New Testament
Luke 18:15
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, people are bringing their infants to Jesus, hoping that he would bless them with a touch.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
People were bringing their babies to Jesus so he could touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked the people.
And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, people are bringing their infants to Jesus, hoping that he would bless them with a touch. This act reflects the deep desire of parents to seek spiritual blessings for their children. However, the disciples, perhaps thinking they were protecting Jesus from being overwhelmed or distracted, scold the parents for bringing the children. This reaction shows a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and his openness to all, including the vulnerable and innocent. Jesus, known for his compassion, later rebukes the disciples for their actions, emphasizing that the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like children. This moment highlights the importance of welcoming and valuing every individual, regardless of age or status, in the community of faith. Explore related fear.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 18:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to embrace and support the next generation in their spiritual journeys. We should create an environment where children feel welcomed and valued in our communities, recognizing their importance in the faith and the blessings they bring to our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 18:15 mean?
Luke 18:15 describes parents bringing their infants to Jesus for a blessing. The disciples rebuke the parents, misunderstanding Jesus' openness to all, especially the vulnerable.
What is the significance of children in Luke 18:15?
In this verse, children symbolize innocence and the qualities of humility and trust that are valued in the kingdom of God. Jesus later emphasizes that the kingdom belongs to those who are like children.
Why did the disciples rebuke the parents in Luke 18:15?
The disciples likely rebuked the parents to protect Jesus from being overwhelmed or distracted. Their reaction reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission to embrace everyone, including children.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 18:15?
Luke 18:15 teaches the importance of welcoming and valuing children in our communities. It encourages us to support the next generation in their spiritual journeys.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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