Devine Scripture

Luke 9:47

What does Luke 9:47 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 9:47 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 9:47 means

Seeing their inner debate, Jesus took a little child and set him by his side. He uses the child as a tangible sermon: a child symbolizes humility, dependence, and low social status. By placing the child beside him, Jesus visually teaches that the kingdom values simplicity and trust. The posture invites disciples to receive the child as they would receive Christ. This action rebukes ambition and points to a new ethic—welcoming the weak and least reflects true greatness and aligns the disciples with the kingdom’s priorities of servanthood and hospitality.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But when Jesus saw the reasoning of their heart, he took a little child, and set him by his side,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But when Jesus saw the reasoning of their heart, he took a little child, and set him by his side,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when Jesus saw the reasoning of their hearts, he took a small child and put him by his side,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jesus having seen the reasoning of their heart, having taken hold of a child, set him beside himself,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Jesus seeing the thoughts of their hearts, took a child and set him by him,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus, seeing the reasoning of their heart, having taken a little child set it by him,

Context

This verse immediately follows the dispute about greatness (v.46) and introduces Jesus’ corrective teaching. Luke’s narrative shows Jesus using a practical, pastoral method—an acted parable—to reshape the disciples’ values. The child becomes a living example that prepares the ground for the pronouncement about receiving children (v.48) and the inclusion of others who serve in Jesus’ name (vv.49–50).

v.46And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them was the greatest.

v.47This passage

v.48and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same is great.

Cross references

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

  • John 2:25

    and because he needed not that any one should bear witness concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.

  • John 16:30

    Now know we that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

  • Psalms 139:23

    Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts;

  • Luke 7:39

    Now when the Pharisee that had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner.

  • John 21:17

    He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

  • Luke 5:22

    But Jesus perceiving their reasonings, answered and said unto them, Why reason ye in your hearts?

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