Talium est enim regnum Dei
“For of such is the kingdom of God.”
Vulgate, Mark 10:14
What does “Talium est enim regnum Dei” mean?
Talium est enim regnum Dei translates as “For of such is the kingdom of God.”
Jesus says that the kingdom belongs to those like little children. It values simplicity and trust.
“Talium est enim regnum Dei” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Talium | of such (people) | genitive plural of talis, “such, of such a kind”, used as a noun: “of such ones”. It points to children and those like them |
| est | is | third person singular present indicative of sum, “I am” |
| enim | for | a conjunction that gives the reason for what came just before; it normally stands second in its clause |
| regnum | kingdom | nominative singular neuter of regnum, “kingdom, rule”; the subject of the sentence |
| Dei | of God | genitive singular of Deus, “God”; it depends on regnum |
How to pronounce “Talium est enim regnum Dei”
The two differ very little here: the vowels in enim vary slightly and the g of regnum is hard in the Classical style, while the Church style gives it a softer ny-like sound. Stress falls on TA in talium, EN in enim, REG in regnum and DE in Dei.
The story behind it
Word for word the Latin reads “of such for is the kingdom of God”, which English smooths into “for of such is the kingdom of God”. It comes from the Latin Vulgate version of Mark 10:14.
In the scene, people bring children to Jesus and the disciples try to turn them away. Jesus is displeased and tells them to let the children come and not to stop them, then gives this line as the reason.
The Vulgate is the Latin Bible traditionally linked to Jerome, made in the late fourth century and used across Western Europe for centuries. Parallel sayings appear in Matthew and Luke, and the line is often quoted at baptisms and in children’s services.
How to use “Talium est enim regnum Dei”
Suited to a baptism or christening card, a children’s chapel or Sunday school wall, or a nursery blessing. It also fits a sermon or essay on trust, humility and welcoming the young.
- Latin
- Talium est enim regnum Dei
- English
- For of such is the kingdom of God.
- Source
- Vulgate, Mark 10:14
- Era
- Church Latin
- Theme
- Faith
Common mistakes
- It does not say that only children enter the kingdom. “Talium” means “of such ones”, so it includes those who are childlike in trust and openness.
- The word order is unusual: talium comes first for emphasis, and “est” and “enim” come after it, so reading the words in English order can mislead.
- Do not treat it as a stand-alone saying from classical Rome. It is Church Latin from the Vulgate and carries its biblical context.
Questions about “Talium est enim regnum Dei”
What does “Talium est enim regnum Dei” mean literally?
Literally, “of such (ones) is for the kingdom of God”. In natural English: “for of such is the kingdom of God”.
Where is “Talium est enim regnum Dei” from?
It is from the Latin Vulgate, Mark 10:14, where Jesus welcomes children and rebukes the disciples who tried to send them away.
How do you pronounce “Talium est enim regnum Dei”?
In Church pronunciation: TAH-lee-oom est EH-neem REG-noom DEH-ee. The Classical version is almost the same, with a slightly different “enim”.
Does “talium” mean children?
Not exactly. “Talium” means “of such (people)”. In context it points to children and to all who are like them in trust and simplicity.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
One Latin line. Every Monday.
A quote, its translation and the story behind it, free in your inbox.