The Greek verb enagkalizomai means to embrace, to take in one's arms, or to hold to one's chest — used only twice in the New Testament, both times describing Jesus taking children in His arms, one of the most tender images of His ministry.
Enagkalizomai appears in Mark 9:36 and Mark 10:16 — and both times Jesus embraces (enagkalizomai) a child to make a theological point. In chapter 9, He places a child in the disciples' midst and embraces it to define greatness. In chapter 10, after the disciples try to send children away, Jesus 'was indignant' and took the children in His arms and blessed them. The word is tender and specific — not just a pat on the head but a full embrace. This is the Savior who runs to prodigal sons, who stoops to wash feet, who takes the little ones in His arms. The arms that embrace helpless children are the arms that were stretched out on the cross — the same posture of welcome, the same love made physical.