Mark 9 36

Mark 9:36 kjv

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,

Mark 9:36 nkjv

Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them,

Mark 9:36 niv

He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them,

Mark 9:36 esv

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

Mark 9:36 nlt

Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them,

Mark 9 verses

Mark 9 36 Meaning

Mark 9:36 describes Jesus' actions immediately following the disciples' private discussion about who was the greatest among them. As a powerful object lesson, Jesus takes a young child, positions him centrally among the disciples, and then tenderly embraces him. This physical demonstration precedes His crucial teaching on humility, the nature of true greatness in God's kingdom, and the significance of receiving the most vulnerable in His name. It reveals that the path to spiritual greatness is not through hierarchical status or worldly power, but through embracing childlikeness, dependency, and the often-overlooked and powerless members of society.

Mark 9 36 Context

This verse is pivotal within Mark Chapter 9. It immediately follows the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8), the healing of a demon-possessed boy (Mark 9:14-29), and Jesus' second prediction of His passion and resurrection (Mark 9:30-32). Despite witnessing profound displays of divine glory and power, and receiving challenging prophecies, the disciples reveal their continued earthly-mindedness and ambition by disputing among themselves "who was the greatest" (Mark 9:33-34) as they walked from Capernaum. This dispute highlights their misunderstanding of true discipleship and kingdom values. Jesus, knowing their hearts, uses this verse as an object lesson to teach about humility and the true nature of greatness, contrasting their worldly ambition with His divine perspective. The cultural context views children as property with no social status, making Jesus' act a radical reversal of common societal values.

Mark 9 36 Word analysis

• And he took: Greek: kai elaben (καὶ ἔλαβεν). Elaben (from lambanō) means to take, grasp, or receive. It implies an intentional and deliberate action, not a casual or accidental one. Jesus is purposeful in bringing this child forward as the central element of His lesson.
• a little child: Greek: paidion (παιδίον). This diminutive term emphasizes a very young child, not merely a young person. In Jewish and Roman society, paidion held no social status, rights, or power. They were dependent and considered insignificant. By selecting such a child, Jesus directly confronts the disciples' worldly pursuit of greatness and highlights radical vulnerability and dependency as a path to greatness in God's kingdom.
• and set him: Greek: kai estēsen auto (καὶ ἔστησεν αὐτὸ). Estēsen (from histēmi) means to make to stand, set, or place. The act is decisive. Jesus positions the child publicly, making him the focal point, interrupting their dispute and drawing everyone's attention. This placement "in the midst" signifies centrality and importance.
• in the midst of them: Greek: en mesō autōn (ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν). Literally, "in the middle of them." This emphasizes the child's central position, directly contrasting with the disciples' desire for individual prominence. The child, previously invisible or disregarded, is now placed at the very heart of the assembly, signifying a fundamental shift in values.
• and taking him in his arms: Greek: kai enankalisamenos auto (καὶ ἐναγκαλισάμενος αὐτό). Enankalisamenos (from enankalizomai) describes the act of embracing or holding in the arms. This is a profound gesture of tenderness, affection, acceptance, and protection. It conveys Jesus' deep love for the child and symbolically for all who share the child's characteristics of vulnerability and dependency. It is a gesture that affirms the child's value beyond societal norms.
• he said to them: Greek: eipen autois (εἶπεν αὐτοῖς). This introduces the verbal teaching that immediately follows, grounded in the preceding visual and physical object lesson. The actions speak first, then the words clarify and apply the meaning.

Mark 9 36 Bonus section

The term enankalisamenos is rare in the New Testament, used only here in Mark's Gospel to describe Jesus embracing a child. This specific verb highlights the profound warmth, personal affection, and physical embrace, making the scene even more impactful. It signifies a compassionate, intimate, and intentional gesture of inclusion and protection, standing in stark contrast to the hierarchical and self-promoting mindset of the disciples. Jesus does not merely point to a child; He physically takes and cherishes the child, embodying the very receptivity He demands of His followers. This act provides a concrete model of how His disciples should welcome those deemed insignificant, viewing them not as obstacles or less important, but as embodying the very qualities of kingdom entrance.

Mark 9 36 Commentary

Mark 9:36 encapsulates Jesus' revolutionary teaching on kingdom values. It's a stark rebuke to the disciples' self-seeking ambition. Jesus doesn't just verbally instruct them; He performs a dramatic, symbolic act. The "little child," traditionally marginalized and powerless, becomes the central exemplar of kingdom greatness. By taking the child, setting him in their midst, and especially by tenderly embracing him, Jesus redefines worth. He shows that true spiritual standing isn't about status or power, but about humility, dependence on God, and an openness to receive the most vulnerable as one would receive Christ Himself. His embrace of the child signifies both divine affirmation and an invitation to disciples to identify with the lowest in society. This challenges followers to dismantle worldly hierarchies within their hearts and communities, valuing the "least" above the "greatest."