Mark 10:15

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 10:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.
Mark 10:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Verily I say, unto you, etc..] A form of speech used when our Lord was about to asseverate a thing, and assert something of moment and importance, and which he would have attended to. Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God; the Gospel, and the mysteries of it: as a little child; laying aside all pride and prejudice, attending thereunto with humility and meekness: he shall not enter therein; he shall attain to no true spiritual knowledge of the Gospel; nor should he be admitted into a Gospel church state, and to the ordinances of it.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 19:13-15. Mark 10:13 Should touch them - That is, should lay his hands on them, and pray for them, and bless them. Compare Matthew 19:13. It was common to lay the hands on the head of a person for whom a blessing was asked. See the case of Jacob, Genesis 48:14. Mark 10:14 Saw it - Saw the conduct of his disciples. Was much displeased - Because, first, it was a pleasure to Him to receive and bless little children; and, secondly, they were doing what they were not commanded to do - interfering in a case where it was evidently improper. Mark 10:15 Whosoever shall not receive - Whosoever shall not manifest the spirit of a little child. The kingdom, of God - The gospel.…”
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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
“Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child - As totally disclaiming all worthiness and fitness, as if he were but a week old. Mark 10:17”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mat 18:3; Luk 18:17; Joh 3:3-6 Mark 10:16”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification