King James Version

What Does Mark 10:14 Mean?

Mark 10:14 in the King James Version says “But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbi... — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But 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.

Mark 10:14 · KJV


Context

12

And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

13

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

14

But 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.

15

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein .

16

And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When Jesus saw it he was much displeased and said unto them Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is kingdom of God. Saw it eidōn observed. Much displeased ēganaktēsen angered indignant. Said eipen. Suffer aphete permit allow. Little children paidia young children. Come elthein approach. Unto me pros eme to Jesus. Forbid kōluete hinder prevent. Of such toioutōn such as these. Kingdom of God basileia tou theou. Children welcomed blessed. Disciples rebuked for hindrance. Childlike faith humility receptivity required for kingdom. Not that children automatically saved but exemplify qualities needed. Reformed theology affirms covenant children promise to believers families but emphasizes necessity of personal faith. Infant baptism or believer baptism debate.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Context disciples rebuked parents bringing children. Jesus indignant at disciples. Children not interruptions or inferior. Welcomed blessed. Old Testament valued children as blessings. Jesus elevates children in culture that marginalized them. Childlike humility trust dependence contrasts with adult pride self-sufficiency. Kingdom requires becoming like little child. Early church baptized infants (some traditions) or believers only (other traditions). Debate continues. All agree children are valued welcomed taught gospel. Modern church should prioritize children ministry next generation discipleship family ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. What qualities of children does Jesus point to as essential for entering kingdom?
  2. How should church balance valuing welcoming children with emphasizing necessity of personal faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἰδὼν1 of 26

saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δὲ2 of 26

But

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 26

when Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἠγανάκτησεν5 of 26

it he was much displeased

G23

to be greatly afflicted, i.e., (figuratively) indignant

καὶ6 of 26

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν7 of 26

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτά8 of 26

them

G846

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

Ἄφετε9 of 26

Suffer

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τὰ10 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παιδία11 of 26

the little children

G3813

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

ἔρχεσθαι12 of 26

to come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρός13 of 26

unto

G4314

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,

με14 of 26

me

G3165

me

καὶ15 of 26

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μὴ16 of 26

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

κωλύετε17 of 26

forbid

G2967

to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)

αὐτά18 of 26

them

G846

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

τῶν19 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ20 of 26

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τοιούτων21 of 26

of such

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

ἐστὶν22 of 26

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

23 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλεία24 of 26

the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ25 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ26 of 26

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 10:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 10:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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