Luke 18:15
New International Version
People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.

New Living Translation
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.

English Standard Version
Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

Berean Standard Bible
Now 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.

Berean Literal Bible
And they were bringing the infants also to Him so that He might touch them; but having seen, the disciples were rebuking them.

King James Bible
And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

New King James Version
Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

New American Standard Bible
Now they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them.

NASB 1995
And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them.

NASB 1977
And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they were rebuking them.

Amplified Bible
Now they were also bringing their babies to Him, so that He would touch and bless them, and when the disciples noticed it, they began reprimanding them.

Berean Annotated Bible
Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples (pupils) saw this, they rebuked those who brought them.

Christian Standard Bible
People were bringing infants to him so that he might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Some people were even bringing infants to Him so He might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

American Standard Version
And they were bringing unto him also their babes, that he should touch them: but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

Contemporary English Version
Some people brought their little children for Jesus to bless. But when his disciples saw them doing this, they told the people to stop bothering him.

English Revised Version
And they brought unto him also their babes, that he should touch them: but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Some people brought infants to Jesus to have him hold them. When the disciples saw this, they told the people not to do that.

Good News Translation
Some people brought their babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. The disciples saw them and scolded them for doing so,

International Standard Version
Now some people were even bringing their infants to Jesus to have him touch them. But when the disciples saw this, they sternly told the people not to do that.

NET Bible
Now people were even bringing their babies to him for him to touch. But when the disciples saw it, they began to scold those who brought them.

New Heart English Bible
Now they were also bringing their babies to him, that he might touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they brought to him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

Weymouth New Testament
On one occasion people also brought with them their infants, for Him to touch them; but the disciples, noticing this, proceeded to find fault with them.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Now 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.

World English Bible
They were also bringing their babies to him, that he might touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they were also bringing the babies near, that He may touch them, and the disciples having seen, rebuked them,

Berean Literal Bible
And they were bringing the infants also to Him so that He might touch them; but having seen, the disciples were rebuking them.

Young's Literal Translation
And they were bringing near also the babes, that he may touch them, and the disciples having seen did rebuke them,

Smith's Literal Translation
And they also brought babes to him, that he might touch them: and the disciples having seen, censured them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they brought unto him also infants, that he might touch them. Which when the disciples saw, they rebuked them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they were bringing little children to him, so that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.

New American Bible
People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them, and when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.

New Revised Standard Version
People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
They brought to him also little boys, that he might touch them; and his disciples saw them and rebuked them.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But they brought him also infants that he might touch them, and his disciples saw them, and they rebuked them.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And they brought to him infants also, that he might touch them. But when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

Godbey New Testament
And they were indeed bringing the infants to Him, that He should touch them: but the disciples seeing rebuked them.

Haweis New Testament
Then they brought him infants also, that he should touch them: but the disciples, when they saw it, rebuked them.

Mace New Testament
And as they were presenting children to him, for the imposition of hands, his disciples observing it, rebuk'd those that brought them.

Weymouth New Testament
On one occasion people also brought with them their infants, for Him to touch them; but the disciples, noticing this, proceeded to find fault with them.

Worrell New Testament
And they were bringing to Him their babes, also, that He might touch them; but the disciples, seeing it, were rebuking them.

Worsley New Testament
And they brought to Him infants also, that He might touch them: and his disciples seeing it rebuked them.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Jesus Blesses the Children
14I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” 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.…

Cross References
Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus

Mark 10:13
Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

Matthew 18:2
Jesus invited a little child to stand among them.

Matthew 18:5
And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me.
for Him to place His hands on them.

Mark 10:16
And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.

Matthew 19:15
And after He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there.

Genesis 48:14
But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger; and crossing his hands, he put his left on Manasseh’s head, although Manasseh was the firstborn.
And when the disciples saw this,

Luke 9:49
“Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”

Mark 9:38
John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”

Matthew 15:23
But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
they rebuked those who brought them.

Matthew 19:13
Then little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. And the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

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 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 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.”

Luke 9:47-48
But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him. / And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.”

Psalm 127:3
Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.

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


Treasury of Scripture

And they brought to him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

they brought.

1 Samuel 1:24
And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.

Matthew 19:13-15
Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them…

Mark 10:13-16
And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them

they rebuked.

Luke 9:49,50,54
And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us…

Jump to Previous
Babes Babies Disciples Fault Find Hands Infants Jesus Noticing Occasion Proceeded Rebuke Rebuked Rebuking Sharp Touch
Jump to Next
Babes Babies Disciples Fault Find Hands Infants Jesus Noticing Occasion Proceeded Rebuke Rebuked Rebuking Sharp Touch
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.












Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus

Parents brought their infants to Him because they believed His blessing carried real significance. Though children held little social standing, Jesus welcomed those whom others considered unimportant.

Mrk 10:13 Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus…
Mat 18:2 Jesus invited a little child to stand among them.
Mat 18:5 And whoever welcomes a little child like this…

for Him to place His hands on them.

His touch expressed personal care and blessing, revealing His compassion for the weak and dependent.

Mrk 10:16 And He took the children in His arms…
Mat 19:15 And after He had placed His hands on them,…
Gen 48:14 But Israel stretched out his right hand…

And when the disciples saw this,

The disciples attempted to control access to Jesus, likely viewing the children as an interruption to His work.

