Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 22
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παιδία
little children
G3813
παιδία
little children
Strong's:
G3813
Word #:
7 of 22
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
αὐτὰ
them
G846
αὐτὰ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 22
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
ἐλθεῖν
to come
G2064
ἐλθεῖν
to come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
12 of 22
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρός
unto
G4314
πρός
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
13 of 22
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,
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
16 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τοιούτων
of such
G5108
τοιούτων
of such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
17 of 22
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
the kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
20 of 22
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Matthew 18:3And 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 14:20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.Mark 10:14But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Historical Context
In ancient culture, children had no social status. Disciples reflected cultural values by dismissing children as unimportant. Jesus' embrace of children was radically countercultural, affirming their worth and spiritual responsiveness. This teaching grounded infant baptism practices (though some dispute application) and emphasized evangelism of children. Early Christian communities welcomed children in worship, contrasting with pagan practices of infant exposure and neglect. Jesus' treatment of children demonstrated kingdom values inverting worldly hierarchies.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did disciples try to prevent children from coming to Jesus?
- What does Jesus' welcome of children teach about kingdom values and who belongs?
- How should churches demonstrate Jesus' priority of welcoming children?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus rebukes disciples: 'Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven' (Greek: ἄφετε τὰ παιδία καὶ μὴ κωλύετε αὐτὰ ἐλθεῖν πρός με, 'permit the children and do not hinder them to come to me'). 'Suffer' (ἄφετε) means 'allow, permit.' Disciples tried blocking children from Jesus, viewing them as unimportant. Jesus invites them, declaring 'of such is the kingdom' (τοιούτων γάρ ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία) - the kingdom belongs to those with childlike faith. This affirms children's spiritual capacity and models humility, trust, and receptivity required for salvation.