Devine Scripture

Matthew 19:14

What does Matthew 19:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 19:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 19:14 means

Jesus strongly rebuked His disciples for hindering the children, asserting that they should 'suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for to such belongeth the kingdom of heaven.' This declaration reveals Jesus's profound love for children and emphasizes that spiritual humility, dependence, and childlike faith are essential qualities for entering God's kingdom. Children, in their simple trust, embody the very nature required for salvation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Jesus said, Let the little ones come to me, and do not keep them away: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

But Jesus said, `Suffer the children, and forbid them not, to come unto me, for of such is the reign of the heavens;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and do not hinder them from coming to me; for the kingdom of the heavens is of such:

Context

Directly responding to His disciples' rebuke of the children in verse 13, Jesus issues a clear command and profound theological statement. This verse serves as a pivotal teaching moment, highlighting the value of children in God's eyes and establishing childlike humility as a prerequisite for the Kingdom, setting the tone for His blessing of them.

v.13Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should lay his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

v.14This passage

v.15And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 17:24

    And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

  • 1 Samuel 2:18

    But Samuel ministered before Jehovah, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.

  • Genesis 21:4

    And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:20

    Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men.

  • Judges 13:7

    but he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing; for the child shall be a Nazirite unto God from the womb to the day of his death.

  • 1 Peter 2:1

    Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

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