New International VersionPeople were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.
New Living TranslationOne day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.
English Standard VersionNow they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
Berean Standard BibleNow people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them.
Berean Literal BibleAnd they were bringing the infants also to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples having seen, were rebuking them.
King James BibleAnd they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
New King James VersionThen they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
New American Standard BibleNow they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them.
NASB 1995And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them.
NASB 1977And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they were rebuking them.
Amplified BibleNow they were also bringing their babies to Him, so that He would touch and bless them, and when the disciples noticed it, they began reprimanding them.
Christian Standard BiblePeople were bringing infants to him so that he might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
Holman Christian Standard BibleSome people were even bringing infants to Him so He might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
American Standard VersionAnd they were bringing unto him also their babes, that he should touch them: but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
Contemporary English VersionSome people brought their little children for Jesus to bless. But when his disciples saw them doing this, they told the people to stop bothering him.
English Revised VersionAnd they brought unto him also their babes, that he should touch them: but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSome people brought infants to Jesus to have him hold them. When the disciples saw this, they told the people not to do that.
Good News TranslationSome people brought their babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. The disciples saw them and scolded them for doing so,
International Standard VersionNow some people were even bringing their infants to Jesus to have him touch them. But when the disciples saw this, they sternly told the people not to do that.
NET BibleNow people were even bringing their babies to him for him to touch. But when the disciples saw it, they began to scold those who brought them.
New Heart English BibleNow they were also bringing their babies to him, that he might touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd they brought to him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
Weymouth New TestamentOn one occasion people also brought with them their infants, for Him to touch them; but the disciples, noticing this, proceeded to find fault with them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them.
World English BibleThey were also bringing their babies to him, that he might touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they were also bringing the babies near, that He may touch them, and the disciples having seen, rebuked them,
Berean Literal BibleAnd they were bringing the infants also to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples having seen, were rebuking them.
Young's Literal Translation And they were bringing near also the babes, that he may touch them, and the disciples having seen did rebuke them,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd they also brought babes to him, that he might touch them: and the disciples having seen, censured them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they brought unto him also infants, that he might touch them. Which when the disciples saw, they rebuked them.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd they were bringing little children to him, so that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.
New American BiblePeople were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them, and when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.
New Revised Standard VersionPeople were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThey brought to him also little boys, that he might touch them; and his disciples saw them and rebuked them.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut they brought him also infants that he might touch them, and his disciples saw them, and they rebuked them. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd they brought to him infants also, that he might touch them. But when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
Godbey New TestamentAnd they were indeed bringing the infants to Him, that He should touch them: but the disciples seeing rebuked them.
Haweis New TestamentThen they brought him infants also, that he should touch them: but the disciples, when they saw it, rebuked them.
Mace New TestamentAnd as they were presenting children to him, for the imposition of hands, his disciples observing it, rebuk'd those that brought them.
Weymouth New TestamentOn one occasion people also brought with them their infants, for Him to touch them; but the disciples, noticing this, proceeded to find fault with them.
Worrell New TestamentAnd they were bringing to Him their babes, also, that He might touch them; but the disciples, seeing it, were rebuking them.
Worsley New TestamentAnd they brought to Him infants also, that He might touch them: and his disciples seeing it rebuked them.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Blesses the Children14I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” 15Nowpeople were even bringingtheirbabiesto JesusforHim to place His handson them.And whenthedisciplessaw this,they rebukedthose who brought them.16But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.…
Cross References Matthew 19:13-15Then little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. And the disciples rebuked those who brought them. / But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” / And after He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there.
Mark 10:13-16Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them. / But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. / Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ...
Matthew 18:2-5Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. / “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. / Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ...
Mark 9:36-37Then He had a little child stand among them. Taking the child in His arms, He said to them, / “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes not only Me, but the One who sent Me.”
Luke 9:47-48But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him. / And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.”
Psalm 127:3Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.
Proverbs 22:6Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Isaiah 11:6The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
1 Samuel 1:24-28Once she had weaned him, Hannah took the boy with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. Though the boy was still young, she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. / And when they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli. / “Please, my lord,” said Hannah, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. ...
Genesis 48:14-16But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger; and crossing his hands, he put his left on Manasseh’s head, although Manasseh was the firstborn. / Then he blessed Joseph and said: “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, / the angel who has redeemed me from all harm—may He bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth.”
Matthew 21:15-16But the chief priests and scribes were indignant when they saw the wonders He performed and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” / “Do You hear what these children are saying?” they asked. “Yes,” Jesus answered. “Have you never read: ‘From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise’?”
1 Corinthians 14:20Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.
Ephesians 6:1-4Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. / “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), / “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” ...
Colossians 3:20-21Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. / Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.
Treasury of Scripture And they brought to him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. they brought. 1 Samuel 1:24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the childwas young. Matthew 19:13-15 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should puthis hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them… Mark 10:13-16 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: andhis disciples rebuked those that broughtthem… they rebuked. Luke 9:49,50,54 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us… Jump to Previous BabesBabiesDisciplesFaultFindHandsInfantsJesusNoticingOccasionProceededRebukeRebukedRebukingSharpTouchJump to Next BabesBabiesDisciplesFaultFindHandsInfantsJesusNoticingOccasionProceededRebukeRebukedRebukingSharpTouchLuke 18 1.Of the importunate widow.9.Of the Pharisee and the tax collector.15.Of Children brought to Jesus.18.A ruler would follow Jesus, but is hindered by his riches.28.The reward of those who leave all for his sake.31.He foretells his death;35.and restores a blind man to sight.Now people were even bringing their babies to JesusIn the cultural context of first-century Judea, children were often seen as less significant in societal hierarchy. However, the act of bringing babies to Jesus indicates the recognition of His authority and the belief in His blessing. This reflects a deep trust in Jesus' power and compassion, as well as a desire for divine favor upon their children. The act of bringing children to a rabbi or religious figure for blessing was not uncommon, but the emphasis here is on the faith of the parents in Jesus' unique role. for Him to place His hands on them.
