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Selected Verse: Matthew 19:13 - King James
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| Mt 19:13 |
King James |
Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Then were brought little children - See also Mar 10:13-16; Luk 18:15-17. Probably these were brought by some of his followers, who desired not only to devote themselves to Jesus, but all that they had - their children as well as themselves. All the Jews were accustomed to devote their children to God by circumcision. It was natural, therefore, under the new dispensation, that it should be done. Luke says they were infants. They were undoubtedly those who were not old enough to come by choice, but their coming was an act of the parents.
Put his hands on them and pray - It was customary among the Jews, when blessings were sought for others in prayer, to lay the hands on the head of the person prayed for, implying a kind of consecration to God. See Gen 48:14; Mat 9:18. They had also much confidence in the prayers of pious men, believing that those blessed by a saint or a prophet would be happy. See Num 22:6; Luk 2:28.
The disciples rebuked them - That is, reproved them, or told them it was improper. This they did, probably, either:
1. because they thought that they were too young; or,
2. because they thought that they would be troublesome to their Master. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| That he should lay his hands on them - This was a rite which was very early used, in praying for a blessing on young persons. See Gen 48:14, Gen 48:20. The disciples rebuked them - That is, them that brought them: probably thinking such an employ beneath the dignity of their Master. Mar 10:13; Luk 18:15. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
Then were there brought unto him little children - These are termed by Luke, Luk 18:15, τα βρεφη, infants, very young children; and it was on this account, probably, that the disciples rebuked the parents, thinking them too young to receive good. See on Mar 10:16 (note).
That he should put his hands - It was a common custom among the Jews to lay their hands on the heads of those whom they blessed, or for whom they prayed. This seems to have been done by way of dedication or consecration to God - the person being considered as the sacred property of God ever after. Often God added a testimony of his approbation, by communicating some extraordinary influence of the Holy Spirit. This rite has been long practised among Christians, when persons are appointed to any sacred office. But this consecration of children to God seems to have grown out of use. It is no wonder that the great mass of children are so wicked, when so few, are put under the care of Christ by humble, praying, believing parents. Let every parent that fears God bring up his children in that fear; and, by baptism, let each be dedicated to the holy trinity. Whatever is solemnly consecrated to God abides under his protection and blessing. |
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
6 Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.
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.
14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.
15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
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.
17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
20 And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.
14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.
16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.