Devine Scripture

Luke 18:16

What does Luke 18:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 18:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 18:16 means

Jesus, observing the disciples' rebuke, called the children to Himself and firmly instructed His disciples to allow them to come, not to hinder them. He declared that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like little children. This statement emphasizes the qualities of childlike faith, trust, and humility as essential for entering and belonging to God's reign. He overturned the societal norms that might dismiss children as insignificant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Jesus called them unto him, saying, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Jesus called them unto him, saying, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Jesus sent for them, saying, Let the children come to me, and do not keep them away, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jesus having called them near, said, `Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the reign of God;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Jesus, calling them together, said: Suffer children to come to me and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus calling them to [him] said, Suffer little children to come to me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom ofGod.

Context

This verse provides Jesus's direct response to the disciples' actions in verse 15. His welcoming of the children and His profound statement about the Kingdom of God not only corrects His disciples but also expands on the theme of humility. This teaching connects directly to the justification of the humble publican in verse 14, showing that true greatness in God's eyes often resides in what the world deems small or insignificant.

v.15And they were bringing unto him also their babes, that he should touch them: but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

v.16This passage

v.17Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 18:3

    and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.

  • Acts 2:39

    For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:13

    And all Judah stood before Jehovah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.

  • Deuteronomy 29:11

    your little ones, your wives, and thy sojourner that is in the midst of thy camps, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water;

  • 1 Corinthians 7:14

    For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

  • Genesis 47:10

    And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from the presence of Pharaoh.

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