New International VersionBut 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.
New Living TranslationThen Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.
English Standard VersionBut Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
Berean Standard BibleBut 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.
Berean Literal BibleBut Jesus, having called them to Him, said, "Permit the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of the such is the kingdom of God.
King James BibleBut Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
New King James VersionBut Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.
New American Standard BibleBut Jesus called for the little ones, saying, “Allow the children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
NASB 1995But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
NASB 1977But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Legacy Standard BibleBut Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Amplified BibleBut Jesus called them to Himself, saying [to the apostles], “Allow the children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Christian Standard BibleJesus, however, invited them: “Let the little children come to me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Holman Christian Standard BibleJesus, however, invited them: “Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
American Standard VersionBut Jesus called them unto him, saying, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God.
Contemporary English VersionSo Jesus called the children over to him and said, "Let the children come to me! Don't try to stop them. People who are like these children belong to God's kingdom.
English Revised VersionBut Jesus called them unto him, saying, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationBut Jesus called the infants to him and said, "Don't stop the children from coming to me! Children like these are part of the kingdom of God.
Good News Translationbut Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
International Standard VersionJesus, however, called for the children and said, "Let the little children come to me, and stop keeping them away, because the kingdom of God belongs to people like these.
NET BibleBut Jesus called for the children, saying, "Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
New Heart English BibleJesus summoned them, saying, "Allow the little children to come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Webster's Bible TranslationBut Jesus called them to him, and said, Suffer little children to come to me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Weymouth New TestamentJesus however called the infants to Him. "Let the little children come to me," He said; "do not hinder them; for it is to those who are childlike that the Kingdom of God belongs. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut 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.
World English BibleJesus summoned them, saying, “Allow the little children to come to me, and don’t hinder them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Jesus having called them near, said, “Permit the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the Kingdom of God;
Berean Literal BibleBut Jesus, having called them to Him, said, "Permit the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of the such is the kingdom of God.
Young's Literal Translation and Jesus having called them near, said, 'Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the reign of God;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jesus having called them, said, Leave the young children to come to me, and hinder them not: for of such is time kingdom of God. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut Jesus, calling them together, said: Suffer children to come to me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Catholic Public Domain VersionBut Jesus, calling them together, said: “Allow the children to come to me, and do not be an obstacle to them. For of such is the kingdom of God.
New American BibleJesus, however, called the children to himself and said, “Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
New Revised Standard VersionBut Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut Jesus called them, and said to them, Permit the children to come to me, and do not stop them; for the kingdom of heaven is for those who are like these.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut Yeshua himself called them and he said to them, “Let the children come to me and do not refuse them, because the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd Jesus called them to him, and said: Let the little children come to me, and hinder them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.
Godbey New TestamentAnd Jesus calling them to Him, said, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Haweis New Testament
But Jesus calling them to him, said, Permit little children to come to me, and hinder them not for of such is the kingdom of God.
Mace New Testament
but Jesus called the children to him, and said to his disciples, let the children come to me, without any hindrance, for they who belong to the kingdom of God, must be like them.
Weymouth New Testament
Jesus however called the infants to Him. "Let the little children come to me," He said; "do not hinder them; for it is to those who are childlike that the Kingdom of God belongs.
Worrell New Testament
But Jesus called them toHim, saying,"Suffer the little children to come to Me, and forbid them not; for to such belongs the Kingdom of God.
Worsley New Testament
But Jesus called them toHim and said,Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Blesses the Children15Now 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. 16ButJesuscalled the children to Himand said,“Letthelittle childrencometoMe,anddo nothinderthem!Forthekingdomof Godbelongstosuch as these.17Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”…
Cross References Matthew 19:14But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Mark 10:14But 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.
Matthew 18:3“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter 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.”
Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
1 Peter 2:2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
Psalm 8:2From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger.
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.
1 Samuel 1:26-28“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. / I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, / I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there.
Proverbs 22:6Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
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.
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’?”
John 1:12But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—
Galatians 3:26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:16-17The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. / And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.
