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title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/18.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. <a href="/nlt/matthew/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. <a href="/esv/matthew/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. <a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And whoever shall cause to stumble one of these of the little ones believing in Me, it is better for him that a heavy millstone should be hung around his neck, and he be sunk in the depth of the sea. <a href="/kjv/matthew/18.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/18.htm">New King James Version</a> “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea. <a href="/nasb/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea. <a href="/lsb/matthew/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea. <a href="/amp/matthew/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble and sin [by leading him away from My teaching], it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone [as large as one turned by a donkey] hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. <a href="/csb/matthew/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220But whoever causes the downfall of one of these little ones who believe in Me—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea! <a href="/asv/matthew/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> but whoso shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it is profitable for him that a great millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depth of the sea. <a href="/cev/matthew/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> It will be terrible for people who cause even one of my little followers to sin. Those people would be better off thrown into the deepest part of the ocean with a heavy stone tied around their necks! <a href="/erv/matthew/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> But whoso shall cause one of these little ones which believe on me to stumble, it is profitable for him that a great millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depth of the sea. <a href="/gwt/matthew/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "These little ones believe in me. It would be best for the person who causes one of them to lose faith to be drowned in the sea with a large stone hung around his neck. <a href="/gnt/matthew/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> "If anyone should cause one of these little ones to lose his faith in me, it would be better for that person to have a large millstone tied around his neck and be drowned in the deep sea. <a href="/isv/matthew/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> "If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a large millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned at the bottom of the sea. <a href="/msb/matthew/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. <a href="/net/matthew/18.htm">NET Bible</a> "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a huge millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the open sea. <a href="/nheb/matthew/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea. <a href="/wbt/matthew/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But whoever shall cause one of these little ones who believe in me, to sin, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But whoever shall occasion the fall of one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung round his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. <a href="/web/matthew/18.htm">World English Bible</a> but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a huge millstone were hung around his neck and that he were sunk in the depths of the sea. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and whoever may cause to stumble one of those little ones who are believing in Me, it is better for him that a weighty millstone may be hanged on his neck, and he may be sunk in the depth of the sea. <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And whoever shall cause to stumble one of these of the little ones believing in Me, it is better for him that a heavy millstone should be hung around his neck, and he be sunk in the depth of the sea. <a href="/ylt/matthew/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and whoever may cause to stumble one of those little ones who are believing in me, it is better for him that a weighty millstone may be hanged upon his neck, and he may be sunk in the depth of the sea. <a href="/slt/matthew/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And whoever should offend one of these little ones believing in me, it is profitable for him that the millstone of an ass be hung upon his neck, and he be sunk in the midst of the sea.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But whoever will have led astray one of these little ones, who trust in me, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck, and to be submerged in the depths of the sea. <a href="/nabre/matthew/18.htm">New American Bible</a> “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And whoever misleads one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for him that an ass’ millstone were hanged on his neck and he were sunk in the depths of the sea. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “And everyone who commits an offense against one of these little ones who believe in me, it were profitable for him that a donkey's millstone would be hung around his neck and he be sunk in the depths of the sea.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> but whoever ensnares one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hung about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.