The severity of judgment: 'It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.' The comparison is stark: being drowned with 'a millstone' (λίθος μυλικός, lithos mylikos)—a massive grinding stone—'hanged about his neck' (περίκειται περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ, perikeitai peri ton trachēlon autou) and cast into the sea would be preferable to causing 'one of these little ones' (ἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων, hena tōn mikrōn toutōn) to stumble. 'Little ones' can refer to children or humble believers. The hyperbole emphasizes judgment's severity: better physical death than spiritual devastation of causing others to sin. Those who lead others into sin face worse eternal punishment than drowning.
Historical Context
In first-century Palestine, millstones were large, heavy grinding stones turned by donkeys. Being tied to one and thrown in the sea ensured drowning—death was certain and quick. Jesus says this horrible death would be preferable to the judgment awaiting those who cause believers to stumble. This teaching radically elevates the seriousness of influence. Parents, teachers, pastors, and all Christians bear responsibility for how their words and actions affect others' faith. The phrase 'little ones' may particularly refer to new or weak believers who are especially vulnerable to being scandalized by inconsistent teaching or hypocritical living. Hell's torment exceeds the worst physical suffering—thus even drowning is preferable.
Questions for Reflection
How does this hyperbolic comparison emphasize the severity of judgment for causing others to stumble spiritually?
What responsibility do mature Christians bear for protecting newer or weaker believers from stumbling?
How should this warning shape Christian social media use, entertainment choices, and public behavior?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The severity of judgment: 'It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.' The comparison is stark: being drowned with 'a millstone' (λίθος μυλικός, lithos mylikos)—a massive grinding stone—'hanged about his neck' (περίκειται περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ, perikeitai peri ton trachēlon autou) and cast into the sea would be preferable to causing 'one of these little ones' (ἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων, hena tōn mikrōn toutōn) to stumble. 'Little ones' can refer to children or humble believers. The hyperbole emphasizes judgment's severity: better physical death than spiritual devastation of causing others to sin. Those who lead others into sin face worse eternal punishment than drowning.