Mark 10:16

KJV

And he took them up in his arms, put [his] hands upon them, and blessed them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he took {G1723} them {G846} up in his arms {G1723}, put {G5087} his hands {G5495} upon {G1909} them {G846}, and blessed {G2127} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And he took them in his arms, laid his hands on them, and made a b'rakhah over them.

Berean Standard Bible

And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.

American Standard Version

And he took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:16 beautifully culminates Jesus' interaction with children, depicting His tender and intentional embrace of the little ones. Despite His disciples' attempts to hinder access, Jesus welcomed them, physically took them into His arms, laid His hands upon them, and bestowed a profound blessing. This act powerfully illustrates Jesus' counter-cultural valuation of the vulnerable, His compassionate heart, and the essential nature of childlike humility for entrance into the Kingdom of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 10:16 serves as the climactic action following a pivotal teaching moment by Jesus. Immediately preceding this verse, in [Mark 10:13-15](/mark/10-13-15 "Mark 10:13-15 - Jesus Welcomes Children"), the disciples had rebuked those bringing children to Jesus, likely viewing them as a distraction or insignificant. Jesus' response was one of "indignation" ([Mark 10:14](/mark/10-14 "Mark 10:14 - Jesus' Indignation")), as He declared that the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these, and that one must receive it like a child to enter. Verse 16 then provides the tangible demonstration of this teaching, showing Jesus not merely tolerating but actively embracing and blessing the very individuals the disciples had dismissed. This passage is strategically placed before the encounter with the rich young ruler ([Mark 10:17-22](/mark/10-17-22 "Mark 10:17-22 - The Rich Young Ruler")), establishing a stark contrast between the humble, dependent posture of a child and the self-sufficient, wealth-bound heart of the rich man.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, particularly during the time of Jesus, children held a significantly lower social status than adults. They were often seen as property, lacking legal rights, and not considered full members of society until reaching maturity. Their presence was often overlooked or dismissed in public gatherings. Rabbis typically did not spend time with children, focusing instead on adult disciples. Therefore, Jesus' actions in [Mark 10:16](/mark/10-16 "Mark 10:16 - Jesus Blesses the Children") were profoundly counter-cultural and revolutionary. By physically embracing and blessing children, Jesus not only elevated their status but also challenged the prevailing societal norms, demonstrating God's radical love and care for the marginalized and vulnerable. This act would have been astonishing to contemporary observers, underscoring the radical nature of the Kingdom Jesus proclaimed.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in Mark's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' profound compassion and accessibility**, especially towards those typically overlooked or deemed insignificant by society. His willingness to engage personally with children showcases a divine love that transcends social hierarchies. Secondly, it underscores the **radical nature of the Kingdom of God**, which is not entered through power, status, or self-sufficiency, but through a posture of childlike humility, dependence, and trust, as taught in [Mark 10:15](/mark/10-15 "Mark 10:15 - Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child"). Thirdly, the act of blessing signifies **Jesus' divine authority and power** to impart spiritual favor and grace, confirming His identity as the Son of God. Finally, it emphasizes the **inherent value of every individual** in God's eyes, regardless of age or social standing, a theme woven throughout Jesus' interactions with the poor, the sick, and the outcast.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **took them up in his arms (Greek, _enankalízomai'_):** This verb, unique to Mark's Gospel, means "to take in one's arms" or "to embrace." It conveys a deep sense of intimacy, affection, and personal care. Jesus didn't merely touch them from a distance; He drew them close, signifying a profound, loving welcome and a protective gesture. This physical embrace underscores the personal and tender nature of His interaction, demonstrating a warmth that contrasts sharply with the disciples' earlier rebuke.
* **put (Greek, _títhēmi'_):** This verb means "to place" or "to set." When combined with "hands," it refers to the laying on of hands, a gesture with significant biblical precedent. In this context, it is not merely a casual touch but an intentional act signifying identification, impartation, or blessing. It suggests a deliberate, authoritative, and personal act of bestowing favor or spiritual grace, linking Jesus' physical presence to His divine power.
* **blessed (Greek, _eulogéō'_):** Derived from "eu" (well) and "logos" (word), this verb means "to speak well of" or, in a religious context, "to invoke a benediction upon," "to praise," or "to prosper." Here, it signifies Jesus' act of calling down divine favor, protection, and spiritual well-being upon the children. It is not a mere good wish but an authoritative declaration of God's grace and favor being extended to them, an act of spiritual impartation from the Son of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took them up in his arms":** This clause highlights Jesus' immediate and tender physical engagement with the children. It emphasizes His personal initiative and the deep affection He held for them. The act of embracing them signifies a welcoming, protective, and intimate gesture, directly counteracting the disciples' dismissive attitude and the societal devaluation of children.
* **"put [his] hands upon them":** This action denotes a deliberate and significant gesture of impartation. The laying on of hands in biblical tradition is often associated with blessing, healing, commissioning, or the transfer of spiritual authority. Here, it underscores the intentionality and spiritual weight of Jesus' interaction, signifying a direct personal connection and the channeling of divine favor.
* **"and blessed them":** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose and outcome of Jesus' actions. The blessing was not a mere formality but a profound spiritual act. It signifies Jesus' authoritative invocation of God's favor, grace, and prosperity upon the children, confirming their value in God's eyes and demonstrating His divine power to bestow spiritual gifts and well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:16 employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, as the children themselves symbolize humility, dependence, and openness—qualities Jesus had just declared essential for entering the Kingdom of God. Jesus' physical actions of embracing and laying hands on them serve as powerful **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of His tender compassion and accessibility. There is a strong **Contrast** between the disciples' initial rebuke and Jesus' welcoming embrace, highlighting the counter-cultural nature of Jesus' ministry and the values of the Kingdom. Furthermore, the passage demonstrates **Embodiment**, where Jesus' teaching about the Kingdom is not just spoken but lived out through His actions, providing a tangible example of what it means to welcome and value those whom society might disregard.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:16 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's kingdom and the heart of Christ. It reveals that God's favor is not predicated on social status, age, or intellectual achievement, but on a posture of humble dependence. Jesus' actions demonstrate that the vulnerable and seemingly insignificant are precisely those whom God embraces and blesses. This passage challenges believers to re-evaluate their own biases and to cultivate a childlike faith characterized by trust, humility, and openness to receive God's grace. It underscores the radical inclusivity of the gospel, where all are welcome who come with a receptive heart.

