Mark 10 16

Mark 10:16 kjv

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

Mark 10:16 nkjv

And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Mark 10:16 niv

And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Mark 10:16 esv

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

Mark 10:16 nlt

Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.

Mark 10 verses

Mark 10 16 Meaning

Mark 10:16 describes Jesus' tender and deliberate actions towards the children brought to Him. Despite His disciples' attempt to dismiss them, Jesus embraced them, placed His hands on them in a significant gesture, and emphatically blessed them. This act reveals the profound value God places on those who are humble and receptive, illustrating the nature of receiving the Kingdom of God with child-like faith.

Mark 10 16 Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' rebuke of His disciples for trying to prevent children from coming to Him (Mark 10:13-14). Jesus became indignant, asserting that the Kingdom of God belongs to those like children and that one must receive the Kingdom like a little child (Mark 10:15). Verse 16 then presents Jesus' actions as a powerful, tangible demonstration of this teaching. In the prevailing culture of the time, children held little social status and were not generally seen as significant spiritual recipients. Jesus' embracing and blessing them was a revolutionary act that elevated their worth and showcased the true humility required for God's Kingdom, in stark contrast to the disciples' worldly view.

Mark 10 16 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A simple conjunction, connecting Jesus' previous statement with His subsequent action.
• He took (ἀναλαβὼν - analabōn): From analambanō, meaning "to take up," "to lift up," "to receive." This implies Jesus actively and gently picked up or received the children, likely from the arms of their parents or guardians, elevating their status and presence.
• them (αὐτὰ - auta): Refers directly to the children previously mentioned (Mark 10:13).
• up in His arms (εἰς τὰς ἀγκάλας - eis tas ankalas): Ankalas specifically means "arms," referring to the embrace. This signifies a profound level of tenderness, intimacy, and welcoming affection, conveying warmth and protection. It's a highly personal and caring gesture.
• put His hands (τιθεὶς τὰς χεῖρας - titheis tas cheiras): From tithēmi ("to place, to lay") and cheiras ("hands"). "Laying hands" was a significant act in Jewish tradition, often associated with blessing, commissioning, healing, or the impartation of authority and spirit. Here, it denotes a deliberate, focused, and purposeful action of blessing.
• upon them (ἐπ' αὐτὰ - ep' auta): The preposition epi signifies "upon," "over," indicating a direct, tangible contact of blessing.
• and blessed them (κατευλόγει αὐτά - kateulogei auta): From kateulogeō, a compound of kata (a prefix intensifying the action, often meaning "down upon" or "thoroughly") and eulogeō ("to speak well of," "to bless"). This indicates not merely a casual good wish, but a deep, earnest, and full blessing from Jesus, conveying divine favor and spiritual benefits. It suggests a complete and wholehearted impartation of His grace upon them.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And He took them up in His arms": This phrase paints a picture of Jesus' radical humility and compassion. Instead of standing aloof, He physically draws the vulnerable close, offering an immediate and personal connection. This action contrasts sharply with the disciples' restrictive attitude.
• "put His hands upon them": This is a ritualistic and powerful act of blessing, rooted in Old Testament tradition. It signifies the transfer of grace, protection, and divine favor. It's an act of deep spiritual significance, making manifest the spoken blessing.
• "and blessed them": The use of the intensified Greek verb implies a full and complete spiritual blessing, imparting divine goodness and well-being. This was not a perfunctory act but a genuine bestowal of God's favor, setting these children apart as recipients of divine love and the Kingdom.

Mark 10 16 Bonus section

Jesus' action of picking up and holding the children physically grounds the spiritual lesson of humility. It portrays God's Kingdom as accessible through personal intimacy and vulnerability, rather than through complex doctrines or grand achievements. This verse emphasizes Jesus' tangibility and personal care, a deeply incarnational act. Furthermore, the scene directly challenges any religious hierarchy that would deem certain individuals, due to age or social standing, less worthy of divine attention and blessing. It sets a foundational principle for Christian care for the marginalized and the young.

Mark 10 16 Commentary

Mark 10:16 profoundly illustrates Jesus' character and the nature of God's Kingdom. It is a striking demonstration of His words in the preceding verses, showing that truly "to such belongs the Kingdom of God." Jesus overturns the social norms of His day, elevating the status of children—who were typically seen as insignificant—by offering them the utmost tenderness and a thorough blessing. His actions reveal that entry into God's Kingdom is not earned through status, wisdom, or power, but by humble, trusting receptivity, much like that of a child. This verse encourages believers to approach God with an open heart, dependent faith, and freedom from adult pretenses, becoming recipients of His overflowing grace. This serves as a perpetual call to welcome all, especially the vulnerable, into the community of faith, reflecting the embrace of Christ Himself.