Matthew 19 14

Matthew 19:14 kjv

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

Matthew 19:14 nkjv

But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 19:14 niv

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:14 esv

but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 19:14 nlt

But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children."

Matthew 19 verses

Matthew 19 14 Meaning

Jesus emphatically welcomed children to Him, commanding His disciples to cease hindering them. He revealed that the Kingdom of Heaven is comprised of those who exhibit the qualities akin to these children—humility, trust, and dependence. This teaching countered the cultural dismissiveness of children and the disciples' own gatekeeping, emphasizing the accessible and inclusive nature of God's reign for those with child-like faith.

Matthew 19 14 Context

This verse occurs within a section of Matthew's Gospel where Jesus instructs His disciples on the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven and what it means to be His follower. Prior to this verse (Matt 19:1-12), Jesus discusses the permanence of marriage and issues of divorce. Directly preceding this verse (Matt 19:13), people were bringing children to Jesus for Him to lay hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked these parents. Culturally, children in ancient Jewish society were generally not highly valued in the social hierarchy; they lacked legal standing and were seen more as property or future adults. Rabbis typically focused their teachings on adult males. The disciples' action reflected this prevalent cultural mindset, viewing children as a nuisance or insignificant, and possibly attempting to protect Jesus' time for more "important" matters or people. Jesus' response radically subverts this norm, affirming the profound spiritual value and access children (and the childlike) have in His Kingdom. This episode is immediately followed by the rich young ruler's encounter with Jesus, which further contrasts those who enter the Kingdom with ease (the childlike) and those who find it difficult (those clinging to worldly attachments).

Matthew 19 14 Word Analysis

• But Jesus said: Signifies a sharp contrast and divine counter-point to the disciples' worldly judgment and restrictive actions in the preceding verse.
• Let (Ἀφετε - Aphete): An imperative verb, meaning "allow," "permit," or "let go of" (your obstruction). It's a direct command to the disciples to cease their interference.
• the little children (τὰ παιδία - ta paidia): The diminutive form of pais (child), specifically referring to young children, possibly toddlers or pre-schoolers. This emphasizes their vulnerability, dependence, and natural lack of self-importance or pretense, as opposed to grown adults. This term highlights the actual physical presence of young ones.
• come (ἔρχεσθαι - erchesthai): Implies movement towards and access. It suggests an open invitation to personal proximity and relationship with Jesus.
• to Me (πρός με - pros me): Emphasizes direct, unmediated access to Jesus, the King of the Kingdom. This direct connection bypasses any human intercessor who might deem them unworthy.
• and do not forbid (καὶ μὴ κωλύετε - kai mē kōlyete): A strong negative imperative, literally "do not hinder" or "do not prevent." This highlights the disciples' misguided action as an active barrier against God's will. It underlines their spiritual shortsightedness in attempting to restrict access to the Lord.
• them (αὐτά - auta): Refers directly to the little children, reinforcing Jesus' specific command regarding these vulnerable individuals.
• for (γὰρ - gar): A conjunction introducing the reason or justification for Jesus' command. It explains the profound theological basis behind His surprising welcome.
• of such (τῶν γὰρ τοιούτων - tōn gar toioutōn): This is a critical phrase. It refers not exclusively to physical children, but to those who are like them in character. The qualities include humility, dependence, trust, teachability, lack of social ambition, and openness—qualities adults often lose but must regain to enter the Kingdom. It signifies an attribute-based belonging rather than an age-based one.
• is (ἐστὶν - estin): Simple present tense of "to be." It denotes belonging or characteristic nature. The Kingdom is made up of such individuals, or belongs to such individuals.
• the kingdom of heaven (ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν - hē basileia tōn ouranōn): Matthew's typical phrase for "the Kingdom of God." It signifies God's sovereign rule, His spiritual realm, and the community of those who submit to His reign. The implication is that only those who share child-like attributes can truly belong to or receive this Kingdom.

Matthew 19 14 Bonus Section

• Synoptic Harmony: This powerful teaching appears in all three Synoptic Gospels (Matt 19:13-15; Mk 10:13-16; Lk 18:15-17), highlighting its core significance in Jesus' ministry. Mark's account adds that Jesus "was indignant" at the disciples, underscoring the depth of His displeasure at their action.
• Laying on of hands: The original intent of the parents was for Jesus to bless their children through the Jewish tradition of laying on hands. Jesus' response fulfills and elevates this expectation beyond a mere ritual blessing to a revelation about Kingdom belonging.
• Disciples' Irony: It's ironic that the disciples, soon to be leaders of the nascent Church, are corrected by Jesus on who truly belongs in His Kingdom. This reveals an ongoing need for even mature believers to adopt a posture of humility and welcome.
• Antidote to Pride: This teaching serves as a direct antidote to spiritual pride, ambition, and elitism, which were issues Jesus frequently addressed among His disciples and the religious leaders of the day.

Matthew 19 14 Commentary

Matthew 19:14 encapsulates a foundational truth about God's Kingdom: it is received through humility and dependence, not through merit or status. Jesus directly confronts the prevalent societal and even the disciples' own misconceptions about spiritual access, where prestige and self-sufficiency were often valued. By elevating children—who possessed no social standing, power, or pretense—Jesus defines the true disposition required for Kingdom entry. This radical inclusiveness rejects any human-made barrier to the divine presence. The "childlike" are not childish (irresponsible or immature), but characterized by trust, receptivity, lack of ego, and a profound dependence on the Father, just as a child fully depends on a parent. This verse is a timeless call for all to approach God with a simple, trusting heart, reminding believers not to obstruct anyone from Christ, especially the vulnerable.

Examples for practical usage:

• Welcoming all in the church: Ensuring church communities are open and accessible to all ages and backgrounds, not just adults.
• Prioritizing simplicity: Valuing simple faith and dependence on God over complex theological debates or self-righteousness.
• Advocacy for the vulnerable: Actively protecting and ministering to children, the poor, and the marginalized, recognizing their inherent worth in God's eyes.