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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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This scene occurs as parents bring children to Jesus for blessing and the disciples try to prevent them, prompting Jesus' correction and welcome.
What Does Matthew 19:14 Mean?
Jesus insists that little children be allowed to come to Him, declaring that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. People had brought children to Jesus for His blessing, and the disciples, perhaps thinking the children unimportant, tried to turn them away. Jesus overrules them with warmth and firmness. "Suffer" here means "allow" or "permit," and "forbid them not" makes the correction unmistakable -- no one is to stand between a child and Christ. Then He gives the reason: "of such is the kingdom of heaven." The kingdom belongs to those who come with the openness, humility, and simple trust that children embody. Jesus does not merely tolerate children; He holds them up as a picture of how anyone enters His kingdom. This moment reveals His tender heart and His reversal of the world's measures of importance. Those whom others overlook, He welcomes. The verse is both a defense of children's place with Christ and an invitation for everyone to come to Him with childlike trust, for the kingdom is given to such as these.
In the Original Language
The Greek aphiemi ("suffer") means to allow or permit; paidion refers to young children, evoking trust and humility.
Cross References
“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
“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
- Matthew 18:3
“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
- Psalm 127:3
Application
Welcome children and the overlooked to Christ, and come to Him yourself with the open, trusting heart He delights to receive.