Mark 9 42

Mark 9:42 kjv

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.

Mark 9:42 nkjv

"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.

Mark 9:42 niv

"If anyone causes one of these little ones?those who believe in me?to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.

Mark 9:42 esv

"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.

Mark 9:42 nlt

"But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck.

Mark 9 verses

Mark 9 42 Meaning

Jesus issues a solemn and severe warning against anyone who leads one of His followers, especially a humble or vulnerable believer, into sin, apostasy, or a loss of faith. The consequence for such an act is described metaphorically as being cast into the depths of the sea with a large millstone around one's neck, an image representing a more dreadful judgment than any physical death. This emphasizes the supreme value Christ places on the spiritual well-being of even the least of His disciples.

Mark 9 42 Context

Mark chapter 9 presents a crucial turning point in Jesus' ministry, shifting focus more intensely to the suffering, death, and resurrection, and the nature of true discipleship. The immediate context of verse 42 begins with the disciples arguing about who among them was the greatest (Mk 9:33-34). Jesus responds by placing a child in their midst, emphasizing that true greatness is found in humility and service (Mk 9:35-37), particularly in receiving the humble and those like children "in My name." The verse 9:42 naturally flows from this, acting as a strong warning against harming these very "little ones" (whether literal children or vulnerable disciples) whom Jesus has just exemplified as models of the kingdom and objects of God's special care. Following this, Jesus extends His teaching on the radical measures disciples must take to avoid sin and ensure their own entry into eternal life (Mk 9:43-48), illustrating the gravity of sin itself and the judgment that awaits those who stumble, or cause others to stumble.

Historically and culturally, the Jewish understanding of judgment was tied to their covenant with God. Stumbling, particularly apostasy, was seen as breaking this covenant. The imagery of the millstone and the sea alludes to ancient forms of capital punishment and disgrace, often used for heinous crimes in various cultures, including those around ancient Judea. For a Jewish audience, drowning with a millstone carried the ultimate shame of an unmarked grave and a perceived eternal cut-off, as a proper burial was seen as essential for future resurrection.

Mark 9 42 Word analysis

• And whoever causes...: Emphasizes the universality of the warning; it applies to anyone (including disciples, teachers, leaders).
• causes... to stumble (Greek: skandaliso / σκανδαλίσῃ): Root word is skandalon (σκανδάλον), a "stumbling block" or "snare," often referring to the trigger of a trap. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it evolved to mean moral offense, leading someone to fall into sin, unbelief, or away from the path of righteousness. It is not just annoyance but a serious moral failure causing another to turn from God.
• one of these little ones (Greek: mikrōn / μικρῶν): In Mark 9:36, Jesus physically uses a child as an example of humility. Here, "little ones" extends beyond literal children to represent vulnerable believers: new converts, the weak in faith, those who are lowly, humble, or socially insignificant. Jesus' Kingdom values invert human estimations of importance; these "little ones" are profoundly valuable in His sight. They are often defenseless and easily influenced, making their protection paramount.
• who believe in me: This clarifies that these "little ones" are those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ, marking them as His disciples and members of His kingdom. It highlights the spiritual nature of the stumbling, indicating it relates to their faith, their spiritual journey, or their walk with God.
• it would be better for him if: A rhetorical statement expressing an emphatic preference for a devastating physical end over the spiritual condemnation or divine judgment reserved for the one who causes another to stumble. The phrase intensifies the gravity of the act.
• a great millstone (Greek: mylos onikos / μύλος ὀνικός): Literally, "a millstone turned by a donkey." This was a much larger and heavier millstone than a small hand-millstone used by an individual. It signifies something exceptionally heavy, guaranteeing the victim would be dragged to the deepest part of the sea without any chance of survival or recovery of the body.
• were hung around his neck: The method of execution implies public shaming and certain, unavoidable death. This was a known, albeit rare, form of capital punishment in the ancient world, often reserved for particularly vile offenses (e.g., desecration of graves in Syrian culture or offenses against children).
• and he were thrown into the sea: Symbolizes utter destruction, removal without a trace, and an ultimate, irrevocable separation. For Jews, it signified no proper burial, which was vital for an honored passing and a believed part of future resurrection hope. This physical image points to a spiritual reality of ultimate damnation, where there is no escape or redemption for such an egregious offense against one of God's own. It signifies a profound loss, not merely of life, but of hope and a favorable judgment before God.

Mark 9 42 Bonus section

The profound judgment threatened here signifies that God Himself champions the cause of the vulnerable and acts as their ultimate defender. The "little ones" are under God's special protection. This verse strongly contrasts human societal values, which often disregard the humble or weak, with divine values that esteem them highly. The severity of the punishment emphasizes that sin, especially the kind that undermines faith in others, is an act against Christ Himself (as per Matt 25:40, where Jesus identifies with "the least of these"). The passage reminds believers of the immense responsibility accompanying spiritual maturity and freedom; it's not merely about what one can do, but about how one's actions impact others. The "stumbling block" (skandalon) imagery is crucial here, illustrating the destructive impact of setting snares or leading others astray, highlighting the passive yet destructive power of poor example or misguidance.

Mark 9 42 Commentary

Mark 9:42 underscores the immense sacredness and profound value that Jesus places on the individual believer, particularly those who are spiritually vulnerable or just beginning their journey of faith. The warning serves as a severe indictment against any action, attitude, or teaching that would intentionally or carelessly lead another disciple into spiritual ruin. This sin is depicted as worse than murder in its consequences, as it impacts the eternal destiny of another soul. The extreme imagery of the "donkey millstone" and being "thrown into the sea" is a hyperbolical expression meant to convey the ultimate severity of divine judgment awaiting those who commit such an offense. It highlights that the damage inflicted upon the spiritual life of a believer, especially one who is a "little one" in faith, carries eternal weight and merits God's harshest recompense. It is a call for radical personal responsibility, especially for those in positions of influence within the church or in everyday interactions. Disciples are called not merely to avoid sin themselves but to actively protect the faith and spiritual integrity of their fellow believers, particularly the fragile or impressionable.

Example: A more mature Christian leader, through their arrogant display of spiritual freedom (e.g., partaking in a questionable activity they consider permissible), might cause a younger, weaker believer who lacks that same understanding to stumble into activities that compromise their fledgling faith or lead them to question essential doctrines, eventually causing them to abandon their walk with Christ. The passage sternly warns against such reckless use of liberty or influence.