Matthew 19:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Children are brought to Jesus for blessing, but the disciples try to turn them away.
What Does Matthew 19:13 Mean?
Parents bring their little children to Jesus, hoping He will lay His hands on them and pray, a gesture of blessing. The disciples, perhaps thinking the Master too important for such small interruptions, rebuke those who bring them. They misjudge both the children and the heart of Christ.
The scene tenderly contrasts human estimates of importance with God's. What the disciples treat as a distraction, Jesus treats as precious. The instinct of these parents was right: bring the children to Him. The Savior's hands are not too occupied for the least and youngest. The verse sets the stage for one of His most beloved welcomes and gently corrects every notion that any soul is beneath His care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 19:13
What does Matthew 19:13 mean?
Children are brought to Jesus for blessing, but the disciples try to turn them away.