Question 1

What does Matthew 19:13 mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

The Greek behind Matthew 19:13

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Why Matthew 19:13 matters

Accepted Answer

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.

Matthew 19:13 (KJV)