Treasury of Scripture But Jesus called them to him, and said, Suffer little children to come to me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Suffer. Genesis 47:10-14 And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh… Genesis 21:4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him. Deuteronomy 29:11 Your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger thatis in thy camp, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water: for. Matthew 18:3,4 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven… 1 Corinthians 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: Jump to Previous AllowBelongethBelongsChildlikeChildrenForbidHeavenHinderHoweverInfantsJesusKingdomLittlePermitReignSufferSummonedJump to Next AllowBelongethBelongsChildlikeChildrenForbidHeavenHinderHoweverInfantsJesusKingdomLittlePermitReignSufferSummonedLuke 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.But Jesus called the children to HimIn the cultural context of first-century Judea, children were often seen as insignificant and without status. Jesus' action of calling the children to Himself demonstrates His counter-cultural approach, valuing those whom society might overlook. This act reflects the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing that the kingdom of God is open to all, regardless of social standing. It also highlights Jesus' compassion and His role as a shepherd who gathers His flock, reminiscent of prophecies about the Messiah who would care for His people ( Isaiah 40:11). and said, “Let the little children come to Me,
Jesus' invitation to the children signifies the openness and accessibility of His message. In a broader theological sense, this phrase underscores the necessity of approaching God with childlike faith and humility. The act of coming to Jesus is symbolic of seeking salvation and entering into a relationship with Him. This invitation is echoed in other parts of the Gospels where Jesus calls individuals to follow Him (Matthew 11:28-30). and do not hinder them!
This command not to hinder the children can be seen as a rebuke to the disciples who were trying to prevent them from approaching Jesus. It serves as a reminder that no barriers should be placed between individuals and Christ. Theologically, it underscores the importance of removing obstacles that prevent people from experiencing the grace and love of God. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God desiring all to come to repentance and knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
This statement highlights the qualities of children—such as trust, dependence, and humility—that are essential for entering the kingdom of God. It suggests that the kingdom is not about power or status but about a heart posture that is open and receptive to God's rule. This teaching is consistent with Jesus' earlier statements about the need to become like children to enter the kingdom (Matthew 18:3). It also reflects the prophetic vision of a kingdom where the meek and humble are exalted (Isaiah 11:6-9). Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching about the nature of the kingdom of God and the qualities required to enter it. 2. ChildrenRepresenting innocence, humility, and dependence, the children are used by Jesus as an example of the kind of faith and openness required to enter the kingdom of God. 3. DisciplesAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, the disciples were present and initially rebuked those bringing children to Jesus, prompting His response. 4. The Kingdom of GodA central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing God's sovereign rule and the spiritual realm where His will is fulfilled. 5. CrowdThe broader group of people present, including parents and others who were bringing children to Jesus for blessing. Teaching Points Childlike FaithEmbrace a faith characterized by trust, humility, and openness, akin to that of a child. This is essential for entering and experiencing the kingdom of God. Welcoming SpiritCultivate an attitude that welcomes and values children, recognizing their importance in the spiritual community and their ability to teach us about faith. Barriers to FaithReflect on and remove any obstacles that might hinder others, especially children, from coming to Jesus. This includes attitudes, behaviors, or systems that may discourage or prevent access to Him. Dependence on GodLike children depend on their parents, believers are called to depend on God for guidance, provision, and strength, acknowledging our need for His grace and presence. Value of HumilityRecognize that humility is a key virtue in the Christian life, as it aligns us with God's will and opens us to His kingdom. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 18:16?
2.How can we "let the little children come" in our church community?
3.What does Luke 18:16 teach about the value of childlike faith?
4.How does Luke 18:16 connect with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 18:3-4?
5.How can we apply "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" today?
6.What barriers might prevent children from coming to Jesus in our society?
7.What does Luke 18:16 reveal about Jesus' view of children and their spiritual significance?
8.How does Luke 18:16 challenge societal views on the value of children?
9.Why does Jesus emphasize receiving the kingdom of God like a child in Luke 18:16?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 18?
11.How should a child be properly guided?
12.How did Jesus respond to children approaching him?
13.Do infants enter heaven after death?
14.Do aborted babies enter heaven?What Does Luke 18:16 Mean But Jesus called the children to Him and said• Picture the scene: parents trying to bring their little ones, disciples blocking the way, and Jesus stopping everything to beckon the children forward (parallel inMark 10:14;Matthew 19:14). • His call shows that every human—no matter how small—matters to Him (John 6:37;Luke 19:10). • When Jesus speaks, His words carry authority and tenderness at the same time. He is modeling how His followers should value the weakest among us (Psalm 82:3-4).
Let the little children come to Me• “Come” is an open invitation, not a suggestion. It reveals Jesus as the sole gateway to life with God (John 14:6). • Children illustrate faith that is: – Trusting—resting in a parent’s arms without worry (Psalm 131:2). – Humble—unconcerned with status (Matthew 18:3-4). – Dependent—aware they cannot provide for themselves (1 Peter 2:2). • We are urged to approach Christ with that same uncluttered heart.
and do not hinder them!• Jesus rebukes any obstacle—whether attitudes, traditions, or personal preferences—that keeps people from Him (Matthew 23:13;Romans 14:13). • For parents, pastors, teachers: – Teach the Word diligently (Deuteronomy 6:7). – Nurture rather than exasperate (Ephesians 6:4). • We guard against hindering when we live transparently, teach faithfully, and love sacrificially.
For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these• “Belongs” is present tense: children (and child-like believers) already have a place in God’s reign (Luke 17:20-21). • Qualities Christ commends: – Poverty of spirit—acknowledging need (Matthew 5:3). – Humility—receiving grace (James 4:6). – Simplicity of faith—just believing Him (John 1:12). • God overturns earthly hierarchies; He delights to give His kingdom to those the world deems weak or insignificant (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
summaryLuke 18:16 shows Jesus publicly welcoming children, commanding unhindered access to Himself, and announcing that His kingdom is populated by people with childlike trust. He values the vulnerable, rebukes barriers, and calls every believer to embrace humility and dependence as the true pathway into the riches of His reign. (16) Suffer little children to come unto me.--The close agreement with St. Mark in this and the following verse, makes it probable that this is one of the passages which St. Luke derived from personal communication with him. (See Introduction.) Verse 16. - But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. St. Mark, who gives us here the memories of a faithful eye-witness - St. Peter - records how much displeased Jesus was when he saw them pushing back the mothers and their little ones, eager to win a smile or perhaps a touch from him whom the people justly regarded as the children's Friend. It seems also to have been the practice for Jewish mothers to bring their babes to famous rabbis, and to ask these teachers to bless their little ones. Christ's "interest in the little children was real, and for their own sakes. It was primary; not merely secondary, and because of the childlikeness of his subjects. If they who are like little children belong to the kingdom of heaven, why should we for a moment doubt that the little children themselves belong to the kingdom? Doubtless they all do. And if that change which men call death happen to them while they are still little children, we may rest assured that it will be to the little ones bye everlasting. They will not be shut out from the higher province of the kingdom of heaven when they are snatched away from the lower" (Dr. Morrison). St. Mark's account, being that of an eye-witness, is fuller and more graphic. It is read in the Office of the Church of England for the Baptism of Infarcts, wherein young children are in like manner presented to Christ. It is considered that the Master's words and act here justify the Church in commending infants, as such, to the blessing of their Father. Surely if little ones were capable of spiritual blessings then, they are so now. It is noticeable that these children were not brought to the Lord to be taught, but "that he should put his hands upon them, and bless them" ( Mark 10:16).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.JesusἸησοῦς(Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.called [the children] to [Him]προσεκαλέσατο(prosekalesato)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4341:To call to myself, summon. Middle voice from pros and kaleo; to call toward oneself, i.e. Summon, invite.[and] said,λέγων(legōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.“LetἌφετε(Aphete)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 863:From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.theτὰ(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.little childrenπαιδία(paidia)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3813:Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian.comeἔρχεσθαι(erchesthai)Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 2064:To come, go.toπρός(pros)Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.Meμε(me)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.{do} notμὴ(mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361:Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.hinderκωλύετε(kōlyete)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2967:To prevent, debar, hinder; with infin: from doing so and so. From the base of kolazo; to estop, i.e. Prevent.them!αὐτά(auta)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 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.Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.theἡ(hē)Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.kingdomβασιλεία(basileia)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932:From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.of GodΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.belongsἐστὶν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.toτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive 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.such as these.τοιούτων(toioutōn)Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 5108:(including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality).
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NT Gospels: Luke 18:16 Jesus summoned them saying Allow the little (Luke Lu Lk) |
