Luke 18:16 But Jesus called the children to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

◄ Luke 18:16 ►

New International Version
But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

New Living Translation
Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.

English Standard Version
But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.

Berean Standard Bible
But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Berean Literal Bible
But Jesus, having called them to Him, said, "Permit the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of the such is the kingdom of God.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

New American Standard Bible
But Jesus called for the little ones, saying, “Allow the children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

NASB 1995
But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

NASB 1977
But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Legacy Standard Bible
But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Amplified Bible
But Jesus called them to Himself, saying [to the apostles], “Allow the children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Christian Standard Bible
Jesus, however, invited them: “Let the little children come to me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jesus, however, invited them: “Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

American Standard Version
But Jesus called them unto him, saying, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God.

Contemporary English Version
So Jesus called the children over to him and said, "Let the children come to me! Don't try to stop them. People who are like these children belong to God's kingdom.

English Revised Version
But Jesus called them unto him, saying, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Jesus called the infants to him and said, "Don't stop the children from coming to me! Children like these are part of the kingdom of God.

Good News Translation
but Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

International Standard Version
Jesus, however, called for the children and said, "Let the little children come to me, and stop keeping them away, because the kingdom of God belongs to people like these.

Majority Standard Bible
But Jesus called the children to Him and said, ?Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

NET Bible
But Jesus called for the children, saying, "Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

New Heart English Bible
Jesus summoned them, saying, "Allow the little children to come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Webster's Bible Translation
But Jesus called them to him, and said, Suffer little children to come to me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Weymouth New Testament
Jesus however called the infants to Him. "Let the little children come to me," He said; "do not hinder them; for it is to those who are childlike that the Kingdom of God belongs.

World English Bible
Jesus summoned them, saying, “Allow the little children to come to me, and don’t hinder them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and Jesus having called them near, said, “Permit the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the Kingdom of God;

Berean Literal Bible
But Jesus, having called them to Him, said, "Permit the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of the such is the kingdom of God.

Young's Literal Translation
and Jesus having called them near, said, 'Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the reign of God;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jesus having called them, said, Leave the young children to come to me, and hinder them not: for of such is time kingdom of God.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But Jesus, calling them together, said: Suffer children to come to me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But Jesus, calling them together, said: “Allow the children to come to me, and do not be an obstacle to them. For of such is the kingdom of God.

New American Bible
Jesus, however, called the children to himself and said, “Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

New Revised Standard Version
But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But Jesus called them, and said to them, Permit the children to come to me, and do not stop them; for the kingdom of heaven is for those who are like these.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But Yeshua himself called them and he said to them, “Let the children come to me and do not refuse them, because the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And Jesus called them to him, and said: Let the little children come to me, and hinder them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.

Godbey New Testament
And Jesus calling them to Him, said, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Haweis New Testament
But Jesus calling them to him, said, Permit little children to come to me, and hinder them not for of such is the kingdom of God.

Mace New Testament
but Jesus called the children to him, and said to his disciples, let the children come to me, without any hindrance, for they who belong to the kingdom of God, must be like them.

Weymouth New Testament
Jesus however called the infants to Him. "Let the little children come to me," He said; "do not hinder them; for it is to those who are childlike that the Kingdom of God belongs.

Worrell New Testament
But Jesus called them to Him, saying, "Suffer the little children to come to Me, and forbid them not; for to such belongs the Kingdom of God.

Worsley New Testament
But Jesus called them to Him and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Jesus Blesses the Children
15Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them. 16But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Mark 10:14
But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Matthew 18:3
“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Mark 9:36-37
Then He had a little child stand among them. Taking the child in His arms, He said to them, / “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes not only Me, but the One who sent Me.”

Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

Psalm 8:2
From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger.

Isaiah 11:6
The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them.

1 Samuel 1:26-28
“Please, my lord,” said Hannah, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. / I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, / I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there.

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7
These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Matthew 21:15-16
But the chief priests and scribes were indignant when they saw the wonders He performed and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” / “Do You hear what these children are saying?” they asked. “Yes,” Jesus answered. “Have you never read: ‘From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise’?”

John 1:12
But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—

Galatians 3:26
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:16-17
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. / And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Treasury of Scripture

But Jesus called them to him, and said, Suffer little children to come to me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Suffer.

Genesis 47:10-14
And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh…

Genesis 21:4
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Deuteronomy 29:11
Your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that is in thy camp, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water:

for.

