Matthew 18:6 kjv
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.
Matthew 18:6 nkjv
"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.
Matthew 18:6 niv
"If 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.
Matthew 18:6 esv
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.
Matthew 18:6 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 have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.
Matthew 18 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Mark 9:42 | "And whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a large millstone were hung around his neck..." | Parallel account, identical warning. |
| Luke 17:2 | "It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble." | Parallel account, reiterating severity. |
| Matthew 5:29 | "If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better for you that one of your members perish than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." | Severity of avoiding spiritual harm, even to oneself. |
| Romans 14:13 | "Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother." | Believers should avoid causing others to stumble in matters of conscience. |
| 1 Cor 8:9 | "But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak." | Using Christian freedom in a way that harms a weaker brother's faith. |
| 1 Cor 8:11 | "And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died." | Emphasizes the grave consequence of destroying a brother's faith. |
| 1 Cor 10:32 | "Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God..." | Principle of avoiding offense to anyone. |
| Deuteronomy 15:9 | "Beware lest there be a wicked thought in your heart... lest he cry to the LORD against you, and it become a sin in you." | Warnings against oppressing the poor/needy. |
| Zechariah 2:8 | "For thus said the LORD of hosts... 'whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye.'" | God's special protection and care for His people. |
| Proverbs 28:10 | "Whoever leads the upright astray into an evil way will himself fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a good inheritance." | Judgment on those who cause others to stumble. |
| Jude 1:23 | "...by snatching them out of the fire; and others save with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh." | Emphasizes urgency in saving others from destruction. |
| Revelation 2:14 | "But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel..." | Condemnation for teaching or causing others to sin. |
| 1 John 2:10 | "Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling." | Love for brothers prevents causing offense. |
| Romans 9:33 | "As it is written, 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.'" | Christ Himself can be a "stumbling stone" to those who reject Him. |
| Psalm 91:1-2 | "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" | God's protective nature over His people. |
| Jeremiah 23:1-2 | "Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!' declares the LORD... 'You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them...'" | Warnings to leaders who neglect or harm God's flock. |
| Matthew 25:40 | "And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'" | Identification of Christ with "the least of these," including the vulnerable believers. |
| Acts 20:29 | "I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock..." | Warning against those who will cause harm to believers. |
| Isaiah 40:11 | "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." | God's tender care for His vulnerable ones. |
| Malachi 2:8 | "But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction..." | Condemnation of priests who led people astray through false teaching. |
Matthew 18 verses
Matthew 18 6 Meaning
Matthew 18:6 is a solemn warning from Jesus against causing any harm or spiritual offense to those who believe in Him, whom He calls "these little ones." It emphasizes that it would be far better for a person to suffer a terrible physical death, specifically by being drowned with a heavy millstone tied around their neck, than to be responsible for leading a humble believer to fall into sin or lose faith. This verse underscores God's deep care and severe protection over His most vulnerable followers.
Matthew 18 6 Context
Matthew 18 opens with the disciples asking Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. In response, Jesus calls a little child to stand among them and states that one must become like a child—humble and dependent—to enter the kingdom. He then declares that whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest. Following this, He instructs them to welcome such a child in His name, equating it to welcoming Him. Verse 6 immediately flows from this emphasis on welcoming the humble and childlike, sharply contrasting it with the severe judgment for anyone who would dare to cause these same "little ones" to stumble. The broader chapter then discusses finding the lost sheep, forgiveness, and church discipline, all within the context of preserving and protecting the members of God's kingdom, particularly the vulnerable.
Matthew 18 6 Word analysis
- But whoever: This introduces a strong contrast and warning following the blessedness of receiving "one such child" in Jesus' name (Matt 18:5). It highlights the severity of the alternative.
- causes... to stumble (Greek: skandalizō - σκανδαλίζω): From skandalon, a "stumbling block" or "snare." It implies placing an obstacle that causes one to trip or fall, often spiritually, leading to sin, losing faith, or deviating from Christ. It's not just annoyance but actively leading someone to spiritual ruin.
- one of these little ones: This refers primarily to humble believers, those who exhibit childlike faith and dependence on God, regardless of age or social standing. It certainly includes actual children, but its primary theological application extends to all humble and perhaps vulnerable disciples of Jesus. They are characterized as "who believe in me."
- who believe in me: Crucially defines "these little ones." They are not just any weak person but specific individuals who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. Their vulnerability in faith or stature makes them especially precious to God.
- it would be better for him: This is a powerful hyperbolic statement expressing absolute condemnation. It indicates that the impending judgment for such an action is so terrifying that any other dreadful fate would be preferable.
- if a millstone were hung around his neck: Refers to a mylickos onikos (μυλικὸς ὄνος), a "donkey-millstone," the large, heavy upper stone of a mill turned by a donkey. This was an exceptionally heavy stone, much larger than hand-mills.
- and he were drowned in the depth of the sea: Drowning was considered a horrifying, ignominious death, especially among peoples who relied on agricultural land and viewed the sea with dread and as a place of judgment or chaos (e.g., Pharaoh's army, Revelation's symbolic use of the sea). It signifies irreversible, absolute destruction, implying both physical annihilation and eternal damnation.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- "But whoever causes one of these little ones... to stumble": This phrase pinpoints the active role of an individual in undermining another's faith. The "stumble" signifies spiritual failure, whether backsliding, sin, or abandoning Christ. This can happen through bad example, false teaching, discouragement, or any action that places an obstacle to a sincere believer's spiritual growth.
- "who believe in me": This group identifies the specific vulnerable individuals Christ is protecting: those who have expressed their trust and commitment to Him. Their faith, though perhaps fledgling or simple, is immensely valued by God.
- "it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depth of the sea": This describes a method of capital punishment not recorded in Jewish law, but known in antiquity, likely used by Roman or Greek authorities, indicating a foreign, terrifying form of execution. The imagery is designed to shock and impress upon the hearer the magnitude of God's wrath against those who harm His believing "little ones." It emphasizes an utter and complete termination, suggesting that even this horrifying physical end is preferable to facing divine judgment for spiritual harm to one of God's beloved.
Matthew 18 6 Bonus section
- The millstone here specifically refers to the upper stone (donkey millstone) that rotated, implying it's not the small, hand-held version. This indicates significant weight and inescapable fate.
- In some Jewish thought, to be cast into the sea without burial was anathema and signified being completely cut off from the covenant people and God's land. The deep sea itself can symbolize a place of judgment and utter destruction.
- This warning is consistent with Jesus' identification with "the least of these" in Matthew 25:40, indicating that what is done to His followers is done to Him directly.
- The phrase "causes to stumble" points not just to passively providing temptation but actively creating conditions or incentives for someone to sin or fall from faith.
Matthew 18 6 Commentary
Matthew 18:6 conveys one of the Bible's most severe warnings. It reveals the extraordinary value God places on every individual believer, especially those who are new, vulnerable, or simple in faith—the "little ones." Causing such a person to lose their faith or fall into serious sin is presented as an offense of monumental proportions, attracting the gravest possible divine judgment. The hyperbolic image of a millstone and drowning is meant to vividly illustrate that an earthly death, however terrifying, is infinitely more desirable than the eternal consequences of leading a true follower of Christ astray. This verse underscores the sacred responsibility believers have to protect and nurture the faith of their brethren, rather than becoming a source of spiritual detriment. It challenges Christians to scrutinize their words, actions, and doctrines to ensure they are building up, not tearing down, the weakest members of the body of Christ. Examples of causing a "little one" to stumble could include public sin, teaching false doctrine, discouraging new converts, or an overall lack of loving concern for a struggling believer.