Mark 10:15
New International Version
Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

New Living Translation
I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

English Standard Version
Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Berean Standard Bible
Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Berean Literal Bible
Truly I say to you, whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a child shall never enter into it."

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

New King James Version
Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

New American Standard Bible
Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”

NASB 1995
“Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”

NASB 1977
“Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all.

Legacy Standard Bible
Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”

Amplified Bible
I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever does not receive and welcome the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”

Christian Standard Bible
Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

American Standard Version
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.

Contemporary English Version
I promise you that you cannot get into God's kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does."

English Revised Version
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I can guarantee this truth: Whoever doesn't receive the kingdom of God as a little child receives it will never enter it."

Good News Translation
I assure you that whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it."

International Standard Version
I tell all of you with certainty, whoever doesn't receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."

Majority Standard Bible
Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

NET Bible
I tell you the truth, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it."

New Heart English Bible
Truly I tell you, whoever will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it."

Webster's Bible Translation
Verily I say to you, Whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God, as a little child, he shall not enter it.

Weymouth New Testament
In solemn truth I tell you that no one who does not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will by any possibility enter it."

World English Bible
Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
truly I say to you, whoever may not receive the Kingdom of God as a child—he may not enter into it”;

Berean Literal Bible
Truly I say to you, whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a child shall never enter into it."

Young's Literal Translation
verily I say to you, whoever may not receive the reign of God, as a child -- he may not enter into it;'

Smith's Literal Translation
Truly I say to you, Whoever should not receive the kingdom of God as a young child, should not come into it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Amen I say to you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, shall not enter into it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Amen I say to you, whoever will not accept the kingdom of God like a little child, will not enter into it.”

New American Bible
Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.”

New Revised Standard Version
Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Truly I say to you, Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little boy shall not enter it.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Amen, I say to you, no one who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will enter it.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Verily I say to you, Whoever will not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, shall not enter into it.

Godbey New Testament
Truly, I say unto you, Whosoever may not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, can not enter into it.

Haweis New Testament
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in nowise enter into it.

Mace New Testament
I declare unto you, he that shall pretend to be admitted into the kingdom of God, and has not the temper of a little child, shall not enter therein.

Weymouth New Testament
In solemn truth I tell you that no one who does not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will by any possibility enter it."

Worrell New Testament
Verily I say to you, whosoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, will in no wise enter therein."

Worsley New Testament
Verily I tell you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, shall by no means enter into it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Blesses the Children
14But 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. 15Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.…

Cross References
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.

Luke 18:17
Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

John 3:3
Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

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

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.”

1 Corinthians 14:20
Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.

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.

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.

Galatians 4:6-7
And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” / So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.

Ephesians 5:1
Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children,

Psalm 131:1-2
A song of ascents. Of David. My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty. I do not aspire to great things or matters too lofty for me. / Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

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.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

1 John 3:1
Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.


Treasury of Scripture

Truly I say to you, Whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

Matthew 18:3
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.

Luke 18:17
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

John 3:3-6
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…

Jump to Previous
Child Enter Kingdom Little Possibility Receive Reign Solemn Therein Truth Verily Way Wise
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Child Enter Kingdom Little Possibility Receive Reign Solemn Therein Truth Verily Way Wise
Mark 10
1. Jesus disputes with the Pharisees concerning divorce;
13. blesses the children that are brought unto him;
17. resolves a rich man how he may inherit everlasting life;
23. tells his disciples of the danger of riches;
28. promises rewards to those who forsake all for the gospel;
32. foretells his death and resurrection;
35. bids the two ambitious suitors to think rather of suffering with him;
46. and restores to Bartimaeus his sight.














Truly I tell you
This phrase is a solemn declaration by Jesus, often used to emphasize the importance and truth of what follows. The Greek word "ἀμὴν" (amēn) is translated as "truly" or "verily," and it is a term of affirmation, indicating that what Jesus is about to say is of utmost certainty and importance. In the context of first-century Judea, such a phrase would capture the attention of listeners, underscoring the gravity of the teaching.

anyone who does not receive
The word "receive" comes from the Greek "δέχομαι" (dechomai), which implies a welcoming or accepting attitude. It suggests an openness and readiness to embrace something offered. In the context of the kingdom of God, it indicates that entry is not about earning or achieving but about accepting a gift with humility and gratitude.

the kingdom of God
This phrase refers to the reign and rule of God, both in the present spiritual sense and the future eschatological fulfillment. The kingdom of God is a central theme in Jesus' teaching, representing God's sovereign rule over all creation and the invitation to live under His authority. Historically, the Jewish people anticipated a messianic kingdom, and Jesus redefines this expectation by emphasizing a spiritual kingdom that begins in the hearts of believers.

like a little child
The Greek word for "child" is "παιδίον" (paidion), which refers to a young child, often one who is still dependent on others. This imagery conveys qualities such as innocence, trust, and humility. In the cultural context of Jesus' time, children were seen as having no status or power, making them a perfect example of the humility and dependence required to enter God's kingdom. The call is to adopt a childlike faith, characterized by trust and reliance on God.

will never enter it
The phrase "will never enter" is a strong negation in Greek, "οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθῃ" (ou mē eiselthē), emphasizing the impossibility of entering the kingdom without the requisite childlike reception. This underscores the seriousness of Jesus' teaching, highlighting that entry into the kingdom is not based on human merit or achievement but on the humble acceptance of God's grace. The historical and scriptural context reveals that Jesus often challenged the prevailing religious attitudes of self-righteousness and legalism, calling for a return to genuine faith and dependence on God.

(15) Verily I say unto you.--St. Matthew does not give the verse. St. Mark has it in common with St. Luke. To receive the kingdom of God "as a little child," is to receive it after the manner of a child, with simplicity and faith, humility and love. Unless these conditions were fulfilled, those who were disputing who was the greatest in it, were as if they had not even entered it.

Verse 15. - Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein. Observe the "verily" with which our Lord introduces these words. He here adds something which extends what he has just said to those who are, not literally, but figuratively, little children. We must first receive the kingdom into our affections before we can really enter into it. It is as though Christ said, "It is not unworthy of my dignity to take little children into my arms and bless them, because by my benediction they become fit for the kingdom of heaven. And if you full-grown men would become fit for my kingdom, you must give up your ambitious aims and earthly contests, and imitate the simple unworldly ways of little children. The simplicity of the little child is the model and the rule for every one who desires, by the grace of Christ, to obtain the kingdom of heaven. Our Lord's whole action here is a great encouragement to the receiving of little children by Holy Baptism into covenant with him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Truly
ἀμὴν (amēn)
Hebrew Word
Strong's 281: Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.

I tell
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

whoever
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

does not receive
δέξηται (dexētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1209: To take, receive, accept, welcome. Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative 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
βασιλείαν (basileian)
Noun - Accusative 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.

like
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

a little child
παιδίον (paidion)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3813: Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian.

will never enter
εἰσέλθῃ (eiselthē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.

it.”
αὐτήν (autēn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 3rd Person Singular
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.


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