even to the point of death on the cross ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son Does Nothing on His Own")). He is the Lamb of God, who humbly submitted to God's will to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Therefore, to "receive the kingdom of God as a little child" is ultimately to receive Christ Himself, for He is the embodiment of the kingdom and the very means of entry into it. Our childlike faith is not merely an imitation of a child's disposition, but a trust placed in the one who perfectly modeled and secured the kingdom for us. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus opened the way for all who, in childlike faith, humble themselves and receive Him as Lord and Savior, thereby entering into the eternal reign of God ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confess and Believe")).

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 18:3

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

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.

John 3:3

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:6

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.