Devine Scripture

Mark 9:36

What does Mark 9:36 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 9:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 9:36 means

To illustrate His teaching on humility, Jesus took a small child, placed him in the midst of the disciples, and embraced him. This physical act dramatically emphasizes the child's vulnerability, innocence, and lack of worldly status. By holding the child close, Jesus provides a living object lesson, highlighting that such childlike qualities—humility, dependence, and unimportance in the eyes of the world—are precisely what define true greatness in God's kingdom.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he took a little child, and set him in the midst of them: and taking him in his arms, he said unto them,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he took a little child, and set him in the midst of them: and taking him in his arms, he said unto them,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he took a little child, and put him in the middle of them; and taking him in his arms, he said to them,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having taken a child, he set him in the midst of them, and having taken him in his arms, said to them,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Whosoever shall receive one such child as this in my name receiveth me. And whosoever shall receive me receiveth not me but him that sent me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And taking a little child he set it in their midst, and having taken it in his arms he said to them,

Context

This verse describes Jesus' powerful object lesson, immediately following His teaching about being last and a “servant of all.” By centering a child, He provides a tangible illustration of the humility required for kingdom greatness, setting the stage for His further explanation about receiving children in His name and the profound spiritual significance of such an act, moving from principle to practical application.

v.35And he sat down, and called the twelve; and he saith unto them, If any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.

v.36This passage

v.37Whosoever shall receive one of such little children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

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,

  • Matthew 19:14

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

  • Mark 10:16

    And he took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.

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