Matthew 18:6
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Original Language Analysis
Ὃς
whoso
G3739
Ὃς
whoso
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 29
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
σκανδαλίσῃ
shall offend
G4624
σκανδαλίσῃ
shall offend
Strong's:
G4624
Word #:
4 of 29
to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μικρῶν
little ones
G3398
μικρῶν
little ones
Strong's:
G3398
Word #:
7 of 29
small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστευόντων
believe
G4100
πιστευόντων
believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
10 of 29
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 29
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
συμφέρει
it were better
G4851
συμφέρει
it were better
Strong's:
G4851
Word #:
13 of 29
to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage
αὐτοῦ
for him
G846
αὐτοῦ
for him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 29
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
μύλος
a millstone
G3458
μύλος
a millstone
Strong's:
G3458
Word #:
17 of 29
a "mill", i.e., (by implication), a grinder (millstone)
ὀνικὸς
G3684
ὀνικὸς
Strong's:
G3684
Word #:
18 of 29
belonging to a ass, i.e., large (so as to be turned by a ass)
ἐπὶ
about
G1909
ἐπὶ
about
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
19 of 29
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
for him
G846
αὐτοῦ
for him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
22 of 29
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 9:42And 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.Matthew 18:10Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.Matthew 18:14Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.Psalms 105:15Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.Romans 14:21It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.Zechariah 2:8For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.Zechariah 13:7Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.Acts 9:5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Historical Context
Millstones were large stones used for grinding grain, turned by donkeys ('mulos onikos'—donkey-turned millstone). Drowning with such weight ensured death. While hyperbolic, Jesus' language emphasizes the gravity of spiritual harm. In Roman law, drowning was a punishment for serious crimes. Jesus elevates spiritual offense against believers to the level of capital crime.
Questions for Reflection
- How seriously do you consider your influence on other believers?
- What examples or teachings might cause weaker Christians to stumble?
- How does this warning shape your responsibility as a parent, teacher, or leader?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus issues a severe warning about causing 'little ones which believe in me' to stumble. The Greek 'skandalizo' means to entrap, cause to sin, or destroy faith. The proposed punishment—drowning with a millstone—illustrates the seriousness of leading believers into sin. Reformed pastoral theology takes seriously the responsibility of spiritual leadership and the dangers of false teaching or immoral example. Those who influence others bear weighty accountability for the spiritual damage they cause.