TRV
“Let the Little Children Come”· Matthew 19:13–15
Translation
King James Version
¶ Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
Complete Jewish Bible
Then children were brought to him so that he might lay his hands on them and pray for them, but the talmidim rebuked the people bringing them.
Berean Standard Bible
Then the little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. And the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
American Standard Version
Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should lay his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
World English Bible Messianic
Then little children were brought to him, that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then were brought to him litle children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
Young's Literal Translation
Then were brought near to him children that he might put hands on them and pray, and the disciples rebuked them.
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 23,776 of 31,102 · 76.4%
LawLawHistoryHistPoetryPoetProphetsProphNew TestamentNT
Study This Verse
Copy as
Historical interpretation
Eleven Centuries of Reception
12 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Ante-NicenePost-NiceneEarly MedievalMedieval
2003004005006007008009001000110012001300
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
But further, if Christ reproves the scribes and Pharisees, sitting in the official chair of Moses, but not doing what they taught,68 what kind of (supposition). is it that He Himself withal should set upon His own official chair men who were mindful rather to enjoin-(but) not likewise to practise-sanctity of the flesh, which (sanctity) He had in all ways recommended to their teaching and practising?-first by His own example, then by all other arguments; while He tells (them) that "the kingdom of heavens" is "children's; " while He associates with these (children) others who, after marriage, remained (or became)virgins; " while He calls (them) to (copy) the simplicity of the dove, a bird not merely innocuous, but modest too, and whereof one male knows one female; while He denies the Samaritan woman's (partner to be) a husband, that He may show that manifold husbandry is adultery; while, in the revelation of His own glory, He prefers, from among so many saints and prophets, to have with him Moses and Elias -the one a monogamist, the other a voluntary celibate (for Elias was nothing else than John, who came "in the power and spirit of Elias" ); while that "man gluttonous and toping," the "frequenter of luncheons and suppers, in the company of publicans and sinners," sups once for all at a single marriage, though, of course, many were marrying (around Him); for He willed to attend (marriages) only so often as (He willed) them to be.
Mystically; We call them children who are yet carnal in Christ, having need of milk. They who bring the babes to the Saviour, are they who profess to have knowledge of the word, but are still simple, and have for their food children's lessons, being yet novices. They who seem more perfect, and are therefore the disciples of Jesus, before they have learnt the way of righteousness which is for children, rebuke those who by simple doctrine bring to Christ children and babes, that is, such as are less learned. But the Lord exhorting His disciples now become men to condescend to the needs of babes, to be babes to babes, that they may gain babes, says, For of such is the kingdom of heaven. For He Himself also, when He was in the form of God, was made a babe. These things we should attend to, lest in esteeming that more excellent wisdom, and spiritual advancement, as though we were become great we should despise the little ones of the Church, forbidding children to be brought to Jesus. But since children cannot follow all things that are commanded them, Jesus laid His hands upon them, and leaving virtue in them by His touch, went away from them, seeing they were not able to follow Him, like the other more perfect disciples.
For they now understood from His previous mighty works, that by laying on of His hands and by prayer evils were obviated. They bring therefore children to Him, judging that it were impossible that after the Lord had by His touch conveyed divine virtue into them, harm or any demon should come nigh them.
The children prefigure the Gentiles, to whom salvation is given through faith and the simple word. But since the goal was first to save Israel, they were at first prevented by the disciples from approaching. The action of the apostles is not about their personal desires but rather their serving as a type or prefiguring of the future proclamation of the gospel to the Gentiles. The Lord says that the children should not be prevented because “theirs is the kingdom of heaven”; for the grace and gift of the Holy Spirit was going to be bestowed on the Gentiles by the laying on of hands, when the work of the law ceased.
The infants are a type of the Gentiles, to whom salvation is rendered by faith and hearing. But the disciples, in their first zeal for the salvation of Israel, forbid them to approach, but the Lord declares that they are not to be forbidden. For the gift of the Holy Ghost was to be conferred upon the Gentiles by laying on of hands, as soon as the Law had ceased.
But mark thou, I pray, how from some men's wicked doings, other men gain. I mean, that the Jews went away having learnt nothing, for neither did they ask with the intent of learning, but the disciples gained even from hence.
"Then were there brought unto Him little children, that He should put His hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But He said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven. And He laid His hands on them, and departed thence."
And wherefore did the disciples repel the little children? For dignity. What then doth He? Teaching them to be lowly, and to trample under foot worldly pride, He doth receive them, and takes them in His arms, and to such as them promises the kingdom; which kind of thing He said before also.
