blessed them
In Hebrew custom, a father's act. (Cf) Genesis 27:38
"He had no children that He might adopt all children."--Bengel.
Verse Meaning
Mark also wrote that Jesus took the children in His arms and blessed them fervently (Gr. kateulogei). This was the act of a father in Jewish life (cf. Genesis 27:38). This Greek word appears only here in the New Testament. The disciples viewed the children as individuals unworthy of Jesus" attention, but Jesus saw them as important in their own right and possessing important qualities that adults need to cultivate. Mark recorded eight times that Jesus touched someone, and in each case the effect was beneficial (cf. Mark 1:41; Mark 3:10; Mark 5:28; Mark 5:41; Mark 6:56; Mark 7:32; Mark 8:22; Mark 10:13). [source][source][source]
"This was the overflowing of Jesus" divine love for children. It was this experience that the disciples in their insensitivity were preventing the children from having and Jesus from giving! No wonder Jesus was indignant." [1][source]
Context Summary
Mark 10:1-22 - The Divine Law Of Marriage
God made one man for one woman; therefore divorce is not permissible, unless the one act be committed which severs the nuptial tie. Then only is the bond broken by which husband and wife are one. There should be no compulsory celibacy. Some can live the single life; others cannot. Each must work out his own possibilities, and none may judge another.
It would appear that the fathers brought the little ones. They had a truer perception of the heart of Jesus than the disciples. All through the ages men have supposed that strength, wisdom, and wealth have the greatest attractions for our Lord, whereas it is precisely the reverse. Of such is His Kingdom.
Youth, with all its fervor and impetuosity, is very beautiful to the Lord Jesus. In this case it was combined with station, high standing, and wealth. It is not necessary that all should sell their goods, and give away the proceeds; indeed, it is often harder to retain and administer them rightly for God. But it was necessary for Christ to prove to this young man that he was not living the life of love, as he seemed to suppose. That alone can fulfill the law, and secure the highest and most perfect blessedness of which we are capable. It was a severe but necessary test for this young man. [source]
Chapter Summary: Mark 10
1Jesus disputes with the Pharisees concerning divorce; 13blesses the children that are brought unto him; 17resolves a rich man how he may inherit everlasting life; 23tells his disciples of the danger of riches; 28promises rewards to those who forsake all for the gospel; 32foretells his death and resurrection; 35bids the two ambitious suitors to think rather of suffering with him; 46and restores to Bartimaeus his sight
Greek Commentary for Mark 10:16
He took them in his arms [εναγκαλισαμενος] A distinct rebuke to the protest of the over-particular disciples. This word already in Mark 9:36. In Luke 2:28 we have the full idiom, to receive into the arms So with tender fondling Jesus repeatedly blessed It was a great moment for each mother and child. [source]
Put his hands upon them and blessed them [] The best texts read κατευλόγει τιθεὶς τὰς χεῖρας ἐπ ' αὐτά ,blessed them, laying his hands upon them; including the laying on of hands in the blessing. The compound rendered blessed occurs only here in the New Testament. It is stronger than the simple form, and expresses the earnestness of Christ's interest. Alford rendersfervently blessed. [source]
What do the individual words in Mark 10:16 mean?
Andhaving taken [them] in armsthemHe was blessinghaving laidthehandsonthem
Greek Commentary for Mark 10:16
A distinct rebuke to the protest of the over-particular disciples. This word already in Mark 9:36. In Luke 2:28 we have the full idiom, to receive into the arms So with tender fondling Jesus repeatedly blessed It was a great moment for each mother and child. [source]
See on Mark 9:36. [source]
The best texts read κατευλόγει τιθεὶς τὰς χεῖρας ἐπ ' αὐτά ,blessed them, laying his hands upon them; including the laying on of hands in the blessing. The compound rendered blessed occurs only here in the New Testament. It is stronger than the simple form, and expresses the earnestness of Christ's interest. Alford rendersfervently blessed. [source]