* [Matthew 18:3](/matthew/18-3 "Matthew 18:3 - Becoming Like Children")
* [Luke 18:17](/luke/18-17 "Luke 18:17 - Receiving the Kingdom as a Child")
* [1 Peter 5:5-6](/1_peter/5-5-6 "1 Peter 5:5-6 - Humility and God's Exaltation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:16 offers timeless and transformative lessons for contemporary believers. It calls us to cultivate a heart that mirrors Jesus' own—one that actively seeks out, values, and embraces the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the overlooked in our communities, particularly children. This passage reminds us that true spiritual maturity is not found in self-sufficiency or intellectual prowess, but in a humble, trusting dependence on God, much like a child relies completely on a loving parent. It challenges us to create environments, both within our families and our faith communities, where children are not merely tolerated but are genuinely welcomed, cherished, and nurtured as precious image-bearers of God. Furthermore, it reassures us that Jesus desires to draw us close, to embrace us in His loving arms, and to bestow His divine blessing upon us, regardless of our perceived status or worth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' embrace of the children challenge my own perceptions of who is "important" or "worthy" of attention in my life or community?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more childlike faith—characterized by humility, trust, and dependence—in my daily walk with God?**
* **How can my family, church, or community better welcome, value, and spiritually nurture children and other vulnerable individuals?**
* **What does Jesus' act of blessing these children teach me about His desire to bless me personally?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus' disciples try to stop the children from coming to Him?**

Answer: The disciples likely acted according to the prevailing cultural norms of the time, where children held little social status and were not considered important enough to warrant the attention of a revered rabbi like Jesus. They may have viewed the children as a distraction from Jesus' more "serious" ministry to adults, or perhaps they were trying to protect Jesus from what they perceived as an interruption. Their actions, however, revealed a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the true nature of the Kingdom of God, which Jesus immediately corrected with indignation, as seen in [Mark 10:14](/mark/10-14 "Mark 10:14 - Jesus' Indignation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:16, while a beautiful moment of Jesus' earthly compassion, points profoundly to His greater redemptive work and the nature of God's kingdom. Jesus' embrace of the children foreshadows His ultimate embrace of all who come to Him in humble faith, regardless of their social standing or perceived unworthiness. Just as He took these little ones into His arms, so He extends an open invitation to all humanity to enter His kingdom, not through self-righteousness or worldly power, but through a childlike dependence on Him as Savior and Lord. His laying on of hands and blessing them prefigures the spiritual blessings and new life He offers through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. He is the Good Shepherd who gathers the lambs in His arms ([Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "Isaiah 40:11 - The Good Shepherd")), the one who welcomes all who are weary and burdened ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). This act of blessing the children is a tangible demonstration of the divine grace that flows from Christ, making it possible for anyone, no matter how small or insignificant they feel, to become a beloved child of God through faith in Him ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God")). The Kingdom belongs to such as these, not because of their innocence, but because their posture of dependence perfectly illustrates the posture required to receive the King.

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

Isaiah 40:11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

Mark 9:36

And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

Genesis 48:14

And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid [it] upon Ephraim's head, who [was] the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh [was] the firstborn.

Genesis 48:16

The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

Deuteronomy 28:3

Blessed [shalt] thou [be] in the city, and blessed [shalt] thou [be] in the field.

Luke 2:28

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

Luke 2:34

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;