And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
Jesus warned: 'whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea' (ὃς ἂν σκανδαλίσῃ ἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων τῶν πιστευόντων εἰς ἐμέ, καλόν ἐστιν αὐτῷ μᾶλλον εἰ περίκειται μύλος ὀνικὸς περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ βέβληται εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν). The verb 'offend' (skandalizō, σκανδαλίσῃ) means cause to stumble or fall into sin. 'Little ones' (mikrōn, μικρῶν) refers to humble believers (v. 36-37 used children as examples). Causing believers to stumble into sin or apostasy brings severe judgment. A millstone (mylos onikos, μύλος ὀνικὸς, 'donkey millstone'—the large upper stone turned by donkey) tied to one's neck ensures drowning. Jesus says this horrible death is better than facing God's judgment for destroying faith. The hyperbole emphasizes how seriously God regards harm done to His children. Leaders bear special responsibility for those under their care (Hebrews 13:17; James 3:1).
Historical Context
Roman execution methods included drowning with weights, though not typically millstones. Jesus' vivid imagery shocked hearers—death by drowning with massive millstone was horrifying. The 'donkey millstone' weighed hundreds of pounds, distinguishing it from small hand-mills. This hyperbole emphasized the gravity of causing believers to stumble. First-century Judaism took seriously the responsibility of teachers not to mislead students (Matthew 23:13-15). Jesus' warning applied particularly to leaders whose false teaching or immoral example destroyed others' faith. Church history records tragic examples: clergy sexual abuse, financial exploitation, doctrinal heresies leading multitudes astray. Paul echoed this concern (Acts 20:28-31; 1 Timothy 4:16). The phrase 'little ones that believe in me' shows genuine faith exists among the seemingly insignificant—those often most vulnerable to exploitation.
Questions for Reflection
How does Jesus' severe warning about causing believers to stumble challenge leaders to guard their example and teaching carefully?
What does the phrase 'little ones that believe' teach about God's fierce protective care for vulnerable believers?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus warned: 'whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea' (ὃς ἂν σκανδαλίσῃ ἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων τῶν πιστευόντων εἰς ἐμέ, καλόν ἐστιν αὐτῷ μᾶλλον εἰ περίκειται μύλος ὀνικὸς περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ βέβληται εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν). The verb 'offend' (skandalizō, σκανδαλίσῃ) means cause to stumble or fall into sin. 'Little ones' (mikrōn, μικρῶν) refers to humble believers (v. 36-37 used children as examples). Causing believers to stumble into sin or apostasy brings severe judgment. A millstone (mylos onikos, μύλος ὀνικὸς, 'donkey millstone'—the large upper stone turned by donkey) tied to one's neck ensures drowning. Jesus says this horrible death is better than facing God's judgment for destroying faith. The hyperbole emphasizes how seriously God regards harm done to His children. Leaders bear special responsibility for those under their care (Hebrews 13:17; James 3:1).