Matthew 18:3,4
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven…

1 Corinthians 14:20
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

1 Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

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Luke 18

1. Of the importunate widow.
9. Of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
15. Of Children brought to Jesus.
18. A ruler would follow Jesus, but is hindered by his riches.
28. The reward of those who leave all for his sake.
31. He foretells his death;
35. and restores a blind man to sight.

Berean Study Bible

But Jesus called the children to Him
In this phrase, we see the intentionality of Jesus. The Greek word for "called" is "προσκαλέω" (proskaleō), which implies a deliberate invitation. Jesus is actively reaching out to the children, demonstrating His desire to include them in His ministry. This action challenges the cultural norms of the time, where children were often seen as insignificant. Jesus' call is a profound statement of their value in the eyes of God.

and said, 'Let the little children come to Me
The phrase "Let the little children come" uses the Greek word "ἄφετε" (aphete), meaning "permit" or "allow." This is a command to remove any barriers preventing children from approaching Him. In the historical context, children were not typically the focus of religious teaching, yet Jesus elevates their status, emphasizing their importance in the spiritual community. This reflects the inclusive nature of the Gospel, where all are welcome.

and do not hinder them!
"Hinder" comes from the Greek "κωλύω" (kōlyō), meaning to prevent or restrain. Jesus is instructing His disciples and followers to remove obstacles that might prevent children from accessing Him. This can be seen as a broader metaphor for removing barriers to faith and spiritual growth. Historically, this directive would have been counter-cultural, as children were not prioritized in religious settings. Jesus' words here are a call to action for believers to facilitate, rather than obstruct, the spiritual journey of others.

For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these
The phrase "the kingdom of God belongs" uses the Greek "ἐστίν" (estin), meaning "is" or "exists." This indicates a present reality, not just a future promise. The kingdom of God is accessible to those who possess childlike qualities such as humility, trust, and openness. In the scriptural context, Jesus often used children as examples of the ideal disposition for receiving God's kingdom. This statement is a radical redefinition of who is considered worthy in God's eyes, emphasizing that status, age, or knowledge are not prerequisites for entering the kingdom. It is a call to embrace a posture of dependence and faith, much like that of a child.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) Suffer little children to come unto me.--The close agreement with St. Mark in this and the following verse, makes it probable that this is one of the passages which St. Luke derived from personal communication with him. (See Introduction.)

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 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. St. Mark, who gives us here the memories of a faithful eye-witness - St. Peter - records how much displeased Jesus was when he saw them pushing back the mothers and their little ones, eager to win a smile or perhaps a touch from him whom the people justly regarded as the children's Friend. It seems also to have been the practice for Jewish mothers to bring their babes to famous rabbis, and to ask these teachers to bless their little ones. Christ's "interest in the little children was real, and for their own sakes. It was primary; not merely secondary, and because of the childlikeness of his subjects. If they who are like little children belong to the kingdom of heaven, why should we for a moment doubt that the little children themselves belong to the kingdom? Doubtless they all do. And if that change which men call death happen to them while they are still little children, we may rest assured that it will be to the little ones bye everlasting. They will not be shut out from the higher province of the kingdom of heaven when they are snatched away from the lower" (Dr. Morrison). St. Mark's account, being that of an eye-witness, is fuller and more graphic. It is read in the Office of the Church of England for the Baptism of Infarcts, wherein young children are in like manner presented to Christ. It is considered that the Master's words and act here justify the Church in commending infants, as such, to the blessing of their Father. Surely if little ones were capable of spiritual blessings then, they are so now. It is noticeable that these children were not brought to the Lord to be taught, but "that he should put his hands upon them, and bless them" (Mark 10:16).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

called [the children] to [Him]
προσεκαλέσατο (prosekalesato)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4341: To call to myself, summon. Middle voice from pros and kaleo; to call toward oneself, i.e. Summon, invite.

[and] said,
λέγων (legōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“Let
Ἄφετε (Aphete)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 863: From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

little children
παιδία (paidia)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3813: Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian.

come
ἔρχεσθαι (erchesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
πρός (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

Me
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

{do} not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

hinder
κωλύετε (kōlyete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2967: To prevent, debar, hinder; with infin: from doing so and so. From the base of kolazo; to estop, i.e. Prevent.

them!
αὐτά (auta)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Neuter 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

the
ἡ (hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kingdom
βασιλεία (basileia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932: From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

belongs
ἐστὶν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

to
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

such as these.
τοιούτων (toioutōn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 5108: (including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality).

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NT Gospels: Luke 18:16 Jesus summoned them saying Allow the little (Luke Lu Lk)