Mark - 10:13



13 They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Mark 10:13.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
And they brought to him young children, that he might touch them. And the disciples rebuked them that brought them.
And they brought little children to him that he might touch them. But the disciples rebuked those that brought them.
And they brought unto him little children, that he should touch them: and the disciples rebuked them.
And they were bringing to him children, that he might touch them, and the disciples were rebuking those bringing them,
One day people were bringing young children to Jesus for Him to touch them, but the disciples interfered.
And they took to him little children, so that he might put his hands on them: and the disciples said sharp words to them.
And they brought to him the little children, so that he might touch them. But the disciples admonished those who brought them.
Some of the people were bringing little children to Jesus, for him to touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who had brought them.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

See the notes at Matthew 19:13-15.

Should touch them - That is, should lay his hands on them, and pray for them, and bless them. Compare Matthew 19:13. It was common to lay the hands on the head of a person for whom a blessing was asked. See the case of Jacob, Genesis 48:14.

And they brought young children - See on Matthew 19:13-15 (note).

(2) And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and [his] disciples rebuked those that brought [them].
(2) God in his goodness is concerned not only for the parents, but the children as well: and therefore he blesses them. (Ed.)

And they brought young children to him,.... The parents, or friends, or nurses of the children in those parts, having heard of the fame of Jesus; and having entertained an high opinion of him, as a great prophet, and a holy, good man, brought their children in their arms, or hands,
that he should touch them; as he did when he healed diseased persons, as these might be, though not expressed:
and his disciples rebuked those that brought them; See Gill on Matthew 19:13.

Some parents or nurses brought little children to Christ, that he should touch them, in token of his blessing them. It does not appear that they needed bodily cures, nor were they capable of being taught: but those who had the care of them believed that Christ's blessing would do their souls good; therefore they brought them to him. Jesus ordered that they should be brought to him, and that nothing should be said or done to hinder it. Children should be directed to the Saviour as soon as they are able to understand his words. Also, we must receive the kingdom of God as little children; we must stand affected to Christ and his grace, as little children to their parents, nurses, and teachers.

They brought unto him little children. See notes on Matthew 19:13-15. Compare Luke 18:15-17. See also notes on Matthew 18:3-4.

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