Matthew 19:13-14 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 19:13-15

We have here the welcome which Christ gave to some little children that were brought to him. Observe, I. The faith of those that brought them. How many they were, that were brought, we are not told; but they were so little as to be taken up in arms, a year old, it may be, or two at most. The account here given of it, is, that there were brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray, Matt. 19:13. Probably they were their parents, guardians, or nurses, that... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 19:13-15

19:13-15 Children were brought to him, that he might lay his hands on them, and pray for them. The disciples spoke sternly to them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as they are." And after he had laid his hands on them, he went away from there. It may well be said that here we have the loveliest incident in the gospel story. The characters all stand out clear and plain, although it only takes two verses to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 19:13

Then were there brought unto him little children ,.... It does not appear that they were new born babes; the words used by either of the evangelists do not always signify such, but are sometimes used of such as are capable of going alone; yea, of receiving instructions, of understanding the Scriptures, and even of one of twelve years of age, Matthew 18:2 nor is it probable that infants just born, or within a month, should be had abroad. Moreover, these were such as Christ called unto him, ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 19:14

But Jesus said, suffer little children .... This he said to show his humility, that he was not above taking notice of any; and to teach his disciples to regard the weakest believers, and such as were but children in knowledge; and to inform them what all ought to be, who expect the kingdom of heaven; for it follows; and forbid them not to come unto me , now, or at any other time; for of such is the kingdom of heaven ; that is, as the Syriac renders it, "who are as these" or as the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:13

Then were there brought unto him little children - These are termed by Luke, Luke 18:15 , τα βρεφη , infants, very young children; and it was on this account, probably, that the disciples rebuked the parents, thinking them too young to receive good. See on Mark 10:16 ; (note). That he should put his hands - It was a common custom among the Jews to lay their hands on the heads of those whom they blessed, or for whom they prayed. This seems to have been done by way of dedication or... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:14

Of such is the kingdom of heaven - Or, the kingdom of heaven is composed of such. This appears to be the best sense of the passage, and utterly ruins the whole inhuman diabolic system of what is called non-elect infants' damnation; a doctrine which must have sprung from Moloch, and can only be defended by a heart in which he dwells. A great part of God's kingdom is composed of such literally; and those only who resemble little children shall be received into it: see on Matthew 18:3 ;... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:13

Verse 13 This narrative is highly useful; for it shows that Christ receives not only those who, moved by holy desire and faith, freely approach to him, but those who are not yet of age to know how much they need his grace. Those little children have not yet any understanding to desire his blessing; but when they are presented to him, he gently and kindly receives them, and dedicates them to the Father (611) by a solemn act of blessing. We must observe the intention of those who present the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:14

Verse 14 14.Suffer children. He declares that he wishes to receive children; and at length, taking them in his arms, he not only embraces, but blesses them by the laying on of hand; from which we infer that his grace is extended even to those who are of that age. And no wonder; for since the whole race of Adam is shut up under the sentence of death, all from the least even to the greatest must perish, except those who are rescued by the only Redeemer. To exclude from the grace of redemption... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 19:13

Christ, having laid his blessing on marriage, now blesses its fruit. Then . This happened directly after the preceding conversation. Mothers were won to his side by his elevation of woman to her true position, and his marked tenderness to children. Little children ( παιδι ì α ). St. Luke calls them τα Ì βρε ì φη , "their infants." These were babes whom the mothers carried in their arms, and who were too young to understand the meaning and importance of the act of Christ in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 19:13

The folk who are interested in the children. It is difficult for us to conceive of the good man who does not love flowers, song, spring time, and children. We might be quite sure that the "best of men who e'er wore earth about him" loved the children. But in the East all children are kept in the background; female children are despised by their fathers, and even male children are in the women's hands until quite big. So our Lord's interest in children seemed new and strange to his disciples.... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 19:13-15

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 19:13-15

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 19:13

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 19:14

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:13

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:14

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:13

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 19:14

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 19:13

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 19:13

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