New Testament
Matthew 19:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then people brought little children to Jesus so he could place his hands on them and pray. But the disciples rebuked them.
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Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
What Matthew 19:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, people are bringing their young children to Jesus, hoping that He will bless them by laying His hands on them and praying for them. This act shows the parents' faith in Jesus' ability to bless and protect their children. However, the disciples, perhaps thinking that Jesus was too busy or important for such matters, scold the people for bringing the children. This reflects a common misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and His love for all, including the most vulnerable. The disciples' reaction highlights a tendency to prioritize adult concerns over the needs of children, which Jesus later addresses by emphasizing the importance of welcoming children. This moment sets the stage for Jesus to teach about the value of humility and the openness of the Kingdom of Heaven to those who are childlike in faith.
How to apply Matthew 19:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the value of children and to approach Jesus with childlike faith. It reminds us to be open and welcoming to those who may seem insignificant in society, as they are precious in God's eyes. We should also be mindful of our attitudes towards others, especially children.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Blesses the Children (Matthew 19:13–15)
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Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 19:13 mean?
Matthew 19:13 describes how people brought their children to Jesus for blessings, but the disciples tried to stop them. This shows the parents' faith in Jesus' ability to bless their children and highlights a misunderstanding by the disciples about Jesus' openness to all, including children.
What is the significance of children in Matthew 19:13?
In Matthew 19:13, children symbolize innocence and the kind of faith that Jesus values. The verse emphasizes that children are important to Jesus and that His blessings are available to everyone, regardless of age.
Why did the disciples rebuke the people in Matthew 19:13?
The disciples rebuked the people bringing children to Jesus likely because they thought Jesus was too busy or important for such matters. This reaction reflects a common tendency to overlook the needs of the vulnerable.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 19:13?
Matthew 19:13 teaches us to value children and approach Jesus with childlike faith. It reminds us to be welcoming and attentive to those who may be seen as insignificant in society.
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