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Luke 18:15

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 18:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they were bringing unto him also their babes, that he should touch them: but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they were bringing unto him also their babes, that he should touch them: but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
Luke 18:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I get.
13But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be thou merciful to me a sinner.
14I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
15And they were bringing unto him also their babes, that he should touch them: but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16But 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.
17Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.
18And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
← Luke 18:14Luke 18:16 →
← Full Chapter 18 Luke Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And they brought unto him also infants, etc.] As well as grown persons, that were sick, to be healed by him: that he would touch them; in order, as some learned men think, to cure them of diseases that attended them; for one of the ways by which Christ healed persons, was by touching them; nor do we read of his touching in common for any other purpose, or of persons desiring him to touch them, or theirs, but for this end; in (<401913>Matthew 19:13) it is read, “that he should put his hands on them”; and so the Arabic and Persic versions here read, in order to pray over them, and bless them: but neither in one place, nor the other, is any mention of their baptism, or of their being brought…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“LITTLE CHILDREN BROUGHT TO CHRIST. (Luk 18:15-17) infants--showing that some, at least, of those called in Matthew (Mat 19:13) and Mark (Mar 10:13) simply "little" or "young children," were literally "babes." touch them--or, as more fully in Matthew (Mat 19:13), "put His hands on them and pray," or invoke a "blessing" on them (Mar 10:16), according to venerable custom (Gen 48:14-15). rebuked them--Repeatedly the disciples thus interposed to save annoyance and interruption to their Master; but, as the result showed, always against the mind of Christ (Mat 15:23; Luk 18:39-40). Here, it is plain from our Lord's reply, that they thought the intrusion a useless one, as infants were not capable of…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 19:13-30. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Mat 19:13; Mar 10:13. Luke 18:16”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“18:15-17 This incident illustrates 18:14. • they scolded the parents: In this cultural context, children had no social status (see study note on 9:48), so the disciples viewed them as an interruption to Jesus’ important ministry.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they brought: Sa1 1:24; Mat 19:13-15; Mar 10:13-16 they rebuked: Luk 9:49, Luk 9:50, Luk 9:54 Luke 18:16”
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Related study paths

Read Luke 18 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification