Luke 17:1

¶ Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe [unto him], through whom they come!

Then {G1161} said he {G2036} unto {G4314} the disciples {G3101}, It is {G2076} impossible {G418} but {G3361} that offences {G4625} will come {G2064}: but {G1161} woe {G3759} unto him, through {G1223} whom {G3739} they come {G2064}!

Yeshua said to his talmidim, “It is impossible that snares will not be set. But woe to the person who sets them!

Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come!

And he said unto his disciples, It is impossible but that occasions of stumbling should come; but woe unto him, through whom they come!

Commentary

Luke 17:1 presents a solemn warning from Jesus to His disciples about the unavoidable reality of "offences" or "stumbling blocks" in the world, coupled with a severe judgment against those who are responsible for them.

Context

This verse introduces a series of teachings from Jesus to His disciples concerning Kingdom living and the responsibilities of believers. It follows His instruction on forgiveness (Luke 17:3-4) and precedes His discourse on faith (Luke 17:5-6) and humility. Jesus is preparing His followers for the challenges they will face in a fallen world, emphasizing the ethical implications of their actions and influence on others, particularly those new or weak in faith. This teaching underscores the serious nature of leading someone astray or causing them to sin.

Linguistic Insights

The key term here is "offences," which translates the Greek word skandalon (σκάνδαλον). In its original sense, a skandalon was a trap, a snare, or the bait-stick of a trap. Figuratively, it refers to anything that causes someone to stumble, fall into sin, or abandon their faith. It's not merely an insult, but an action or attitude that leads another person into spiritual harm. The term "woe" (Greek ouai, οὐαί) is a strong exclamation of lament and judgment, indicating severe divine displeasure and impending doom for those who become such stumbling blocks.

Key Themes

  • The Inevitability of Stumbling Blocks: Jesus acknowledges that in a world marred by sin, it is impossible to avoid situations or influences that can cause people to stumble spiritually. This is a realistic assessment of human nature and the presence of evil.
  • Severe Consequences for Causing Others to Stumble: Despite their inevitability, Jesus pronounces a dire "woe" upon those who actively or passively create these stumbling blocks. This highlights the immense responsibility believers have for their influence on others, especially the vulnerable. This echoes His strong warning in Matthew 18:6 regarding causing "little ones" to stumble, where He states it would be better for such a person to have a millstone tied around their neck and be cast into the sea.
  • Protection of the Vulnerable: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the underlying concern is for those who might be led astray. Believers are called to live in a way that builds up, rather than tears down, the faith of others. Paul further elaborates on this principle, urging believers to be mindful of their actions so as not to cause a brother or sister to stumble through their knowledge or freedom (see also Romans 14:13).

Practical Application

Luke 17:1 calls believers to profound self-examination regarding their influence. We are to ask: "Am I, through my words, actions, or attitudes, unintentionally or intentionally creating a skandalon for someone else?" This verse urges us to:

  • Live with Awareness: Recognize that our lives are observed, and our choices can impact others' faith journeys.
  • Exercise Caution: Be particularly careful with those who are new in faith, weaker in conviction, or susceptible to negative influences.
  • Prioritize Others' Spiritual Well-being: Value the spiritual health of fellow believers, even if it means foregoing certain liberties for the sake of unity and growth.
  • Seek Purity: Strive for a life that reflects Christ, minimizing any potential for leading others into sin or away from God.

Though stumbling blocks are inevitable, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the serious accountability for those who are the source of such spiritual harm, urging all disciples to live responsibly and righteously.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 18:7

    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!

  • Romans 14:13

    Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:13

    Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:19

    For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

  • Matthew 16:23

    But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

  • Romans 16:17

    ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:32

    Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
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