<CM> <a href="/godbey/matthew/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But whosoever may offend one of these little ones, who believe in me, it is good for him that a millstone may be hanged to his neck, and he may be drowned in the depth of the sea.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And whosoever shall cause one of these little ones, who believe in me, to stumble, it were better for him that a millstone was hung at his neck, and that he was sunk in the depth of the sea.<CM> <a href="/mace/matthew/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a> But whoever shall occasion such an humble believer to fall off from the faith, it were better for him that a mill-stone were hang'd about his neck, and that he were plung'd to the bottom of the sea. <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But whoever shall occasion the fall of one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung round his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. <a href="/worrell/matthew/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>But whosoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is profitable for him that a large millstone be hanged about his neck, and he be sunk in the depth of the sea.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>but whosoever shall lay a stumbling-block in the way of one of these little <Fr>ones,<FR> who believe in me, it were better for him that a milstone were hung on his neck, and <Fr>that<FR> he were thrown into the sea.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/18-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=5079" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">The Greatest in the Kingdom</a> …5And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me. 6<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: d’ (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/302.htm" title="302: an (Prtcl) -- A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty.">if</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: Hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">anyone</a> <a href="/greek/4624.htm" title="4624: skandalisē (V-ASA-3S) -- From skandalon; to entrap, i.e. Trip up (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure).">causes</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: hena (Adj-AMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">one</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutōn (DPro-GMP) -- This; he, she, it. ">of these</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3398.htm" title="3398: mikrōn (Adj-GMP) -- Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).">little ones</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: pisteuontōn (V-PPA-GMP) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">believe</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">in</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: eme (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me to stumble,</a> <a href="/greek/4851.htm" title="4851: sympherei (V-PIA-3S) -- From sun and phero; to bear together, i.e. to collect, or to conduce; especially advantage.">it would be better</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">for him</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">to have</a> <a href="/greek/3684.htm" title="3684: onikos (Adj-NMS) -- Pertaining to an ass. From onos; belonging to a ass, i.e. Large.">a large</a> <a href="/greek/3458.htm" title="3458: mylos (N-NMS) -- A millstone, mill. Probably ultimately from the base of molis; a mill, i.e., a grinder.">millstone</a> <a href="/greek/2910.htm" title="2910: kremasthē (V-ASP-3S) -- To hang, hang up, suspend; mid: To be hanging, hang. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to hang.">hung</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">around</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5137.htm" title="5137: trachēlon (N-AMS) -- The neck. Probably from trecho; the throat, i.e. life.">neck</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2670.htm" title="2670: katapontisthē (V-ASP-3S) -- From kata and a derivative of the same as Pontos; to plunge down, i.e. Submerge.">to be drowned</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3989.htm" title="3989: pelagei (N-DNS) -- The sea, the deep. Of uncertain affinity; deep or open sea, i.e. The main.">depths</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/2281.htm" title="2281: thalassēs (N-GFS) -- Probably prolonged from hals; the sea.">sea.</a> 7Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/mark/9-42.htm">Mark 9:42</a> But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea. <a href="/luke/17-1.htm">Luke 17:1-2</a> Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come! / It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. <a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Matthew 25:40</a> And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ <a href="/matthew/25-45.htm">Matthew 25:45</a> Then the King will answer, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’ <a href="/1_corinthians/8-12.htm">1 Corinthians 8:12</a> By sinning against your brothers in this way and wounding their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. <a href="/romans/14-13.htm">Romans 14:13</a> Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. <a href="/romans/14-21.htm">Romans 14:21</a> It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-32.htm">1 Corinthians 10:32</a> Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God— <a href="/1_john/2-10.htm">1 John 2:10</a> Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. <a href="/1_john/2-11.htm">1 John 2:11</a> But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. <a href="/james/3-1.htm">James 3:1</a> Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. <a href="/galatians/5-10.htm">Galatians 5:10</a> I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be. <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1-2</a> Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. <a href="/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2-4</a> “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. / You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. <a href="/ezekiel/34-10.htm">Ezekiel 34:10</a> This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand from them My flock and remove them from tending the flock, so that they can no longer feed themselves. For I will deliver My flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But whoever 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.offend.