Matthew 19:15
And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 7
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
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρας
his hands
G5495
χεῖρας
his hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
5 of 7
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
Historical Context
In first-century Palestinian culture, children had little social status until reaching maturity. Rabbinic tradition focused religious instruction on adult males. Jesus's insistence on receiving children and His physical blessing of them was countercultural, elevating children's worth and accessibility to God's grace—a revolutionary Kingdom ethic.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's physical touch of the children model incarnational ministry in contrast to purely intellectual or distant approaches to spiritual blessing?
- What modern equivalents exist to the disciples' attempt to keep children from Jesus, and how should the church respond?
- How does this verse inform our theology of children's relationship to God and their place in the covenant community?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he laid his hands on them (ἐπέθηκεν τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῖς, epethēken tas cheiras autois)—This physical touch conveys blessing, identification, and spiritual impartation. The laying on of hands appears throughout Scripture in contexts of ordination, healing, and blessing (Gen. 48:14, Acts 6:6, 1 Tim. 4:14). Jesus's deliberate touch contradicted rabbinic protocol that minimized contact with children and women.
The phrase and departed thence marks a transition after Jesus's emphatic defense of children's spiritual value. Having rebuked the disciples for hindering the children (v. 14), Jesus now demonstrates the Kingdom's accessibility to those deemed insignificant by religious gatekeepers. His touch dignified those society marginalized, enacting the Kingdom reversal He proclaimed.