Mark 10:15
What does Mark 10:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 10:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 10:15 means
Jesus declares that entrance into the Kingdom of God requires receiving it like a little child. This means approaching God with humility, unpretentious trust, dependence, and an unburdened spirit, free from pride, self-righteousness, or worldly ambitions. It's a call to spiritual simplicity and a recognition of one's need for God's grace, contrasting sharply with the self-sufficiency of adults.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Truly I say to you, Whoever does not put himself under the kingdom of God like a little child, will not come into it at all.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862verily I say to you, whoever may not receive the reign of God, as a child--he may not enter into it;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Amen I say to you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter into it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Verily I say to you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom ofGod as a little child, shall in no wise enter into it.
Context
Following His command to allow children to come to Him, Jesus now uses them as an object lesson for spiritual truth. This verse delivers a critical condition for salvation and participation in God's kingdom, directly instructing the disciples and the crowd on the essential attitude required for faith, before Jesus physically blesses the children.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 18:17
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.
- John 3:3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
- 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.
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