Bible Strands
Mark 10:14
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to his disciples immediately after they rebuked the people bringing children to him (Mark 10:13). His response is not a gentle correction but an act of indignation.
The words — ἠγανάκτησεν (ēganaktēsen) is a rare verb in the New Testament carrying the literal sense of being moved to anger or indignation; it is stronger than a mild rebuke and signals that the disciples' action struck a nerve in Jesus.
The thread — Matthew 19:14 preserves the same saying nearly verbatim. Matthew 18:4 and 18:10 extend the logic: the child is the model for receiving the kingdom, and to despise one is to despise the angels who see the Father's face.
Why it lands — The verse identifies the reader's possible role: not the one bringing the child, but the one standing in the way. It asks whether you have ever treated someone's approach to God as an inconvenience.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Matthew 19:14 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.”
- Matthew 18:4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
- Matthew 18:10 See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven.
- Psalms 131:1 A song of ascents. Of David. My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty. I do not aspire to great things or matters too lofty for me.
- Luke 18:15 Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them.
- 1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
- 2 Timothy 3:15 From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
- Acts 2:39 This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.”
- 1 Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.
- 1 Corinthians 14:20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.