Mar 10:14 Suffer the little children to come unto me...
Mar 10:14 Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Alternative: Let the little children come before me and don't stop them: for the reign of God is such as this.
This verse begins with aphiêmi, which is the word translated as "forgive" in phrases such as "forgiving sins" (discussed here). As we can see, the word actually doesn't mean "forgive" but has the sense of letting something go. Following as it does the lesson about children leaving their parents to marry, this idea of letting children go is a broader one than the immediate context.
The verse ends with the phrase usually translated as "kingdom of God," which is another key phrase in the Gospels and one that we should not be to quick to assume that we understand (discussed here). In this context, it has many shades of meaning.
First, it says something about innocent state of childhood being close to God, as subjects of God's reign, an idea that Christ refers to in various ways (Mar 9:42, Mar 9:37).
Next it says that letting people go, leaving them free, is part of the divine rule. People are not compelled to obey but left free to choose.
Finally, it says that the reign of God is coming to Christ freely.
"Suffer" is from aphiêmi (aphiemi), which means "to let fall," "to send away," "to let loose," "to get rid of," "to leave alone," "to pass by," "to permit," and "to send forth from oneself." This is the same word that is usually translated as "leave," "forgive" and "let" in the New Testament.
"Children" is from paidion (paidon). which means "little child" or "young child," (up to seven years) "infant" or "young slave."
"Come" is from exerchomai (exerchomai), which means "to come or go out of " or "to come out."
"Unto" is from pros (pros), which means "from (place)," "on the side of," "toward," "before," "in the presence of," "in the eyes of," "before (supplication)," "proceeding from (for effects)," "dependent on," "derivable from," "agreeable,""becoming," "like," "at the point of," "in addition to," "against," and "before."
"Forbid" is from kôluô (kolyo), which means "to hinder" and "to prevent."
"For" comes from gar (gar) which is the introduction of a clause explaining a reason or explanation: "for," "since," and "as." In an abrupt question it means "why" and "what."
"Of such" is from toioutos (toioutos), which means "such as this," "so great a thing," ""such a condition," "such a reason," "and suchlike."
"Is" is from eimi (eimi), which means "to be," "to exist," "to be the case," and "is possible." (The 3rd person present indicative used here is "esti.")
"Kingdom" is from basileia (basileia), which means "kingdom," "dominion," "hereditary monarchy," "kingly office," (passive) "being ruled by a king," and "reign."
