Matthew 18 7

Matthew 18:7 kjv

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Matthew 18:7 nkjv

Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!

Matthew 18:7 niv

Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!

Matthew 18:7 esv

"Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!

Matthew 18:7 nlt

"What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.

Matthew 18 verses

Matthew 18 7 Meaning

Matthew 18:7 is a solemn declaration from Jesus, acknowledging the unavoidable presence of "stumbling blocks" or "causes of sin" in the world, while simultaneously pronouncing a severe curse or lament (woe) upon those individuals who are instrumental in bringing such hindrances, temptations, or moral failures to others. It underscores both the grim reality of evil's pervasive influence and the grave personal responsibility for propagating it, especially in the Christian community.

Matthew 18 7 Context

Matthew 18:7 is situated within a broader discourse by Jesus concerning community life, humility, and church discipline, often referred to as "the Discourse on the Church." Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus issues a dire warning about causing "one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble" (Matt 18:6), emphasizing the severe consequence. This context highlights Jesus' deep concern for the spiritual well-being and protection of His followers, especially those vulnerable or new in faith. The "stumbling blocks" here primarily refer to actions, attitudes, or teachings within the Christian community (or perceived Christian community) that could lead others away from faith, into sin, or cause spiritual harm. Historically and culturally, "woe" pronouncements were common in prophetic literature and were a lament of impending doom, condemnation, or deep sorrow. "Stumbling block" (skandalon) originally referred to a bait-stick in a trap or an obstacle over which one trips, often leading to a fall. Thus, the verse functions as both a sorrowful prediction and a stern warning regarding the inevitability of temptation and sin's presence, while condemning those who act as agents of such spiritual danger.

Matthew 18 7 Word analysis

• Woe (οὐαί - ouai): An interjection expressing sorrow, lament, condemnation, and an impending threat or judgment. It carries a prophetic weight, indicating a state of being doomed or facing divine displeasure, far more potent than a simple regret. In biblical usage, particularly Jesus' pronouncements, it signifies deep distress and often impending disaster or judgment, not merely on the event but on the agent.

• to the world (τῷ κόσμῳ - tō kosmō): "World" (kosmos) here signifies not the physical creation, but fallen humanity and its system that stands in opposition to God and His righteousness. It denotes the sphere dominated by sin and unbelief, where such stumbling blocks are naturally produced. The "woe" is directed at this system for producing conditions that lead people astray.

• because of the things that cause people to stumble! (ἀπὸ τῶν σκανδάλων - apo tōn skandalōn):

  • "things that cause people to stumble" (σκάνδαλα - skandala): Plural of skandalon. A "stumbling block," "offense," or "snare." Originally, it meant the movable stick of a trap, which on being touched, caused the trap to spring. Figuratively, it denotes anything that hinders faith, causes a person to fall into sin, or leads them astray from Christ and righteousness. This includes temptations, bad examples, false teachings, persecution, or hypocritical actions by believers. The "from" (ἀπὸ) emphasizes the origin or source of the "woe" – it stems from the existence of these obstacles.

• Such things must come, (ἀνάγκη γὰρ ἐλθεῖν τὰ σκάνδαλα - anankē gar elthein ta skandala):

  • "must" (ἀνάγκη - anankē): Implies a necessity or inevitability, not necessarily divine ordination of evil, but an undeniable consequence of a fallen world. This necessity stems from several factors: humanity's inherent sinfulness, the ongoing spiritual warfare initiated by the devil, God's permissive will, and the refining process for believers (1 Cor 11:19). It doesn't absolve responsibility but acknowledges the pervasive nature of sin's influence.
  • "come" (ἐλθεῖν - elthein): Refers to their emergence or presence; they are an unavoidable reality in the present age due to the corrupted human condition and the adversary's work.

• but woe to the person through whom they come! (οὐαὶ δὲ τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ διʼ οὗ τὸ σκάνδαλον ἔρχεται - ouai de tō anthrōpō diʼ hou to skandalon erchetai):

  • "but woe to the person" (οὐαὶ δὲ τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ - ouai de tō anthrōpō): This reiterates the condemnation, but specifically directs it towards the individual agent. The severity of the "woe" is personal.
  • "through whom" (διʼ οὗ - diʼ hou): Signifies the instrument or agent. While skandala are inevitable in the world system, personal responsibility is attached to those who become conduits or originators of such temptations or harms. This distinguishes the general inevitability of sin from the culpable agency of an individual in causing others to fall.

Matthew 18 7 Bonus section

The emphasis on "woe" in Matthew 18:7 serves a dual purpose: it is a lament over the destructive reality of sin and its effects, but also a stern warning of judgment awaiting those who propagate it. The "stumbling block" concept goes beyond just causing someone to commit a specific sin; it encompasses any act that undermines a person's faith, distorts their perception of God, or prevents them from coming to Christ. This includes actions of hypocrisy, bad example from those professing faith, misrepresentation of God's character, or teachings that lead people away from sound doctrine. The force of the "must come" (ananke) doesn't justify indifference to evil but highlights the pervasive struggle of the spiritual war. However, even within this necessity, a severe judgment awaits the personal conduits of sin, underlining God's unwavering moral justice and His profound concern for His "little ones."

Matthew 18 7 Commentary

Matthew 18:7 is a powerful paradox from Jesus. It acknowledges a harsh reality: in a world marred by sin, "stumbling blocks" – temptations, obstacles to faith, or reasons to fall into sin – are bound to emerge. This inevitability does not imply divine causation of evil but rather God's sovereign allowance for its existence and the spiritual testing it provides in a fallen creation. Despite this reality, Jesus issues a grave condemnation ("woe") upon any individual who willingly or carelessly acts as an agent in leading others astray, especially the vulnerable. The "world" is warned of the existence of such dangers, but the personal responsibility for introducing them lies with the individual, making them subject to divine judgment. This verse calls believers to extreme caution in their actions, words, and teachings, recognizing their potential impact on others' spiritual journeys, and emphasizes the sanctity of guiding fellow believers in the path of righteousness. It underscores that while trials and temptations are unavoidable aspects of life in a fallen world, those who contribute to others' spiritual downfall bear a severe accountability before God.