Matthew 19:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036}, Suffer {G863} little children {G3813}, and {G2532} forbid {G2967} them {G846} not {G3361}, to come {G2064} unto {G4314} me {G3165}: for {G1063} of such {G5108} is {G2076} the kingdom {G932} of heaven {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, Yeshua said, "Let the children come to me, don't stop them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these."

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 19:14, Jesus issues a profound directive to His disciples, commanding them to allow children to approach Him without hindrance, declaring that the "kingdom of heaven" belongs to those who possess childlike qualities. This pivotal statement challenges conventional societal norms, which often marginalized children, and redefines the nature of spiritual entry into God's reign, emphasizing humility, trust, and simple dependence over status or worldly wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration by Jesus is situated within a broader narrative in Matthew's Gospel concerning the nature of discipleship and the kingdom. Immediately preceding this passage (Matthew 19:1-12), Jesus engages in a discussion about divorce and remarriage, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and the difficulty of adhering to God's ideal. Following the interaction with the children, Jesus encounters a rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22), who struggles to part with his possessions to follow Christ, highlighting the stark contrast between the simple, unburdened faith of children and the complex attachments of adults. The disciples' attempt to prevent the children from coming to Jesus reveals their misunderstanding of His mission and the inclusive nature of His kingdom, a misunderstanding Jesus consistently corrects throughout His ministry, as seen in His teaching on humility in [Matthew 18:1-4](/matthew/18-1-4 "Matthew 18:1-4 - Humility in the Kingdom"). The parallel accounts in [Mark 10:13-16](/mark/10-13-16 "Mark 10:13-16 - Jesus Blesses the Children") and [Luke 18:15-17](/luke/18-15-17 "Luke 18:15-17 - Jesus and the Little Children") underscore the widespread importance of this event in the early Christian tradition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, particularly in Jewish society of the first century, children generally held a low social status. They were not considered full members of society until they reached adulthood and were largely seen as property or future contributors rather than individuals with inherent spiritual value. Their presence was often overlooked or deemed insignificant in serious adult matters. It was common for religious teachers to be approached by adults seeking instruction or healing, but not typically by parents bringing young children for a blessing. The disciples' reaction—rebuking the parents—was likely a reflection of this cultural norm, as they sought to protect Jesus from what they perceived as a trivial distraction. Jesus' response, however, was revolutionary, subverting these cultural expectations and elevating the status of children to that of spiritual exemplars, challenging the prevailing hierarchical structures of the time.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 19:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Matthew. One prominent theme is the **nature of the Kingdom of Heaven** (or Kingdom of God). Jesus consistently teaches that entry into this kingdom is not based on worldly power, wealth, or social status, but on a radical reorientation of values, often characterized by humility and dependence. This verse explicitly links the kingdom to childlike qualities, reinforcing the idea that spiritual receptivity is paramount. Another key theme is the **value of the vulnerable and marginalized**. Throughout Matthew, Jesus demonstrates a profound concern for those overlooked by society—the poor, the sick, the outcast, and in this instance, children. His embrace of children highlights God's special regard for the seemingly insignificant. Finally, the passage speaks to the theme of **true discipleship**, correcting the disciples' misguided understanding of who is worthy of Jesus' time and attention, teaching them that true greatness in the kingdom is found in humble service and an open heart, as opposed to a desire for prestige or control, a lesson also conveyed in [Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Matthew 20:25-28 - Servant Leadership").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Suffer (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This verb, often translated as "allow" or "permit," carries the core meaning of letting go, sending away, or allowing something to happen without hindrance. In this imperative command, Jesus is directly countermanding the disciples' actions, instructing them to release any barriers or prohibitions they have erected, thereby granting free and unhindered access to the children. It implies a deliberate act of permission and removal of obstacles.
* **little children (Greek, _paidíon'_):** This neuter diminutive noun refers to a young child, an infant, or even a half-grown boy or girl. The diminutive form emphasizes their smallness, vulnerability, and dependence. Figuratively, it can also refer to an immature Christian. In this context, it highlights the literal age of those being brought to Jesus, but also implicitly points to the qualities associated with this age group, such as innocence, trust, and lack of pretense, which Jesus then elevates as spiritual ideals.
* **such (Greek, _toioûtos'_):** This demonstrative pronoun means "of this sort" or "of this kind," used to denote character or individuality. When Jesus says "for of such is the kingdom of heaven," he is not limiting kingdom entry only to literal children. Instead, he is indicating that the kingdom belongs to those who embody the *qualities* or *characteristics* exemplified by these children—their humility, their simple trust, their dependence, and their lack of self-sufficiency or pride.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jesus said,"**: This opening clause indicates a direct response and correction from Jesus, contrasting His perspective with that of His disciples. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) signals a shift or opposition to the preceding action (the disciples rebuking the children). Jesus' authoritative voice immediately reorients the situation.
* **"Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me:"**: This is Jesus' explicit command. "Suffer" (G863, _aphíēmi_) means "allow" or "permit," directly countering the disciples' "forbid" (G2967, _kōlýō_). The double negative ("forbid them not") serves as a strong affirmative, emphasizing the absolute necessity of allowing the children to approach Him. The phrase "to come unto me" highlights that Jesus Himself is the ultimate destination and source of blessing, and access to Him should be open to all, especially the vulnerable.
* **"for of such is the kingdom of heaven."**: This clause provides the foundational reason for Jesus' command. The particle "for" (G1063, _gár_) introduces the explanation. "Of such" (G5108, _toioûtos_) refers not merely to children by age, but to those who possess the characteristics of children: humility, trust, dependence, and lack of self-righteousness or pretense. Jesus declares that these are the very qualities that define citizenship in the "kingdom of heaven" (G932, _basileía_ G3772, _ouranós_), a term Matthew frequently uses to refer to God's sovereign rule and spiritual realm.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 19:14 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is evident in the disciples' actions; intending to protect Jesus' time and dignity, they inadvertently create a barrier to the very people Jesus desires to welcome, exposing their own spiritual immaturity. Jesus' response then presents a profound **Paradox**: the way to enter the most exalted realm (the kingdom of heaven) is through the qualities of the least esteemed in society (children). The phrase "of such is the kingdom of heaven" functions as a **Metaphor** or **Simile**, where children are not merely recipients of the kingdom but embody the very essence of its citizenship. Their inherent qualities—innocence, dependence, and simple trust—become the benchmark for adult faith. This also serves as a form of **Didacticism**, where Jesus uses a concrete, everyday interaction to convey a deep theological truth about the nature of God's kingdom and the path to salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 19:14 is a cornerstone text for understanding the radical nature of God's kingdom and the counter-cultural values it promotes. It challenges human-centric notions of worthiness, power, and status, asserting that the divine economy operates on principles of humility, dependence, and simple faith. The theological implication is that entry into God's reign is not earned through intellectual prowess, social standing, or religious accomplishments, but through a posture of receptive trust, much like a child's unreserved reliance on a parent. This verse underscores God's profound love and accessibility to all, particularly those who are often overlooked or deemed insignificant by the world. It also serves as a perpetual reminder that the church, as an earthly manifestation of the kingdom, must always prioritize welcome, inclusivity, and the nurturing of genuine, unadulterated faith.

