New Testament
Luke 9:47
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their hearts, took a little child and had the child stand beside him.
Compare translations
And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,
What Luke 9:47 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus demonstrates his divine insight by understanding the thoughts and intentions of those around him. He recognizes that his disciples are grappling with issues of pride and status, as they had been arguing about who among them was the greatest. To illustrate a powerful lesson about humility and the nature of greatness in the Kingdom of God, Jesus takes a child and places the child beside him. In the culture of that time, children were often seen as insignificant and powerless. By using a child as an example, Jesus emphasizes that true greatness comes from humility and a willingness to serve others, rather than seeking power or recognition. This act serves as a reminder that in God's eyes, the least among us can hold the greatest value, and that we should approach life with a childlike faith and openness.
How to apply Luke 9:47 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes and ambitions. Instead of striving for recognition or status, we should embrace humility and serve those around us. By valuing the contributions of others, especially the vulnerable, we align ourselves with the teachings of Jesus.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 9:47
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 9:47
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 9:47 teach about humility?
Luke 9:47 illustrates that true greatness in the eyes of God is rooted in humility. By taking a child and placing them beside him, Jesus highlights that those who are considered insignificant or powerless hold great value in the Kingdom of God. This teaches us that we should prioritize serving others and embrace a humble attitude rather than seeking status or recognition.
Why did Jesus use a child as an example in Luke 9:47?
In Luke 9:47, Jesus uses a child to demonstrate the qualities of humility and innocence that are essential in the Kingdom of God. Children were viewed as lowly and without status in society, making them a perfect representation of how we should approach our faith—without pride or ambition, but with openness and a willingness to learn and serve.
How can we apply the message of Luke 9:47 in our daily lives?
To apply the message of Luke 9:47, we should focus on cultivating humility in our interactions with others. This means valuing everyone, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized, and serving them without seeking recognition. By doing so, we embody the teachings of Jesus and reflect the values of the Kingdom of God in our everyday lives.
What is the significance of childlike faith in Luke 9:47?
The significance of childlike faith in Luke 9:47 lies in the idea that faith should be simple, trusting, and open. Jesus emphasizes that to enter the Kingdom of God, one must adopt the humility and trust of a child. This means letting go of pride and preconceived notions of greatness, and instead approaching God with a heart ready to learn, grow, and serve.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.