Bible Strands
Mark 10:15
Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses His disciples immediately after rebuking them for blocking parents from bringing children to Him. The declaration occurs during a travel segment where Jesus is actively receiving and blessing the children.
The words — The Greek δέξηται (dexētai) translates literally as “shall receive,” denoting an active taking in of what is offered. Ἀμὴν (Amēn) serves as a fixed introductory marker meaning “Truly,” establishing the statement as authoritative.
The thread — The same requirement appears in Luke 18:17 and Matthew 18:3, where Jesus ties kingdom entry to childlike transformation. John 3:3 parallels the necessity of a fundamental spiritual change to perceive or enter the kingdom.
Why it lands — The text explicitly commands that no one may enter the kingdom of God unless they receive it like a little child. It requires readers to abandon self-earned standing and adopt a posture of total dependence before approaching God’s rule.
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
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Cross-references
- Matthew 18:3 “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
- Luke 18:17 Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
- John 3:3 Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”