And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

LUKE 18:15KJV
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Luke 18:15 (KJV)

What does Luke 18:15 mean?

Luke 18:15 describes people bringing even very young children—infants—to Jesus so that he would touch them, but Jesus’s disciples tried to stop them and told them not to do this. The verse highlights both the eagerness of the people to have Jesus bless their children and the disciples’ misunderstanding of Jesus’s attitude toward children.

In this scene, people are approaching Jesus, likely hoping for a blessing or healing by his touch, which was a common practice for respected teachers or healers. The disciples, acting as gatekeepers, see this as an interruption or distraction and try to prevent it. This sets up a moment where Jesus’s response will correct their thinking about who is welcome in his presence.

The Greek behind Luke 18:15

  • The word for "infants" is βρέφη (brephē), which specifically means babies or very young children, not just older kids. This emphasizes how young and dependent these children are, making the disciples’ reaction even more striking.
  • The verb "rebuked" is ἐπετίμησαν (epetimēsan), which means to strongly warn or scold. The disciples are not just gently turning people away; they are actively telling them off, showing how firmly they believe children should not bother Jesus.

Why Luke 18:15 matters

  • Luke 18:15 shows that Jesus’s attention is not limited to adults or those considered important by society; even the youngest and most vulnerable are brought to him.
  • The disciples’ attempt to stop the children reveals a common attitude of the time, where children were not seen as significant, and sets the stage for Jesus to teach a different perspective.
  • This verse prepares the reader for Jesus’s following words, where he will use the situation to make a point about the nature of the kingdom of God and who is welcome in it.

Where else these words appear

“infants” Greek G1025 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 1:41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
  • Luke 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
  • Acts 7:19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

“rebuked” Greek G2008 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
  • Mark 8:30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
  • Luke 8:24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

“touch” Greek G680 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
  • Mark 5:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
  • Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

“brought” Greek G4374 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Matthew 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
  • Hebrews 8:3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.