Luke 17:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

It were better {G3081} for him {G846} that {G1487} a millstone {G3458}{G3684} were hanged {G4029} about {G4012} his {G846} neck {G5137}, and {G2532} he cast {G4496} into {G1519} the sea {G2281}, than {G2228} that {G2443} he should offend {G4624} one {G1520} of these {G5130} little ones {G3398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It would be to his advantage that he have a millstone hung around his neck and he be thrown into the sea, rather than that he ensnare one of these little ones.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

It were well for him if a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:2 delivers one of Jesus' most severe warnings, emphasizing the profound spiritual danger and dire consequences for anyone who causes a "little one"—a vulnerable, humble, or new believer—to stumble in their faith. Using the vivid imagery of being drowned with a large millstone around one's neck, Jesus underscores that the spiritual harm inflicted upon such individuals is an offense of immense gravity in God's eyes, far outweighing even the most horrific physical death. This passage serves as a powerful call to accountability for one's influence within the community of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an immediate and forceful follow-up to [Luke 17:1](/luke/17-1 "Luke 17:1 - The Inevitability of Offenses"), where Jesus states, "It is impossible but that offences will come." While acknowledging the inevitability of stumbling blocks in a fallen world, [Luke 17:2](/luke/17-2 "Luke 17:2 - Warning Against Causing Stumbling") shifts the focus dramatically to the culpability of the one who *causes* such an offense. This warning is part of a broader discourse on discipleship, faith, and forgiveness, highlighting the high ethical standards expected of those who follow Christ. The subsequent verses in [Luke 17](/luke/17 "Luke 17 - Teachings on Faith, Forgiveness, and the Kingdom") continue to address themes crucial for community life, such as forgiveness (vv. 3-4) and the power of faith (vv. 5-6), underscoring the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and mutual care among believers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "millstone" and being "cast into the sea" would have been immediately understood by Jesus' audience as a terrifying and inescapable form of execution. There were two types of millstones: a smaller hand-mill used by women and a much larger "ass-driven" millstone (*mylos onikos*) that required an animal to turn it. The latter is clearly implied here, emphasizing the immense weight and the certainty of death by drowning. Drowning was a known method of execution in the ancient world, particularly for severe crimes, and was considered a particularly ignominious end as it deprived the body of a proper burial. The "sea" (likely the Sea of Galilee) was a vast, deep, and often dangerous body of water, representing an irreversible fate. This hyperbolic language underscores the extreme severity with which God views the act of leading others astray.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 17:2](/luke/17-2 "Luke 17:2 - Warning Against Causing Stumbling") powerfully contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **gravity of spiritual harm** (the "offense" or "stumbling block"), indicating that causing someone to sin, lose faith, or turn away from God is viewed with utmost seriousness by Christ. Secondly, it underscores Jesus' profound **concern for the vulnerable** ("these little ones"), revealing God's protective heart for the humble, the new in faith, and those who might be easily led astray. This concern is a recurring motif in Luke, evident in Jesus' interactions with the marginalized and outcast. Finally, the verse emphasizes **accountability for influence**, reminding believers, especially those in positions of leadership or greater maturity, that their actions, words, and examples carry immense spiritual weight and can either build up or tragically tear down the faith of others, a principle echoed throughout [the New Testament](/new_testament "The New Testament - Life and Teachings of Jesus and the Early Church").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **better (Greek, _lysiteleî'_):** This word, G3081, is an impersonal verb meaning "it answers the purpose" or "it is advantageous." In this context, it conveys a strong comparative preference, indicating that the horrific physical death described is *more profitable* or *advantageous* than the spiritual harm caused by offending a "little one." It highlights the profound spiritual cost and negative consequence of such an offense.
* **offend (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** G4624, from which we get "scandal," refers to causing someone to stumble, fall into sin, or be led astray. It literally means to put a "stumbling block" or "snare" in someone's path, leading them to trip or fall. In a spiritual sense, it denotes leading someone away from faith, causing them to doubt, or enticing them into immoral or ungodly behavior. It is not merely to displease but to actively cause spiritual ruin.
* **little ones (Greek, _mikrós'_):** G3398, meaning "small" in size, quantity, or dignity. While it can refer to actual children, in this spiritual context, "little ones" broadly encompasses humble believers, new converts, those weak in faith, or those who are spiritually vulnerable and easily influenced. It emphasizes their preciousness and defenselessness in God's sight, making the act of causing them to stumble all the more heinous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It were better for him":** This phrase immediately establishes a stark comparison, setting up a choice between two outcomes, with the first being preferable despite its severe nature. It signals the extreme gravity of the alternative.
* **"that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea":** This vivid and terrifying imagery describes a method of execution that is both public and utterly inescapable. The "millstone" (specifically a large, donkey-driven one, *mylos onikos*) signifies an immense weight, guaranteeing that the person would sink quickly and irrevocably. Being "cast into the sea" implies a complete and irreversible destruction, with no hope of recovery or burial, underscoring the finality and severity of the judgment.
* **"than that he should offend one of these little ones":** This is the core offense that Jesus condemns so vehemently. To "offend" (Greek: *skandalízō*) means to cause someone to stumble, fall into sin, or lose their faith. The "little ones" are those who are vulnerable, perhaps new converts, humble believers, or those who are spiritually immature. Jesus declares that the spiritual ruin of such an individual is a far more dreadful outcome than even the most brutal physical death.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs powerful **Hyperbole** in this verse to underscore the extreme gravity of causing a "little one" to stumble. The imagery of a massive millstone and being cast into the sea is an exaggerated, yet effective, way to convey the unparalleled severity of divine judgment for such an offense. This vivid scenario functions as a **Metaphor** for absolute and irreversible destruction, symbolizing the spiritual death and judgment awaiting those who lead others astray. The phrase "little ones" also serves as a **Synecdoche**, representing not just children but a broader category of vulnerable believers, emphasizing their spiritual fragility and preciousness in God's eyes. The entire statement is a stark **Contrast** between physical death and spiritual harm, asserting that the latter is infinitely more detestable in God's sight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly reveals God's deep concern for the spiritual well-being of His children, particularly the most vulnerable. It underscores a fundamental principle of divine justice: the spiritual integrity and faith of even the humblest believer are of immeasurable value to God. The severity of the warning highlights that causing someone to stumble is not merely a social faux pas but a grave offense against the Spirit of God who indwells believers. It speaks to the sacred trust placed upon every believer to protect and nurture the faith of others, demonstrating that our actions have eternal consequences, especially for those who are easily swayed or hurt. This passage serves as a potent reminder that the Kingdom of God prioritizes the spiritual health of its weakest members above all else.