Luk 9:49 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons”…
Mrk 9:38 Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons…
Mat 15:23 But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came…

they rebuked those who brought them.

Their response showed that they had not yet grasped the character of His kingdom, where the lowly are received and human status does not determine one’s value before God.

Mat 19:13 Then little children were brought to Jesus…
Mrk 10:14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them…
Mat 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
- Central figure in the passage, known for His teachings and miracles. Here, He is approached by people bringing their children to Him.

2. Disciples
- Followers of Jesus who often misunderstood His mission and teachings. In this passage, they rebuke those bringing children to Jesus.

3. Babies/Children
- Represent innocence and humility. They are brought to Jesus for a blessing.

4. Parents/People
- Those who recognize Jesus' authority and seek His blessing for their children.

5. Event of Rebuke
- The disciples' action of rebuking the people, which sets the stage for Jesus to teach an important lesson.
Teaching Points
Value of Children in the Kingdom
Jesus values children and their presence in His ministry, demonstrating that the kingdom of God is open to all, regardless of age.

Childlike Faith
The innocence and humility of children are qualities that believers should emulate in their faith journey.

Correcting Misunderstandings
The disciples' rebuke shows a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. Believers should be open to correction and growth in understanding God's will.

Welcoming Attitude
Jesus' response encourages a welcoming attitude towards all who seek Him, especially the vulnerable and marginalized.

Parental Responsibility
Parents and guardians have a responsibility to bring their children to Jesus, fostering an environment where they can grow in faith.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Luke 18:15?

2. How does Luke 18:15 emphasize the value Jesus places on children?

3. What can we learn about humility from Jesus' response in Luke 18:15?

4. How does Luke 18:15 connect with Psalm 127:3 about children as blessings?

5. How can we welcome children in our church as Jesus did in Luke 18:15?

6. What steps can parents take to bring their children to Jesus today?

7. Why did people bring infants to Jesus in Luke 18:15?

8. What does Luke 18:15 reveal about Jesus' view of children?

9. How does Luke 18:15 challenge societal views on the value of children?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 18?


(15-17) And they brought unto him also infants.--See Notes on Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16. St. Luke, for some reason or other (possibly because he had recorded like teaching in Luke 16:18), omits the previous teaching as to divorce. The use of the specific word for "infants" is peculiar to him. The use of the word in Luke 1:41; Luke 1:44; Luke 2:12; Luke 2:16, where it is rendered "babe," shows that it includes the very earliest stage of childhood, and so is not without its importance in its bearing on the question of infant baptism, so far as that question is affected by this narrative. . . .

Verses 15-30. - Jesus and the children. The young ruler refuses to give up his riches. The Lord speaks of the reward of them that leave all for his sake. Verse 15. - And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them. Our Lord's noticing children is several times alluded to in the Gospels. There was something evidently in his look and manner which singularly attracted little ones to him. SS. Matthew and Mark both recount this blessing of the children immediately after the teaching on divorce. Our Lord thus sanctifies the bond of marriage and its legitimate offspring. It was a silent but powerful reply to the mistaken inference which his disciples had drawn from his words. They had said, "It is not good to marry" (Matthew 19:10). But when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. Something of what the Master had said concerning the marriage state affected the disciples. Had he not just (see Matthew 19:10-12) been claiming high honour for the solitary life where there were no family ties to claim attention? Surely, then, these women and their children had better stand aloof: what had that grave and earnest Teacher of theirs to do with these? He had higher and more important matters on his mind f

Luke 18:15 shows parents acting in faith, infants embraced as worthy recipients of Christ’s touch, and disciples mistakenly pushing them away. The verse reminds believers that all people—starting with society’s smallest—need unhindered access to Jesus. It calls the church to welcome children, trust God’s covenant care from the earliest days of life, and resist attitudes that measure worth by age, status, or perceived usefulness.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

[people] were even bringing
Προσέφερον (Prosepheron)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4374: From pros and phero; to bear towards, i.e. Lead to, tender, treat.

[their]
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.

babies
βρέφη (brephē)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1025: Infant, babe, child in arms. Of uncertain affinity; an infant literally or figuratively.

to [Jesus]
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 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.

for
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

Him to place His hands
ἅπτηται (haptētai)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 680: Prop: I fasten to; I lay hold of, touch, know carnally. Reflexive of hapto; properly, to attach oneself to, i.e. To touch.

on them.
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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.

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

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

disciples
μαθηταὶ (mathētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

saw [this],
ἰδόντες (idontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

they rebuked
ἐπετίμων (epetimōn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2008: From epi and timao; to tax upon, i.e. Censure or admonish; by implication, forbid.

them.
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 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.


Additonal Resources
Luke 18:15 Blue Letter Bible
Luke 18:15 Bible Gateway
Luke 18:15 Bible.com

Luke 18:15 NIV
Luke 18:15 NLT
Luke 18:15 ESV
Luke 18:15 NASB
Luke 18:15 KJV

Luke 18:15 Study Bible
Luke 18:15 Biblia Paralela
Luke 18:15 Chinese Bible
Luke 18:15 French Bible
Luke 18:15 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Luke 18:15 They were also bringing their babies (Luke Lu Lk)

Luke 18:14
Top of Page
Top of Page