Luke 18:15

15 And they brought to him also infants that he might touch them, but the disciples when they saw [it] rebuked them.

Luke 18:15 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 18:15

And they brought unto him also infants
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 ( 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 for such a purpose; nor can it be concluded from hence;

but when [his] disciples saw [it], they rebuked them;
the persons that brought the infants; (See Gill on Matthew 19:13).

Luke 18:15 In-Context

13 And the tax-gatherer, standing afar off, would not lift up even his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, O God, have compassion on me, the sinner.
14 I say unto you, This [man] went down to his house justified rather than that [other]. For every one who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.
15 And they brought to him also infants that he might touch them, but the disciples when they saw [it] rebuked them.
16 But Jesus calling them to [him] said, Suffer little children to come to me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God.
17 Verily I say to you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. As 'babe,' ch. 2.12,16.
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.