<a href="/psalms/105-15.htm">Psalm 105:15</a> Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.<a href="/zechariah/2-8.htm">Zechariah 2:8</a> For 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.<a href="/mark/9-42.htm">Mark 9:42</a> 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.little.<a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">Matthew 18:10,14</a> Take 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… <a href="/zechariah/13-7.htm">Zechariah 13:7</a> Awake, 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.<a href="/luke/17-2.htm">Luke 17:2</a> 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.that a.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/9-28.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/matthew/12-12.htm">Better</a> <a href="/matthew/17-27.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/matthew/13-41.htm">Causes</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-11.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/matthew/13-5.htm">Depth</a> <a href="/matthew/11-23.htm">Depths</a> <a href="/amos/9-5.htm">Drowned</a> <a href="/matthew/13-53.htm">End</a> <a href="/matthew/17-15.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/ezekiel/41-6.htm">Fastened</a> <a href="/matthew/16-19.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/matthew/17-15.htm">Great</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-11.htm">Hanged</a> <a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/matthew/12-40.htm">Huge</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-11.htm">Hung</a> <a href="/matthew/18-5.htm">Little</a> <a href="/job/41-24.htm">Millstone</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-13.htm">Neck</a> <a href="/matthew/11-6.htm">Occasion</a> <a href="/matthew/17-27.htm">Offend</a> <a href="/matthew/15-7.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/matthew/5-30.htm">Profitable</a> <a href="/matthew/16-23.htm">Round</a> <a href="/matthew/17-27.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/matthew/17-27.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/matthew/7-9.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/matthew/17-27.htm">Stumble</a> <a href="/amos/8-8.htm">Sunk</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/21-22.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/matthew/18-8.htm">Better</a> <a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">Causes</a> <a href="/mark/4-5.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/mark/4-5.htm">Depth</a> <a href="/luke/10-15.htm">Depths</a> <a href="/mark/5-13.htm">Drowned</a> <a href="/matthew/21-41.htm">End</a> <a href="/matthew/18-8.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/luke/4-20.htm">Fastened</a> <a href="/matthew/18-18.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/matthew/19-2.htm">Great</a> <a href="/matthew/27-5.htm">Hanged</a> <a href="/matthew/23-4.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/revelation/8-8.htm">Huge</a> <a href="/mark/9-42.htm">Hung</a> <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">Little</a> <a href="/mark/9-42.htm">Millstone</a> <a href="/matthew/21-2.htm">Neck</a> <a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">Occasion</a> <a href="/matthew/18-8.htm">Offend</a> <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/luke/17-2.htm">Profitable</a> <a href="/matthew/21-2.htm">Round</a> <a href="/matthew/21-21.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/matthew/18-8.htm">Stumble</a> <a href="/acts/20-9.htm">Sunk</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 18</div>1. <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Jesus warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,</a> 7. <a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">to avoid offenses,</a> 10. <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">and not to despise the little ones;</a> 15. <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">teaches how we are to deal with our brothers when they offend us,</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">and how often to forgive them;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/18-23.htm">which he sets forth by a parable of the king who took account of his servants,</a> 32. <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow servant.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble This phrase emphasizes the seriousness of leading believers, especially those who are young in faith or vulnerable, into sin or away from Christ. The "little ones" can refer to children or new believers, highlighting their innocence and need for guidance. The concept of causing someone to "stumble" is a metaphor for leading them into sin or causing them to lose faith. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the responsibility of believers to support and edify one another, as seen in <a href="/romans/14-13.htm">Romans 14:13</a>, where Paul warns against putting a stumbling block in a brother's way.it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck The imagery of a millstone, which was a heavy stone used for grinding grain, signifies the severity of the punishment for leading others into sin. In ancient times, millstones were large and required significant effort to move, symbolizing the weight of the sin of causing others to stumble. This hyperbolic statement underscores the gravity of the offense in the eyes of God.and to be drowned in the depths of the sea Drowning in the sea was considered a terrifying and shameful death in the ancient world, often associated with judgment and destruction. The "depths of the sea" evoke images of chaos and the unknown, further emphasizing the dire consequences of leading believers astray. This phrase echoes the seriousness of divine judgment, similar to the fate of those who opposed God in the Old Testament, such as the Egyptians in <a href="/exodus/14-27.htm">Exodus 14:27-28</a>. The use of such vivid imagery serves to warn and deter believers from causing spiritual harm to others.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, providing a stern warning about causing believers to stumble. 2. <a href="/topical/l/little_ones.htm">Little Ones</a> Refers to believers, particularly those who are young in faith or vulnerable. 3. <a href="/topical/m/millstone.htm">Millstone</a> A large, heavy stone used for grinding grain, symbolizing a severe consequence. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_sea.htm">The Sea</a> Represents a place of judgment and destruction in this context. 5. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, tasked with understanding and applying His teachings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_influence.htm">The Seriousness of Influence</a> Jesus emphasizes the grave responsibility we have in influencing others, especially those new or vulnerable in faith. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_stumbling_blocks.htm">Guarding Against Stumbling Blocks</a> Believers must be vigilant in their actions and words, ensuring they do not lead others into sin or doubt. <a href="/topical/v/valuing_the_vulnerable.htm">Valuing the Vulnerable</a> The "little ones" are precious in God's sight, and we must treat them with care and respect, recognizing their worth. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_leading_astray.htm">Consequences of Leading Astray</a> The imagery of the millstone and the sea underscores the severe consequences of leading believers astray, highlighting the need for accountability. <a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a> The faith community is called to support and protect each other, fostering an environment where faith can grow without hindrance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 18</a> <a href="/q/what_does_a_millstone_mean_in_the_bible.htm">What does a millstone symbolize in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_stance_on_child_molestation.htm">What is the Bible's view on child molestation?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'god_is_just'_mean.htm">What does the Bible say about children's rights?</a> <a href="/q/matthew_18_8-9__literal_or_hyperbole.htm">Matthew 18:8–9 – Is it literal or hyperbole to amputate body parts to avoid sin, and how does that align with modern understanding of self-harm? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) Whoso shall offend.--The words seem to indicate the thoughts which rise unbidden in the minds of men in proportion as they are Christ-like in character. We gaze on the innocent beauty of childhood with love and admiration. What if that beauty should be marred by the taint of evil? What if those who do the Tempter's work should cause the "little one" to stumble and to fall?That a millstone were hanged about his neck.--The word for "millstone" indicates the larger stone-mill, in working which an ass was commonly employed, as distinguished from the smaller handmill of <a href="/luke/17-35.htm" title="Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.">Luke 17:35</a>. The punishment was not recognised in the Jewish law, but it was in occasional use among the Greeks (Diod. Sic. xvi. 35), and had been inflicted by Augustus (Sueton. Aug. lxvii.) in cases of special infamy. Jerome states (in a note on this passage) that it was practised in Galilee, and it is not improbable that the Romans had inflicted it upon some of the ringleaders of the insurrection headed by Judas of Galilee. Our Lord's words, on this assumption, would come home with a special vividness to the minds of those who heard them. The infamy of offending one of the "little ones" was as great as that of those whoso crimes brought upon them this exceptional punishment. It was obviously a form of death less cruel in itself than many others, and its chief horror, both for Jews and heathen, was, probably, that it deprived the dead of all rites of burial. St. Mark and St. Luke, it may be noted, insert here the complaint of St. John, that he had seen one casting out devils in the name of Jesus, and this must be taken into account as an element in the sequence of thought. He was unconsciously placing himself among those who were hindering the work of Christ, and so "offending" those who believed in him. (See Note on <a href="/mark/9-38.htm" title="And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name, and he follows not us: and we forbade him, because he follows not us.">Mark 9:38</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 6. - There is an opposite side to this picture. Shall offend; cause to stumble - give occasion for a fall, i.e. either in faith or morals. This is done by evil example, by teaching to sin, by sneers at piety, by giving soft names to gross offences. One of these little ones. Whether child or adult, a pure, simple soul, which has a certain faith it be not strong enough to resist all attack. Even the heathen recognized the respect due to the young: "Maxima debetur puero reverentia" (Juvenal, 'Sat.,' 14:47); and guilelessness and purity, wherever found, win some regard, even from worthless and careless observers. To wilfully lead one such astray is a deadly sin, which the Lord denounces in solemn terms. Christ affectionately calls his disciples "little ones" (<a href="/matthew/10-42.htm">Matthew 10:42</a>). Believe in (εἰς) me. We must always distinguish between "believe in" (πιστεύειν εἰς, or ἐν: credo in) and "believe" with the simple dative; the former is applied to faith in God alone. Says St. Augustine, "Credimus Paulo, sed non credimus in Paulum." In the present passage the phrase implies the Divinity of Christ. It were better; literally, it is profitable. The crime specified is so heinous that a man had better incur the most certain death, if by this means he may avoid the sin and save the soul of his possible victim. A millstone; a great millstone - such a one as required an ass to inure. The upper, or movable, stone is meant, which was usually turned by the hand. Drowned. We do not know that the Jews punished criminals by drowning (καταποντισμὸς), though it is probable that it was practised in some cases; but by other nations this penalty was commonly exacted. Among the Romans, Greeks, and Syrians, it was certainly the practice. Commentators quote Suetonius, 'Aug.,' 67; Diod. Sic., 16:35; Livy, 1:51; Aristophanes, 'Schol. ad Equit.,' 1360. The punishment seems to have been reserved for the greatest criminals; and the size of the stone would prevent any chance of the body rising again to the surface and being buried by friends - a consideration which, in the minds of heathens, greatly increased the horror of this kind of death. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/18-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δ’ (d’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. if ἂν (an) Particle <a href="/greek/strongs_302.htm">Strong's 302: </a> A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty. anyone Ὃς (Hos) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. causes σκανδαλίσῃ (skandalisē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4624.htm">Strong's 4624: </a> From skandalon; to entrap, i.e. Trip up (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure). one ἕνα (hena) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. of these τούτων (toutōn) Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. little ones μικρῶν (mikrōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3398.htm">Strong's 3398: </a> Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity). who τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. believe πιστευόντων (pisteuontōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. in εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. Me {to stumble}, ἐμέ (eme) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. it would be better συμφέρει (sympherei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4851.htm">Strong's 4851: </a> From sun and phero; to bear together, i.e. to collect, or to conduce; especially advantage. for him αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. to have ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. a large ὀνικὸς (onikos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> Pertaining to an ass. From onos; belonging to a ass, i.e. Large. millstone μύλος (mylos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3458.htm">Strong's 3458: </a> A millstone, mill. Probably ultimately from the base of molis; a 'mill', i.e., a grinder. hung κρεμασθῇ (kremasthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2910.htm">Strong's 2910: </a> To hang, hang up, suspend; mid: To be hanging, hang. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to hang. around περὶ (peri) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. neck τράχηλον (trachēlon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5137.htm">Strong's 5137: </a> The neck. Probably from trecho; the throat, i.e. life. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. to be drowned καταποντισθῇ (katapontisthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2670.htm">Strong's 2670: </a> From kata and a derivative of the same as Pontos; to plunge down, i.e. Submerge. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. depths πελάγει (pelagei) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3989.htm">Strong's 3989: </a> The sea, the deep. Of uncertain affinity; deep or open sea, i.e. The main. of the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sea. θαλάσσης (thalassēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2281.htm">Strong's 2281: </a> Probably prolonged from hals; the sea. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/18-6.htm">Matthew 18:6 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/18-6.htm">Matthew 18:6 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/18-6.htm">Matthew 18:6 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/18-6.htm">Matthew 18:6 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/18-6.htm">Matthew 18:6 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/18-6.htm">Matthew 18:6 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/18-6.htm">Matthew 18:6 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/18-6.htm">Matthew 18:6 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/18-6.htm">Matthew 18:6 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/18-6.htm">Matthew 18:6 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/18-6.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 18:6 But whoever causes one of these little (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/18-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 18:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/18-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 18:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>