* [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Parallel Warning on Stumbling Blocks")
* [Mark 9:42](/mark/9-42 "Mark 9:42 - Parallel Warning on Causing Offense")
* [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Place a Stumbling Block")
* [1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Liberty as a Stumbling Block")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 17:2 is a sobering call to profound self-examination for every follower of Christ. It compels us to consider the far-reaching impact of our words, actions, and attitudes, especially on those who are new in faith, spiritually immature, or simply more vulnerable to doubt and discouragement. This passage challenges us to live with an acute awareness of our influence, recognizing that our conduct can either be a beacon of light leading others closer to Christ or a stumbling block that causes them to falter or fall away. It urges us to prioritize the spiritual well-being of others above our own preferences, liberties, or even reputations, cultivating a selfless love that seeks to build up rather than tear down. In a world where public figures and social media personalities often wield immense influence, this warning is particularly relevant, reminding us that carelessness, hypocrisy, or uncharitable behavior can have devastating spiritual consequences for the "little ones" observing our lives. Our ultimate goal should be to live in a manner that consistently points others to the saving grace of Jesus, ensuring that our lives are a source of encouragement and spiritual growth, not a cause for offense.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might my actions, words, or attitudes inadvertently cause a "little one" to stumble in their faith?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a greater awareness of the spiritual vulnerability of others in my community or sphere of influence?**
* **What personal liberties or preferences might I need to reconsider or adjust to ensure I am not a stumbling block to a weaker brother or sister?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "little ones" Jesus refers to in this verse?**

Answer: While the term "little ones" (Greek: *mikrós*) can certainly include actual children, in this context, it primarily refers to those who are spiritually vulnerable, humble, or new in faith. This encompasses new converts, those who are weak or struggling in their spiritual journey, or believers who might be easily led astray due to immaturity, lack of knowledge, or social marginalization. Jesus' concern extends to anyone who is precious in God's sight but might be susceptible to being discouraged, confused, or led into sin by the actions or teachings of others, especially those who are more mature or influential in the faith.

**Why is the punishment for causing a "little one" to stumble described as so severe?**

Answer: The extreme severity of the punishment—being drowned with a large millstone—underscores the immense gravity of the offense in God's eyes. It highlights that the spiritual harm inflicted upon a vulnerable believer is considered a far more serious transgression than even the most horrific physical death. This is because it directly undermines God's redemptive work, potentially leading a soul away from salvation or into spiritual ruin. Jesus' hyperbolic language emphasizes that God cherishes the spiritual integrity of His "little ones" above all else, and He holds those who endanger it to the highest account. It's a testament to the infinite value God places on each individual's faith and relationship with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 17:2, with its stark warning against causing spiritual harm, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential protector of the "little ones," embodying the very heart of God's concern for the vulnerable. Jesus did not come to cause anyone to stumble but rather to remove every stumbling block, offering Himself as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His entire ministry was characterized by a radical embrace of the marginalized, the outcast, and the spiritually poor, welcoming them into the Kingdom of God (as seen in [Luke 18:15-17](/luke/18-15-17 "Luke 18:15-17 - Jesus Welcomes Children")). He is the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11-18 "John 10:11-18 - Jesus the Good Shepherd") who lays down His life for His sheep, actively seeking out and saving the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")). The warning in [Luke 17:2](/luke/17-2 "Luke 17:2 - Warning Against Causing Stumbling") thus serves as a powerful call for His followers to emulate His self-sacrificial love and protective care, ensuring that the Church, as His body, continues His mission of safeguarding the faith of every "little one" and leading them not to stumble, but to eternal life in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 9:42

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.

Matthew 18:14

Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Matthew 18:10

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.

Matthew 18:3

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:6

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.

1 Corinthians 8:11

And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

1 Corinthians 8:12

But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.