The laying on of hands is a significant biblical gesture symbolizing blessing, healing, and the impartation of spiritual favor. In the Old Testament, this act was often associated with the transfer of blessing or authority (e.g.,Genesis 48:14, where Jacob blesses Ephraim and Manasseh). In the New Testament, Jesus frequently uses touch to heal and bless, demonstrating His compassion and divine power. This act signifies Jesus' willingness to engage personally and lovingly with the least and the most vulnerable. And when the disciples saw this,
The disciples, often acting as gatekeepers to Jesus, were likely concerned with managing the crowds and maintaining order. Their reaction may also reflect societal norms that undervalued children, viewing them as a distraction from more important matters. The disciples' response highlights a recurring theme in the Gospels where Jesus' followers misunderstand His mission and priorities. they rebuked those who brought them.
The rebuke from the disciples suggests a misunderstanding of Jesus' ministry, which consistently emphasized inclusivity and the value of all individuals, regardless of social status. This moment serves as a teaching opportunity for Jesus to correct their perspective. The rebuke contrasts with Jesus' later response, which underscores His welcoming nature and the importance of childlike faith. This incident parallels other Gospel accounts where Jesus challenges societal norms and elevates the lowly, aligning with His teachings on humility and the kingdom of God. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus- Central figure in the passage, known for His teachings and miracles. Here, He is approached by people bringing their children to Him. 2. Disciples- Followers of Jesus who often misunderstood His mission and teachings. In this passage, they rebuke those bringing children to Jesus. 3. Babies/Children- Represent innocence and humility. They are brought to Jesus for a blessing. 4. Parents/People- Those who recognize Jesus' authority and seek His blessing for their children. 5. Event of Rebuke- The disciples' action of rebuking the people, which sets the stage for Jesus to teach an important lesson. Teaching Points Value of Children in the KingdomJesus values children and their presence in His ministry, demonstrating that the kingdom of God is open to all, regardless of age. Childlike FaithThe innocence and humility of children are qualities that believers should emulate in their faith journey. Correcting MisunderstandingsThe disciples' rebuke shows a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. Believers should be open to correction and growth in understanding God's will. Welcoming AttitudeJesus' response encourages a welcoming attitude towards all who seek Him, especially the vulnerable and marginalized. Parental ResponsibilityParents and guardians have a responsibility to bring their children to Jesus, fostering an environment where they can grow in faith. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Luke 18
Does Luke 18:15–17 contradict any Old Testament teachings about children and divine acceptance?
Should the little children come to me?
What did Jesus mean by 'I Am with You Always'?
How many disciples did Jesus appear to after his resurrection: Twelve (1 Cor 15:5) or Eleven (Matt 27:3-5; Acts 1:9-26; Matt 28:16; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:9, 33)?(15-17) And they brought unto him also infants.--See Notes on Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16. St. Luke, for some reason or other (possibly because he had recorded like teaching in Luke 16:18), omits the previous teaching as to divorce. The use of the specific word for "infants" is peculiar to him. The use of the word in Luke 1:41; Luke 1:44; Luke 2:12; Luke 2:16, where it is rendered "babe," shows that it includes the very earliest stage of childhood, and so is not without its importance in its bearing on the question of infant baptism, so far as that question is affected by this narrative. . . . Verses 15-30. - Jesus and the children. The young ruler refuses to give up his riches. The Lord speaks of the reward of them that leave all for his sake.Verse 15. - And they brought unto him alsoinfants, that he would touch them. Our Lord's noticing children is several times alluded to in the Gospels. There was something evidently in his look and manner which singularly attracted little ones to him. SS. Matthew and Mark both recount this blessing of the children immediately after the teaching on divorce. Our Lord thus sanctifies the bond of marriage and its legitimate offspring. It was a silent but powerful reply to the mistaken inference which his disciples had drawn from his words. They had said, "It is not good to marry" ( Matthew 19:10). But when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. Something of what the Master had said concerning the marriage state affected the disciples. Had he not just (see Matthew 19:10-12) been claiming high honour for the solitary life where there were no family ties to claim attention? Surely, then, these women and their children had better stand aloof: what had that grave and earnest Teacher of theirs to do with these? He had higher and more important matters on his mind f
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Nowδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.[people] were even bringingΠροσέφερον(Prosepheron)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4374:From pros and phero; to bear towards, i.e. Lead to, tender, treat.[their]τὰ(ta)Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.babiesβρέφη(brephē)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1025:Infant, babe, child in arms. Of uncertain affinity; an infant literally or figuratively.to [Jesus]αὐτῷ(autō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.forἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.Him to place His handsἅπτηται(haptētai)Verb - Present Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 680:Prop: I fasten to; I lay hold of, touch, know carnally. Reflexive of hapto; properly, to attach oneself to, i.e. To touch.on them.αὐτῶν(autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.And whenδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.theοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.disciplesμαθηταὶ(mathētai)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101:A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.saw [this],ἰδόντες(idontes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3708:Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.they rebukedἐπετίμων(epetimōn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2008:From epi and timao; to tax upon, i.e. Censure or admonish; by implication, forbid.them.αὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Gospels: Luke 18:15 They were also bringing their babies (Luke Lu Lk) |