Let us also then, if we would be inheritors of the Heavens, possess ourselves of this virtue with much diligence. For this is the limit of true wisdom; to be simple with understanding; this is angelic life; yes, for the soul of a little child is pure from all the passions. Towards them who have vexed him he bears no resentment, but goes to them as to friends, as if nothing had been done; and how much soever he be beaten by his mother, after her he seeks, and her doth he prefer to all. Though thou show him the queen with a diadem, he prefers her not to his mother clad in rags, but would choose rather to see her in these, than the queen in splendor. For he useth to distinguish what pertains to him and what is strange to him, not by its poverty and wealth, but by friendship. And nothing more than necessary things doth he seek, but just to be satisfied from the breast, and then he leaves sucking. The young child is not grieved at what we are grieved, as at loss of money and such things as that, and he doth not rejoice again at what we rejoice, namely, at these temporal things, he is not eager about the beauty of persons.
Therefore He said, "of such is the kingdom of Heaven," that by choice we should practise these things, which young children have by nature. For since the Pharisees from nothing rise so much as out of craft and pride did what they did, therefore on every hand He charges the disciples to be single hearted, both darkly hinting at those men, and instructing these. For nothing so much lifts up unto haughtiness, as power and precedence. Forasmuch then as the disciples were to enjoy great honors throughout the whole world, He preoccupies their mind, not suffering them to feel anything after the manner of men, neither to demand honors from the multitude, nor to have men clear the way before them.
For though these seem to be little things, yet are they a cause of great evils. The Pharisees at least being thus trained were carried on into the very summit of evil, seeking after the salutations, the first seats, the middle places, for from these they were cast upon the shoal of their mad desire of glory, then from thence upon impiety. So therefore those men went away having drawn upon themselves a curse by their tempting, but the little children a blessing, as being freed from all these.
Let us then also be like the little children, and "in malice be we babes." For it cannot be, it cannot be for one otherwise to see Heaven, but the crafty and wicked must needs surely be cast into hell.
When he says, Who have made themselves eunuchs, He does not mean cutting off of members, but a putting away of evil thoughts. For he that cuts off a limb is under a curse, for such an one undertakes the deeds of murderers, and opens a door to Manicheans who depreciate the creature, and cut off the same members as do the Gentiles. For to cut off members is of the temptation of dæmons. But by the means of which we have spoken desire is not diminished but made more urgent; for it has its source elsewhere, and chiefly in a weak purpose and an unguarded heart, For if the heart be well governed, there is no danger from the natural motions; nor does the amputation of a member bring such peacefulness and immunity from temptation as does a bridle upon the thoughts.
Or the disciples would have thrust them away, from respect to Christ's dignity1. But the Lord teaching them holy thoughts, and to subdue the pride of this world, took the children into His arms, and promised to such the kingdom of heaven; But Jesus saith unto them, Suffer little children and forbid them not to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
(Verses 13, 14.) Then little children were brought to him, so that he could lay his hands on them and pray. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'
Not because they liked not that they should have benediction of the Saviour's hand and mouth; but forasmuch as their faith was not yet perfect, they thought that He like other men would be wearied by the applications of those that brought them.
And He said distinctly, Of such is the kingdom of heaven, not Of these, to show that it was not years, but disposition that determined His judgment, and that the reward was promised to such as had like innocence and simplicity.
The Lord had been holding discourse of chastity; and some of His hearers now brought unto Him infants, who in respect of chastity are the purest; for they supposed that it was the pure in body only whom He had approved; and this is that which is said, Then were brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray.
The flesh as it delights not in good, if it hear any good readily forgets it; but the evil that it has it retains ever. But a little while before Christ took a little child and said, Except ye become as this child, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven, (Matt. 18:3.) yet His disciples, presently forgetting this innocence of children, now forbid children, as unworthy to come to Christ.
For who were worthy to come to Christ, if simple infancy were thrust away? Therefore he said, Forbid them not. For if they shall turn out saints, why hinder ye the sons from coming to their Father? And if sinners, why do ye pronounce a sentence of condemnation, before you see any fault in them?
The present passage instructs all parents to bring their children to the priests, for it is not the priest who lays his hands on them, but Christ, in whose name hands are laid. For if he that offers his food in prayer to God eats it sanctified, for it is sanctified by the word of God, and by prayer, as the Apostle speaks, how much rather ought children to be offered to God, and sanctified? (1 Tim. 4:5.) And this is the reason of blessing of food, Because the whole world lieth in wickedness; (1 John 5:19.) so that all things that have body, which are a great part of the world, lie in wickedness. Consequently infants when born, are as respects their flesh lying in wickedness.
For it was a custom among the ancients that little children should be brought to aged persons, to receive benediction by their hand or tongue, and according to this custom little children are now brought to the Lord.
