Devine Scripture

Matthew 19:13

What does Matthew 19:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 19:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 19:13 means

Little children were brought to Jesus so that He might lay His hands on them and pray over them, indicating a desire for His blessing and spiritual intercession. However, the disciples, perhaps thinking Jesus was too busy or these children were unimportant, rebuked those who brought them. This shows a misunderstanding on the disciples' part regarding Jesus's heart for the humble and vulnerable.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should lay his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should lay his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then some people took little children to him, so that he might put his hands on them in blessing: and the disciples said sharp words to them.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then were brought near to him children that he might put hands on them and pray, and the disciples rebuked them.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then were little children presented to him, that he should impose hands upon them and pray. And the disciples rebuked them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then there were brought to him little children that he might lay his hands on them and pray; but the disciples rebuked them.

Context

This verse introduces a new scene, shifting abruptly from the intense discussion about marriage and singleness. The arrival of little children presents a fresh opportunity for Jesus to teach His disciples, exposing their flawed understanding of who truly belongs to the Kingdom of Heaven, which He addresses immediately in the subsequent verses.

v.12For there are eunuchs, that were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are eunuchs, that were made eunuchs by men: and there are eunuchs, that made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

v.13This passage

v.14But Jesus said, Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for to such belongeth the kingdom of heaven.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 18:2

    And he called to him a little child, and set him in the midst of them,

  • Luke 9:54

    And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we bid fire to come down from heaven, and consume them?

  • Luke 18:15

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

  • Jeremiah 32:39

    and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:

  • Psalms 115:14

    Jehovah increase you more and more, You and your children.

  • Luke 9:49

    And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us.

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