And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

MATTHEW 19:15KJV
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Matthew 19:15 (KJV)

What does Matthew 19:15 mean?

Matthew 19:15 describes Jesus placing his hands on the children who had been brought to him, blessing them, and then leaving that place. The verse simply shows Jesus’ gentle attention to the children before he moves on to continue his journey.

In this scene, Jesus is interacting with children brought by others, likely their parents, after his disciples had tried to turn them away. The verse marks the end of this brief encounter, highlighting Jesus’ willingness to welcome and bless those whom others might overlook. It serves as a transition to the next part of the story, showing Jesus’ care in action.

The Greek behind Matthew 19:15

  • ἐπέθηκεν (epethēken, "laid"): This word means to place or put upon, and here it refers to Jesus physically placing his hands on the children. In the culture of the time, this gesture was a sign of blessing or prayer.
  • χεῖρας (cheiras, "hands"): The use of hands in blessing was a familiar Jewish practice, often connected with invoking God's favor or protection.
  • ἀπῆλθεν (apēlthen, "departed"): This word means to go away or leave. It signals that Jesus’ act of blessing was intentional and complete before he moved on.

Why Matthew 19:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus personally blessed the children, countering any idea that he was too busy or important for them.
  • The act of laying hands on the children connects to broader biblical themes of blessing and inclusion, showing that Jesus values those often seen as insignificant.
  • The verse serves as a transition, closing the episode with the children and preparing the reader for the next teaching or event in Jesus’ ministry.

Where else these words appear

“thence” Greek G1564 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Matthew 14:13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
  • Luke 9:4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

“laid” 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.

“departed” Greek G4198 · used in 147 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.
  • Luke 9:53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
  • Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.