Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

MARK 10:15KJV
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Mark 10:15 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:15 mean?

Mark 10:15 says that anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will not enter it. Jesus is stressing that the right way to approach God’s kingdom is with the openness, trust, and humility of a child, rather than with pride or self-sufficiency.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after some people brought children to Him and the disciples tried to turn them away. Jesus uses the children as an example, teaching that the qualities children naturally have—dependence, trust, and a willingness to receive—are essential for entering God’s kingdom. The verse highlights that entering God’s kingdom is not about status, knowledge, or achievement, but about a heart ready to receive.

The Greek behind Mark 10:15

  • "Receive" (δέξηται, dexeitai): This Greek word means to welcome or accept something offered. Here, it emphasizes an active, willing acceptance, not just a passive experience. Jesus is saying that entering God’s kingdom requires a person to openly welcome it, just as a child would accept a gift.
  • "As a little child" (ὡς παιδίον, hōs paidion): The word for child here points to someone very young, not just in age but in attitude—someone who is not self-reliant or skeptical, but trusting and receptive. This underlines the kind of attitude Jesus is calling for.
  • "Kingdom" (βασιλεία, basileia): In this context, "kingdom" refers to God’s rule or reign, not just a physical place. The focus is on being part of God’s community and under His care.

Why Mark 10:15 matters

  • Mark 10:15 clears up the idea that entering God’s kingdom is about religious achievement or adult-like understanding; instead, it’s about a childlike readiness to receive what God gives.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus values qualities like humility and trust, which are often overlooked in adult life but are central to the way He wants people to relate to God.
  • This teaching connects to the wider passage, where Jesus welcomes children and corrects His disciples’ attitudes, showing that God’s kingdom is open to all who come with a simple, trusting heart.

Where else these words appear

“shall” Greek G1209 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
  • Luke 16:4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

“child” 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.

“not” Greek G3362 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
  • Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

“not” Greek G3364 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
  • John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.