New Testament
Matthew 19:15
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, Jesus shows his care and affection for children by laying his hands on them, which symbolizes blessing and approval.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
He placed his hands on the children, and then he left that place.
And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus shows his care and affection for children by laying his hands on them, which symbolizes blessing and approval. This act demonstrates his willingness to embrace the vulnerable and marginalized in society. After blessing the children, he departs from that location, indicating a transition in his ministry. This moment highlights the importance of children in the Kingdom of God, as earlier in the chapter, Jesus emphasizes that one must receive the Kingdom like a child. The act of laying hands on the children signifies not only a physical touch but also an impartation of love and acceptance. It serves as a reminder that Jesus values every individual, regardless of age or status, and encourages his followers to do the same. This brief encounter encapsulates the essence of Jesus' mission: to bring hope and healing to all, especially those who are often overlooked. Explore related fear.
Related topics
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 19:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to show kindness and love to children and those who are vulnerable. It reminds us to embrace humility and approach life with a childlike faith. We should actively seek opportunities to bless others, reflecting Jesus' love in our actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 19:15 mean?
Matthew 19:15 describes Jesus laying his hands on children, symbolizing his blessing and acceptance of them. This act highlights his compassion and the importance of children in the Kingdom of God.
What is the significance of Jesus laying hands on children in Matthew 19:15?
In this verse, Jesus laying hands on the children signifies love, blessing, and acceptance. It shows his willingness to embrace the vulnerable and emphasizes the value of children in his ministry.
How does Matthew 19:15 relate to humility?
Matthew 19:15 relates to humility by demonstrating that Jesus values a childlike faith. His actions encourage believers to approach life with the same openness and trust as children.
What themes are present in Matthew 19:15?
Key themes in Matthew 19:15 include Jesus' compassion for children, the importance of humility, and the acceptance of all individuals in the Kingdom of God.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Unlock the full Matthew summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.