But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

LUKE 18:16KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 18:16 (KJV)

What does Luke 18:16 mean?

Luke 18:16 shows Jesus inviting little children to come to him and telling others not to stop them, saying that the kingdom of God belongs to people like these children. Jesus makes it clear that children are welcome in his presence and that their qualities are important for understanding God’s kingdom.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples and those around him after they tried to prevent children from approaching him. By calling the children over and making this statement, Jesus challenges the social norms of his time, where children were often seen as unimportant. He highlights that the kingdom of God is open to those who are humble and trusting, like children.

The Greek behind Luke 18:16

  • παιδία (paidia): This word means "children," specifically young children. The use of this word emphasizes the age and vulnerability of those Jesus welcomes, underscoring their dependence and openness.
  • ἀφίετε (aphiete): Translated "suffer" in the KJV, this word means "allow" or "let." Jesus is not just passively permitting the children but actively instructing others to make space for them.
  • τοιούτων (toioutōn): This word means "such as these" or "of such kind." Jesus is saying that the kingdom of God belongs to people who are like these children, not just to children themselves.

Why Luke 18:16 matters

  • Luke 18:16 corrects the idea that only adults or those with status are important to Jesus, showing that even the least in society have a place with him.
  • The verse emphasizes humility, openness, and trust—qualities often seen in children—as essential for anyone who wants to be part of God’s kingdom.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage, where Jesus often reverses expectations about who is valued in God’s eyes, highlighting the upside-down nature of the kingdom he proclaims.

Where else these words appear

“forbid” Greek G2967 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
  • Acts 27:43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

“called” Greek G4341 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
  • Mark 7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
  • Acts 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

“children” Greek G3813 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 5:39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
  • Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

“such” Greek G5108 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.