But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

MARK 10:14KJV
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Mark 10:14 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:14 mean?

Mark 10:14 shows Jesus insisting that children be allowed to come to him, saying they should not be stopped because the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like them. Jesus is upset that his disciples tried to keep the children away, and he uses the moment to teach about who belongs in God’s kingdom.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples after seeing them turn children away. The verse highlights Jesus’ strong reaction—he is “much displeased”—and his clear instruction to let the children approach. By saying “for of such is the kingdom of God,” Jesus points to the qualities of children, like trust and openness, as central to belonging in God’s kingdom.

The Greek behind Mark 10:14

  • ἠγανάκτησεν (ēganaktēsen, “was much displeased”): This Greek word shows that Jesus was not just mildly annoyed but deeply upset or indignant. It emphasizes how seriously he took the disciples’ actions.
  • ἀφίετε (aphiēte, “Suffer” or “allow”): The Greek here means to permit or let go, stressing that Jesus wants no barriers put up between him and the children.
  • τοιοῦτων (toioutōn, “of such”): This word means “of this kind” or “like these,” pointing not just to children by age but to the qualities they represent—humility, trust, and openness.

Why Mark 10:14 matters

  • Mark 10:14 corrects the idea that only adults or those seen as important can approach Jesus; he welcomes even those considered least significant in society.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ emotional investment in how people are treated, showing that he cares deeply about inclusion and access to him.
  • This moment sets up a broader teaching in the surrounding verses, where Jesus explains that receiving the kingdom of God requires a childlike attitude.

Where else these words appear

“displeased” Greek G23 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 20:24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
  • Matthew 26:8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
  • Mark 14:4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?

“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 18:16 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.
  • 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:

“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 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

“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.