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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} whosoever {G3739}{G302} shall offend {G4624} one {G1520} of these little ones {G3398} that believe {G4100} in {G1519} me {G1691}, it is {G2076} better {G2570}{G3123} for him {G846} that {G1487} a millstone {G3037}{G3457} were hanged {G4029} about {G4012} his {G846} neck {G5137}, and {G2532} he were cast {G906} into {G1519} the sea {G2281}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Whoever ensnares one of these little ones who trust me -- it would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and be thrown in the sea.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And whosoever shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it were better for him if a great millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 9:42, Jesus delivers a profoundly severe warning, emphasizing the immense gravity of causing a believer, particularly one who is humble or vulnerable in their faith, to stumble. This vivid, hyperbolic imagery underscores God's deep concern and fierce protection for His "little ones," indicating that a catastrophic, irreversible fate would be preferable to incurring the divine judgment for such a spiritual offense.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader discourse by Jesus on true greatness and the nature of discipleship, immediately following the disciples' argument about who among them was the greatest ([Mark 9:33-34](/mark/9-33-34 "Mark 9:33-34 - The Disciples' Dispute")). Jesus counters their worldly ambition by presenting a child as an example of humility and receptivity to God's kingdom ([Mark 9:35-37](/mark/9-35-37 "Mark 9:35-37 - Jesus Teaches Humility")). The warning in [Mark 9:42](/mark/9-42 "Mark 9:42 - Warning Against Causing to Stumble") serves as a stark contrast to seeking personal prominence, highlighting the severe consequences of misusing influence or position to harm another's spiritual walk, rather than nurturing it. It flows into further teachings on the radical necessity of avoiding sin and self-sacrifice for the sake of the kingdom ([Mark 9:43-50](/mark/9-43-50 "Mark 9:43-50 - Radical Discipleship and Sin")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "millstone" (Greek: _mylikos lithos_) refers to the upper, heavier stone of a donkey-powered mill, which could weigh hundreds of pounds. Such a stone was used for grinding large quantities of grain. While drowning with a heavy weight was not a standard Jewish form of execution, it was a known, albeit extreme, punishment in other ancient cultures (e.g., Roman). The act of being "cast into the sea" signified a complete, irreversible, and dishonorable end, often worse than a public execution, as it denied a proper burial and represented utter destruction. The sea itself, in Jewish thought, could symbolize chaos, danger, and a place of judgment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights Jesus' profound **Protection of the Vulnerable**, demonstrating His deep concern for the spiritual well-being of those who are weak, young, new, or easily influenced in their faith. God places immense value on every individual believer, especially the "least" among them. Secondly, it underscores the **Severity of Spiritual Harm**, portraying the act of causing someone to "offend" (Greek: _skandalizo_) as a profoundly serious offense against God Himself. This act involves leading another into sin, apostasy, or spiritual discouragement. Lastly, the hyperbolic punishment illustrates the theme of **Divine Justice**, revealing God's extreme displeasure and the dire consequences for those who would intentionally or carelessly cause spiritual harm to His children. This warning serves as a powerful call to responsible discipleship, emphasizing the communal impact of individual actions within the body of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **offend (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** This word means "to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)." In this context, it refers to actively causing another person to fall into sin, lose faith, or be led astray from the path of righteousness. It implies placing a "stumbling block" in someone's spiritual journey.
* **little ones (Greek, _mikrós'_):** This term denotes someone "small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)." While it certainly includes literal children, in this passage, it extends to humble, unassuming believers, new converts, or those who are weak or vulnerable in their faith, who might be easily led astray or discouraged by the actions or words of others.
* **millstone (Greek, _mylikós líthos'_):** This compound term combines _mylikós_ ("belonging to a mill") and _líthos_ ("a stone"). It refers specifically to the large, heavy upper stone of a grain mill, often turned by a donkey. Its immense weight ensures that anything tied to it and cast into the sea would sink irrevocably, signifying a complete and inescapable destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me,"**: This clause identifies the target of the warning: anyone who causes a spiritual "stumbling block" for a humble, vulnerable believer. The phrase "that believe in me" is crucial, emphasizing that the offense is against those who have placed their faith in Christ, making the act a direct affront to Jesus Himself and His kingdom.
* **"it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck,"**: This is a hyperbolic statement, emphasizing the extreme gravity of the offense. The image of a massive millstone tied to a person's neck signifies an inescapable and crushing fate, a burden that guarantees immediate and irreversible sinking. It suggests that such a physical, utterly destructive end would be preferable to facing the spiritual consequences of causing a "little one" to stumble.
* **"and he were cast into the sea."**: This final phrase completes the imagery of total annihilation and dishonor. Being cast into the sea, particularly with a millstone, implies an unrecoverable and ignominious death, a fate worse than any earthly punishment, signifying complete spiritual ruin and divine judgment without hope of return or remembrance.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several powerful **literary devices** in this verse to convey the immense seriousness of His warning. The primary device is **Hyperbole**, where an extreme exaggeration (a millstone around the neck, being cast into the sea) is used to emphasize the gravity of the offense. This is not meant to be a literal prescription for punishment, but rather to impress upon the hearers the profound displeasure God has for those who cause spiritual harm. The imagery also functions as **Symbolism**, with the millstone and the sea serving as potent symbols of utter destruction, irreversible judgment, and a fate so dire that it is presented as preferable to the alternative of incurring God's wrath for leading a believer astray. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Contrast** between the disciples' recent argument about who is "greatest" and Jesus' immediate, severe warning about harming the "little ones," highlighting the inverted values of the Kingdom of God where humility and care for the vulnerable are paramount.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This stark warning from Jesus profoundly reveals the immense value God places on every individual believer, especially those who are vulnerable or new in their faith. It underscores the sanctity of a person's spiritual journey and the severe accountability for anyone who would intentionally or carelessly impede or corrupt it. The passage highlights a core theological truth: God is fiercely protective of His flock, and to cause one of His "little ones" to stumble is to directly offend Him. This teaching calls all believers to a heightened sense of responsibility for their influence, recognizing that actions and words can have eternal consequences for others. It emphasizes the communal nature of faith, where the spiritual well-being of each member is intrinsically linked to the actions of the whole.