* [Matthew 18:3](/matthew/18-3 "Matthew 18:3 - Becoming Like Children")
* [Mark 10:15](/mark/10-15 "Mark 10:15 - Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child")
* [1 Corinthians 14:20](/1_corinthians/14-20 "1 Corinthians 14:20 - Be Children in Evil, Adults in Understanding")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 19:14 calls believers to a profound introspection regarding their own approach to God and to others. In a world that often values independence, self-sufficiency, and achievement, Jesus' words invite us to embrace a childlike posture of humility and dependence. This means shedding the pride, cynicism, and self-reliance that can hinder our relationship with God, and instead cultivating a simple, trusting faith that is eager to receive from Him. Practically, this verse compels us to examine our own attitudes towards those who may seem "small" or "insignificant" in our communities or churches. Are we, like the disciples, inadvertently creating barriers for others to come to Jesus? Are our churches truly welcoming spaces for all, regardless of age, background, or social standing? Furthermore, it places a high value on children themselves, reminding us of our responsibility to nurture their faith, protect their innocence, and recognize them as full, vital members of the body of Christ, not just future constituents.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "childlike qualities" do I need to cultivate more deeply in my own faith journey?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be inadvertently "forbidding" or hindering others from coming to Jesus?**
* **How does my understanding of God's kingdom align with or diverge from the emphasis on humility and dependence found in this verse?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that only literal children go to heaven?**

Answer: No, the verse does not mean that only literal children inherit the kingdom of heaven. When Jesus says "for of such is the kingdom of heaven," the phrase "of such" (Greek, _toioûtos_) refers to the *qualities* or *characteristics* exemplified by children, rather than their literal age. These qualities include humility, simple trust, dependence, lack of pretense, and an open, receptive heart. Jesus is teaching that anyone, regardless of age, who approaches God with these childlike attributes is a candidate for the kingdom. This teaching is consistent with [Matthew 18:3](/matthew/18-3 "Matthew 18:3 - Becoming Like Children"), where Jesus states, "Unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

**What does "Suffer little children" mean in this context?**

Answer: The King James Version's use of "suffer" here is an archaic English term meaning "allow" or "permit." It does not mean to cause pain or hardship. In the original Greek, the word is _aphíēmi_ (G863), which means "to let go," "to allow," or "to permit." Jesus is directly commanding His disciples to stop hindering the children and instead to allow them to come to Him freely and without obstruction.

**How does this verse relate to infant baptism or dedication?**

Answer: While Matthew 19:14 is often cited in discussions about the inclusion of children in the church, it does not directly command or prohibit infant baptism or dedication. The verse primarily emphasizes Jesus' welcoming posture towards children and the spiritual qualities they embody as a model for all believers. It highlights the value Jesus places on children and their inherent capacity for simple faith. Different Christian traditions interpret this passage in various ways regarding the practice of infant baptism or dedication, seeing it as either a foundational principle for including children in the covenant community or as a general statement about their spiritual significance. Regardless of specific practices, the verse underscores the church's responsibility to welcome and nurture children in faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 19:14 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who embodies the very qualities He commends in children and serves as the ultimate gateway to the kingdom. Jesus, though fully God, emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant, demonstrating ultimate humility (as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (as highlighted in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His life perfectly exemplified the dependence on the Father that He calls His followers to embrace, consistently seeking the Father's will and power. The kingdom of heaven, which Jesus declares belongs to "such" as children, is precisely the kingdom that He inaugurated through His life, death, and resurrection. He is the "door" through whom all must enter (as stated in [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")), and He welcomes all who come to Him with humble, trusting faith, regardless of their worldly status. Thus, the childlike qualities are not merely abstract virtues but reflections of the very character of Christ, who makes entry into God's reign possible for all who believe in Him.

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 18:16

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.

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.

1 Corinthians 14:20

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

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.

Matthew 11:25

¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

1 Peter 2:1

¶ Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,