A.T. Robertson Commentary


A.T. Robertson Commentary
"And they were bringing unto him little children, that he should touch them: and the disciples rebuked them." — Mark 10:13 (ASV)
They brought (προσεφερον). Imperfect active tense, implying repetition. So also Lu 18:15, though Mt 19:13 has the constative aorist passive (προσηνεχθησαν). "This incident follows with singular fitness after the Lord's assertion of the sanctity of married life" (Swete). These children (παιδια, Mark and Matthew; βρεφη in Luke) were of various ages. They were brought to Jesus for his blessing and prayers (Matthew). The mothers had reverence for Jesus and wanted him to touch (αψητα) them. There was, of course, no question of baptism or salvation involved, but a most natural thing to do.