Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

MATTHEW 19:13KJV
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Matthew 19:13 (KJV)

What does Matthew 19:13 mean?

Matthew 19:13 describes people bringing little children to Jesus so that he would lay his hands on them and pray for them, but the disciples tried to stop them. The verse shows a moment when Jesus is approached on behalf of children, and his followers initially think this is inappropriate or distracting.

In this scene, Jesus is traveling and teaching, and people want him to bless their children. The disciples, likely thinking Jesus is too busy or that children are unimportant in this context, rebuke those bringing the children. This sets up what follows, where Jesus responds to the disciples’ attitude, highlighting the value he places on children.

The Greek behind Matthew 19:13

  • The word for "children" is παιδία (paidia), which refers specifically to young children or little ones. This emphasizes that those being brought to Jesus were not just young in age but also seen as insignificant in the social order of the time.
  • The verb "rebuked" is ἐπετίμησαν (epetimēsan), which often means to strongly warn or scold. The disciples are not just politely turning people away; they are actively discouraging them, showing a sharp contrast with Jesus’ later response.

Why Matthew 19:13 matters

  • This verse highlights a common misunderstanding among the disciples about who is welcome to approach Jesus, revealing their assumptions about status and importance.
  • The scene prepares the reader for Jesus’ teaching in the next verses, where he corrects the disciples and affirms the value of children in God’s kingdom.
  • Matthew 19:13 connects to a broader theme in the Gospels: Jesus’ openness to those whom society often overlooks or undervalues, including children.

Where else these words appear

“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 8:32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
  • Luke 9:21 And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;

“put” Greek G2007 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Mark 8:25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
  • Acts 9:12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

“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.
  • Mark 1:44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • 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.

“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 5:40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
  • Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.