Mark 10:14But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, "Allow the little children to come to me! Don't forbid them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
The setting
Judea, ~30 AD. Jesus sees his own disciples blocking families with children. His face flushes with anger — the same righteous indignation he showed at the temple money changers.
The emotion here: burning with protective anger over exclusion of the innocent
The original word
aganakteō (ἠγανάκτησεν) — to be deeply moved with anger, feeling pain at injustice
Why it matters
This is one of only three times Mark records Jesus being angry — at hardened hearts, temple corruption, and now at blocking children
Read with care
What most readers miss in Mark 10:14
Jesus didn't just welcome children — he was ANGRY at his disciples for blocking them, showing how seriously he takes exclusion
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about children being innocent and pure. Jesus is actually saying the kingdom belongs to those who know they NEED help — children don't pretend to be self-sufficient like adults do.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Mark 10:14
Bible Genome reading
Mark 10:14 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Mark 10:14 comes from the book of Mark, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to Jesus. The dominant emotion in this verse is angry, with a comfort power of 60% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include children, kingdom access. Notable phrases: moved with indignation; Kingdom of God belongs. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same angry
“Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, 'I am strong.'”
— Joel 3:10
“You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel!”
— Matthew 23:24
“Listen to this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who tell their husba…”
— Amos 4:1
“I hate, I despise your feasts, and I can't stand your solemn assemblies.”
— Amos 5:21
“Your eyes shall not pity; life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”
— Deuteronomy 19:21
Your reflection
What does Mark 10:14 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "angry"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.