Matthew 19 15

Matthew 19:15 kjv

And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

Matthew 19:15 nkjv

And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.

Matthew 19:15 niv

When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

Matthew 19:15 esv

And he laid his hands on them and went away.

Matthew 19:15 nlt

And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.

Matthew 19 verses

Matthew 19 15 Meaning

Matthew 19:15 describes the concluding actions of Jesus after His disciples attempted to prevent children from approaching Him. Jesus laid His hands upon them, a symbolic gesture of prayer and blessing, indicating His spiritual authority and compassionate acceptance of the little ones. Having bestowed His blessing, He then departed from that place, continuing His journey and ministry.

Matthew 19 15 Context

Matthew 19:15 concludes the brief yet poignant interaction between Jesus, His disciples, and the parents who brought their children for a blessing. This scene immediately follows Jesus' teaching on marriage and divorce, demonstrating a sharp contrast in subject matter while maintaining the theme of His authoritative instruction.

Historically and culturally, in the First Century, children were generally not considered significant figures in public life or religious ceremonies. They lacked legal standing and were often seen as property or a means of continuing the family line rather than individuals worthy of distinct spiritual attention. The disciples' initial action to rebuke those bringing the children (v.13) reflected this prevailing cultural view. Jesus' response, therefore, was counter-cultural, elevating the status of children and using them as an example of humility necessary for entering the Kingdom of God (v.14, cf. Mt 18:3-4). The "laying on of hands" was a traditional Jewish gesture used for blessings, impartation of authority, healing, or consecration. By performing this act, Jesus affirms His personal benediction upon them, a tangible demonstration of their worth and His love. Following this profound display of care, Jesus departs, indicating the ongoing, dynamic nature of His itinerant ministry.

Matthew 19 15 Word analysis

• And (kai, Greek: καὶ): A simple conjunction connecting Jesus' action directly to the previous events described in verses 13-14, emphasizing the continuous flow of His actions after His pronouncement.
• He laid (epetheken, Greek: ἐπέθηκεν, from epitithēmi): Literally "He put upon" or "He placed upon." This verb denotes a deliberate, intentional, and often forceful or impactful placement. Here, it signifies the specific act of laying on of hands, rather than a mere casual touch.
• His hands (tas cheiras, Greek: τὰς χεῖρας): The plural noun "hands" signifies the customary and full use of both hands in the act of blessing or imparting. The hands are instruments of the Lord's power and compassion.
• On them (ep' autous, Greek: ἐπ' αὐτούς): Refers directly to the "little children" (paidia) mentioned in verse 13. It emphasizes that each child personally received the Lord's touch and blessing.
• And departed (kai anechōrēsen, Greek: καὶ ἀνεχώρησεν, from anachōreō): This verb means "to withdraw," "to retire," or "to go away." It marks a distinct termination of this specific encounter and a physical movement to another location or next stage of ministry. In Matthew, anachōreō often indicates Jesus' purposeful withdrawal from a situation or place (e.g., to avoid danger, or to move on to a new region for ministry). Here, it signifies the natural continuation of His journey and work.
• Thence (ekei-then, Greek: ἐκεῖθεν): Means "from that place," denoting the specific location where the children were blessed. This emphasizes the physical transition and the completion of the interaction in that setting.

Matthew 19 15 Bonus section

• The brevity of the description of Jesus' action (simply "laid his hands") highlights the customary nature and expected power of such a gesture when performed by a figure of Jesus' authority. The act itself was understood to convey significant meaning without requiring extensive verbal explanation.
• This verse contributes to the New Testament's broader emphasis on the practice of laying on of hands, establishing it as a valid form of spiritual expression, whether for blessing, healing, or commissioning, depending on the specific context and divine purpose.
• It reinforces the truth that personal, tangible interaction from Jesus, even in a simple gesture, holds profound spiritual power and conveys His divine acceptance.

Matthew 19 15 Commentary

Matthew 19:15 presents Jesus in a tender and authoritative moment. After defending the right of children to approach Him and declaring their integral role in the Kingdom of God, Jesus confirms this by physically laying His hands on them. This action, rooted in ancient Jewish tradition for conveying blessing, prayer, and even authority or healing, here underscores the spiritual impartation and affirmation from the Lord. It signifies not just a general welcome, but a personal and intimate blessing bestowed upon each child, recognizing their spiritual value. This act solidified Jesus' teaching that the Kingdom is open to the humble and receptive, represented by these children, overturning societal norms and even His disciples' initial misconceptions. His subsequent departure simply denotes the itinerancy of His ministry, having accomplished His work of compassion and teaching in that specific context. The verse succinctly captures a moment of divine love and instruction, a lasting testament to the accessibility of Christ's grace to the innocent and lowly.