Also laying His hands upon them, He blessed them, to signify that the lowly in spirit are worthy His grace and blessing.
(non occ.) He laid His hands upon them while men held them, to signify that the grace of His aid was necessary.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Matthew 19:13 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Matthew 19:13 presents a poignant scene where parents bring young children to Jesus, seeking His blessing through the laying on of hands and prayer. However, the disciples, perhaps seeing this as an interruption or an undignified task for their Master, sternly rebuke those who brought the children. This brief but powerful interaction serves as a vivid illustration of Jesus' radical inclusivity and compassion, contrasting sharply with the disciples' still-developing understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven and its values.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within Matthew's narrative, immediately following Jesus' extensive discussion on marriage, divorce, and celibacy (Matthew 19:1-12). The preceding dialogue involved complex theological and legalistic arguments with the Pharisees, culminating in Jesus' challenging statements about the demanding nature of discipleship regarding marriage. The sudden shift to the simple, humble act of bringing children for a blessing provides a stark contrast, moving from abstract theological debate to a concrete demonstration of Jesus' accessible and compassionate ministry. It also sets the stage for the subsequent encounter with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-30), further highlighting the varying responses to Jesus' call for radical discipleship and the nature of true greatness in the Kingdom.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Jewish society, children, especially young ones, often held a lower social status and were not typically seen as significant participants in religious or public life. They were considered vulnerable and dependent, often viewed as property or extensions of the family rather than individuals with inherent spiritual value. However, it was a common and respected custom for parents to bring their children to revered rabbis or spiritual leaders to receive a blessing, often through the laying on of hands and prayer. This act was believed to impart divine favor, protection, and wisdom upon the child. The disciples' rebuke, therefore, might stem from a combination of societal norms regarding children's low status, a desire to protect Jesus from perceived trivial interruptions, or a misunderstanding of what truly constituted important ministry in the eyes of their Master.
Key Themes
Matthew 19:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores Jesus' radical inclusivity and compassion, demonstrating His willingness to engage with and bless those often marginalized or overlooked by society, a theme echoed in His ministry to the sick, the poor, and the outcasts (e.g., Matthew 9:10-13). Secondly, it highlights the inherent value of children in God's eyes and the Kingdom of Heaven. This is a recurring motif, powerfully articulated by Jesus in Matthew 18:1-5, where He uses a child as an example of humility necessary for Kingdom entry. Finally, the disciples' reaction reveals their ongoing misunderstanding of Kingdom values, particularly the importance of humility, service, and welcoming the vulnerable, a lesson they repeatedly struggled with throughout Jesus' ministry (e.g., Matthew 20:20-28).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word (G4374) means "to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to God), treat." It conveys the intentional act of presenting or offering something or someone. Here, it emphasizes the parents' proactive and hopeful action of bringing their children directly to Jesus, presenting them for His divine touch and prayer.
This term (G3813) is a neuter diminutive of the word for "child" (país). It specifically refers to young children, often infants or toddlers, emphasizing their smallness, vulnerability, and complete dependence. The use of this diminutive highlights the tender age and helplessness of those being brought to Jesus, making the disciples' rebuke all the more striking.
This verb (G2008) means "to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid." It signifies a strong, authoritative disapproval or a stern warning, often with the intent to stop an action. The disciples' use of this word indicates their forceful attempt to prevent the children and their parents from approaching Jesus, underscoring their belief that this interaction was inappropriate or a waste of Jesus' time.
Verse Breakdown
"Then were there brought unto him little children"
This opening clause sets the scene, indicating a specific moment in Jesus' itinerant ministry. The passive voice ("were there brought") highlights the agency of the parents or guardians who took the initiative to bring these vulnerable young ones to Jesus. The term "little children" emphasizes their tender age and dependence, making their desire for Jesus' touch particularly poignant.
"that he should put his hands on them, and pray"
This clause reveals the specific purpose for which the children were brought. The "laying on of hands" was a common practice in Jewish culture, signifying a transfer of blessing, healing, or spiritual authority. It was an intimate and personal gesture. Coupled with "and pray," it indicates a desire for Jesus to invoke divine favor and protection over the children, a deeply spiritual act sought from a revered teacher.
"and the disciples rebuked them"
This final clause introduces the conflict and the stark contrast in perspective. The conjunction "and" (G1161, dé) often introduces a contrast or a new development. The disciples, acting as gatekeepers, sternly "rebuked" (G2008, epitimáō) the parents, attempting to deter them. Their action reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the nature of the Kingdom, prioritizing order or perceived importance over compassion and accessibility.
