Matthew 18:6

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ὃς
G3739
whoso
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
δ'
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
ἂν
G302
whatsoever
#4
σκανδαλίσῃ
G4624
shall offend
to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)
#5
ἕνα
G1520
one
one
#6
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
μικρῶν
G3398
little ones
small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)
#8
τούτων
G5130
of these
of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)
#9
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
πιστευόντων
G4100
believe
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
#11
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#12
ἐμέ
G1691
me
me
#13
συμφέρει
G4851
it were better
to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage
#14
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
#15
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#16
κρεμασθῇ
G2910
were hanged
to hang
#17
μύλος
G3458
a millstone
a "mill", i.e., (by implication), a grinder (millstone)
#18
ὀνικὸς
G3684
belonging to a ass, i.e., large (so as to be turned by a ass)
#19
ἐπὶ
G1909
about
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#20
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
τράχηλον
G5137
neck
the throat (neck), i.e., (figuratively) life
#22
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
#23
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#24
καταποντισθῇ
G2670
that he were drowned
to plunge down, i.e., submerge
#25
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#26
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
πελάγει
G3989
the depth
deep or open sea, i.e., the main
#28
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
θαλάσσης
G2281
of the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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