Luke 17:2

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λυσιτελεῖ
G3081
It were better
impersonally, it answers the purpose, i.e., is advantageous
#2
αὐτοῦ
G846
for him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#3
εἰ
G1487
that
if, whether, that, etc
#4
μύλος
G3458
a millstone
a "mill", i.e., (by implication), a grinder (millstone)
#5
ὀνικὸς
G3684
belonging to a ass, i.e., large (so as to be turned by a ass)
#6
περίκειται
G4029
were hanged
to lie all around, i.e., inclose, encircle, hamper (literally or figuratively)
#7
περὶ
G4012
about
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#8
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
τράχηλον
G5137
neck
the throat (neck), i.e., (figuratively) life
#10
αὐτοῦ
G846
for him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#11
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἔῤῥιπται
G4496
he cast
to fling (properly, with a quick toss, thus differing from g0906, which denotes a deliberate hurl; and from ????? (see in g1614), which indicates an e
#13
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#14
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
θάλασσαν
G2281
the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#16
ἢ
G2228
than
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#17
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#18
σκανδαλίσῃ
G4624
he should offend
to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)
#19
ἕνα
G1520
one
one
#20
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
μικρῶν
G3398
little ones
small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)
#22
τούτων
G5130
of these
of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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