Literary Devices
The passage employs Contrast as a primary literary device, sharply juxtaposing the welcoming nature of Jesus (implied by the parents' desire to bring children to Him) with the exclusionary attitude of His disciples. This contrast highlights the disciples' spiritual immaturity and their failure to grasp the radical inclusivity of the Kingdom of God. There is also a subtle Irony at play: those closest to Jesus, who should be facilitating access to Him, are instead hindering it, while the "unimportant" children and their parents intuitively seek Him out. Furthermore, the act of Symbolism is present in the "laying on of hands," which represents the imparting of blessing, spiritual power, and personal connection, making the disciples' attempt to prevent this act even more significant.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Matthew 19:13 is a powerful theological statement about the nature of God's Kingdom and the character of Jesus. It underscores that access to God's blessing is not predicated on age, social status, or intellectual prowess, but on humility and dependence, qualities inherently present in young children. The disciples' error serves as a perpetual warning against spiritual elitism or gatekeeping that would hinder anyone, especially the vulnerable, from approaching Christ. This passage affirms God's profound care for the young and the marginalized, demonstrating that true greatness in the Kingdom is found not in power or prestige, but in welcoming and serving the "least of these." It challenges believers to cultivate a heart that mirrors Jesus' expansive love and accessibility.
Reflection and Application
This brief encounter in Matthew 19:13 holds profound implications for believers today, challenging us to examine our own attitudes and practices. It calls us to cultivate a welcoming spirit, ensuring that our communities of faith are places where all, especially the vulnerable, the young, and the marginalized, feel invited and valued, not rebuked or overlooked. We are reminded that children are not merely the church of tomorrow, but vital, present members of God's family, deserving of our prayers, blessings, and dedicated spiritual nurturing. The disciples' mistake serves as a potent warning against spiritual pride or self-importance that might inadvertently create barriers to Christ. True spiritual maturity is characterized by humility, accessibility, and a heart that prioritizes the well-being and spiritual growth of others, particularly those who might seem "insignificant" by worldly standards. We are called to embody the very spirit of Jesus, who always made Himself available to those who sought Him, affirming their worth and extending His boundless grace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the disciples rebuke the children and their parents?
The disciples likely rebuked the parents and children for several reasons, stemming from a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the prevailing cultural norms. In ancient society, children often held a lower status and were not typically seen as worthy of a rabbi's valuable time. The disciples may have believed they were protecting Jesus from a trivial interruption, preserving His dignity, or ensuring He had time for more "important" matters like theological debates with the Pharisees or teaching His adult followers. Their actions reflect a common human tendency to prioritize perceived efficiency or status over radical compassion and accessibility, a lesson Jesus frequently had to teach them, as seen in passages like Matthew 18:1-5.
What is the significance of Jesus "laying His hands" on the children?
The "laying on of hands" was a significant practice in Jewish culture, carrying multiple meanings. In this context, it primarily symbolized the imparting of a blessing, spiritual favor, or protection. It was an intimate, personal gesture that conveyed a transfer of divine grace and a deep connection between the one blessing and the one being blessed. It was also associated with prayer, healing, and commissioning. By seeking Jesus to lay His hands on their children, the parents desired a direct, tangible expression of His divine power and blessing upon their young lives, believing He could impart something good and lasting. This act underscores Jesus' personal engagement and the power of His touch to convey grace.
How does this passage inform the church's view and treatment of children today?
Matthew 19:13, especially when read in conjunction with Jesus' subsequent teaching in Matthew 19:14, profoundly shapes the church's understanding of children. It affirms their inherent value in God's eyes, not as future members, but as vital participants in the Kingdom of God now. The passage calls the church to actively welcome, protect, and nurture children, ensuring they have unhindered access to Christ and spiritual formation. It challenges any tendency to marginalize or overlook children in favor of adult-centric ministries. Instead, it encourages creating environments where children are blessed, taught, and seen as examples of the humility and dependence necessary for all believers to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Matthew 19:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the welcoming heart of God. He is the divine Shepherd who does not turn away the vulnerable but actively seeks them out, demonstrating that His Kingdom is uniquely for those who recognize their need and approach Him with childlike faith and dependence. Unlike the disciples who sought to restrict access, Jesus consistently opened the way, declaring that He came not to call the righteous, but sinners. His entire ministry was an invitation to the marginalized, the sick, and the "little ones" of society, culminating in His ultimate act of self-giving love on the cross. Through His sacrifice, Jesus became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, providing the sole means by which anyone, regardless of age or status, can truly come to God. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, ensuring that none who come to Him will ever be cast out. Thus, this scene with the children is a beautiful microcosm of the Gospel itself: an open invitation from Christ, met by human resistance, but ultimately overcome by His boundless grace and welcoming embrace for all who draw near in humble faith.