Luke 18:16

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
Ἰησοῦς
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#4
προσκαλεσάμενος
G4341
called
to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite
#5
αὐτά
G846
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#6
εἶπεν,
G2036
unto him and said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#7
Ἄφετε
G863
Suffer
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
#8
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
παιδία
G3813
little children
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
#10
ἔρχεσθαι
G2064
to come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
πρός
G4314
unto
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#12
με
G3165
me
me
#13
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#15
κωλύετε
G2967
forbid
to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)
#16
αὐτά
G846
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#17
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#19
τοιούτων
G5108
of such
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
#20
ἐστὶν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#21
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
βασιλεία
G932
the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#23
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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