* [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Parallel Warning on Stumbling Blocks")
* [1 Corinthians 8:9-13](/1_corinthians/8-9-13 "1 Corinthians 8:9-13 - Conscience and Causing a Brother to Stumble")
* [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Judge or Cause to Stumble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' warning in Mark 9:42 serves as a powerful and sobering call to self-examination for every believer, particularly those in positions of leadership or influence. We are challenged to deeply consider the potential impact of our words, actions, and attitudes on the spiritual walk of others. This means being acutely aware of how our example might inadvertently lead someone, especially a new or struggling believer, into doubt, discouragement, or even sin. Instead of being stumbling blocks, we are called to be spiritual builders, actively nurturing and protecting the faith of those around us. This involves exercising empathy, patience, and humility, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others over our own preferences, pride, or convenience. Our mission is to encourage, mentor, and exemplify godly living, helping others grow in their faith rather than causing them to fall.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might my actions or words, even unintentionally, cause a "little one" (a new or vulnerable believer) to stumble in their faith?**
* **In what specific ways can I actively protect and encourage those who are new or vulnerable in their spiritual journey within my community or sphere of influence?**
* **What does this warning reveal about Jesus' heart for the weakest and most humble members of His flock, and how should that shape my own priorities?**

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

Answer: The "little ones" (Greek: _mikroi_) in this context refer not only to literal children, but more broadly to humble, unassuming believers, new converts, or those who are weak or vulnerable in their faith. It encompasses anyone who might be easily led astray, discouraged, or caused to stumble in their spiritual walk with Christ, regardless of their age or physical stature. Jesus uses this term to highlight His special care for those who are often overlooked or considered insignificant by the world.

**What does "offend" mean in this context, and why is it so serious?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "offend" is _skandalízō_, from which we get our English word "scandal." It literally means to put a stumbling block or trap in someone's way, causing them to trip or fall. In a spiritual sense, it refers to leading someone into sin, causing them to lose faith, or leading them astray from Christ. It is so serious because it directly undermines a person's relationship with God, potentially leading to their spiritual ruin. Jesus views such an act as a grave offense against Himself and His Kingdom, as it harms those for whom He died and whom He deeply cherishes.

**Is the "millstone" punishment meant to be taken literally?**

Answer: No, the "millstone" punishment is an example of **hyperbole**, an extreme exaggeration used by Jesus to emphasize the profound severity of the offense. It is not a literal command for punishment, but rather a vivid metaphor to illustrate that causing a believer to stumble is an act so heinous that a complete, irreversible, and dishonorable physical destruction (like being drowned with a heavy millstone) would be preferable to facing the spiritual consequences and divine judgment for such an action. It underscores the immeasurable value Jesus places on the faith of His "little ones" and the dire consequences for those who would harm it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jesus' severe warning in [Mark 9:42](/mark/9-42 "Mark 9:42 - Warning Against Causing to Stumble") finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in His own person and work as the Christ. While He warns against causing others to stumble, Jesus Himself came not to be a stumbling block, but to remove them. He is the Good Shepherd who actively protects His "little ones," laying down His life for the sheep to ensure their ultimate salvation and perseverance ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus has removed the ultimate stumbling block of sin and death, offering a path to eternal life for all who believe ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He promised that none of His sheep would be snatched from His hand or the Father's hand ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - Security of Believers")). Therefore, this warning highlights the preciousness of those for whom Christ died and whom He continually intercedes for ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")), ensuring that His true followers will not ultimately stumble to their ruin, but will be kept by His power through faith ([1 Peter 1:5](/1_peter/1-5 "1 Peter 1:5 - Kept by God's Power")).

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

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.

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!

Luke 17:2

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.

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.

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.

2 Corinthians 6:3

Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

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.