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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} whoso {G3739}{G302} shall offend {G4624} one {G1520} of these {G5130} little ones {G3398} which {G3588} believe {G4100} in {G1519} me {G1691}, it were better {G4851} for him {G846} that {G2443} a millstone {G3458}{G3684} were hanged {G2910} about {G1909} his {G846} neck {G5137}, and {G2532} that he were drowned {G2670} in {G1722} the depth {G3989} of the sea {G2281}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and 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 drowned in the open 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 drowned in the depths of the sea.

American Standard Version

but whoso shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it is profitable for him that a great millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depth of the sea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 18:6 delivers one of Jesus' most severe warnings, directed at anyone who would cause a believer, especially a vulnerable or humble one, to stumble in their faith. Through vivid and shocking imagery of a millstone tied to one's neck and being drowned in the deepest part of the sea, Jesus underscores the extreme gravity and dire consequences of leading a "little one" astray, revealing God's profound protective care for His faithful.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of Jesus' "Discourse on the Church" or "Kingdom Discourse" found in [Matthew Chapter 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - Discourse on the Church"). The chapter opens with the disciples asking Jesus who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven ([Matthew 18:1](/matthew/18-1 "Matthew 18:1 - Who is greatest in the Kingdom?")). In response, Jesus calls a child to Himself, declaring that one must humble oneself like a child to enter the kingdom ([Matthew 18:2-4](/matthew/18-2-4 "Matthew 18:2-4 - Humility like a Child")). He then states that whoever receives such a child in His name receives Him ([Matthew 18:5](/matthew/18-5 "Matthew 18:5 - Receiving a Child")). Immediately following this affirmation of the value of the humble, Jesus issues the stark warning of [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Warning against causing stumbling"), emphasizing the immense spiritual danger of harming those whom God values so highly. The discourse continues with warnings against stumbling blocks (even self-inflicted ones) and the parable of the lost sheep ([Matthew 18:12-14](/matthew/18-12-14 "Matthew 18:12-14 - Parable of the Lost Sheep")), further reinforcing God's profound care for every individual, especially the vulnerable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of the millstone and drowning would have been intensely evocative for Jesus' audience. The "millstone" (Greek: _mýlos onikós_) refers to a large, heavy stone, typically turned by a donkey, used for grinding grain. This was distinct from smaller hand-mills. Drowning with such a stone around the neck was a known, albeit rare, form of capital punishment in the ancient world, occasionally practiced by Romans and other cultures to signify a complete, irreversible, and shameful destruction of the body, leaving no trace or hope of burial. The "depth of the sea" (Greek: _pélagos_) implies being cast into the deepest, most unrecoverable part of a large body of water, such as the Sea of Galilee or the Mediterranean, ensuring utter finality. The term "little ones" (Greek: _mikrós_) in this context extends beyond literal children to encompass humble, vulnerable, new, or marginalized believers in the community who might be easily overlooked, exploited, or led astray by those with more influence or knowledge.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Warning against causing stumbling") profoundly contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Sanctity and Value of Every Believer**, particularly those who are humble or vulnerable in their faith, underscoring that God places immense worth on even the "least" among His followers. Secondly, it addresses the grave danger of **Spiritual Stumbling Blocks**, warning against any action, word, or attitude that causes another person to fall morally, spiritually, or to lose faith. This concept of "scandalizing" is a serious offense in God's eyes. Thirdly, the vivid imagery emphasizes the **Severity of Divine Judgment** for those who intentionally or carelessly cause spiritual harm to God's people, portraying a fate worse than a horrifying physical death. Finally, the verse powerfully affirms God's **Protective Nature over the Vulnerable**, demonstrating His personal offense and fierce defense when His "little ones" are harmed, reinforcing His role as the Good Shepherd who seeks and protects His flock, as seen in [Matthew 18:12-14](/matthew/18-12-14 "Matthew 18:12-14 - Parable of the Lost Sheep").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **offend (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** This verb (G4624) means "to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure):--(make to) offend." It is derived from _skandalon_, which refers to the bait-stick of a trap, a snare, or an obstacle over which one stumbles. Thus, to "offend" here is not merely to displease or annoy, but to actively cause someone to fall into sin, doubt, or apostasy, or to put a spiritual snare in their path.
* **little ones (Greek, _mikrós'_):** The adjective (G3398) means "small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity):--least, less, little, small." In this context, combined with "which believe in me," it refers to those who are humble, unassuming, or vulnerable in their faith, resembling children in their dependence and lack of worldly power or influence. It encompasses new believers, those struggling with doubt, or those who are marginalized within the community.
* **millstone (Greek, _mýlos onikós'_):** This phrase combines _mýlos_ (G3458), meaning "a mill" or "grinder (millstone)," with _onikós_ (G3684), meaning "belonging to an ass, i.e. large (so as to be turned by an ass)." The combination specifically denotes a large, heavy millstone, far too massive for a person to operate by hand. Its inclusion emphasizes the immense, crushing weight and the utterly inescapable nature of the fate described.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me":** This clause introduces the subject of Jesus' severe warning. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) signals a strong contrast to the preceding statement about receiving a child. The phrase "whoso shall offend" identifies the perpetrator as anyone who causes spiritual harm. The victims are precisely defined as "one of these little ones which believe in me," explicitly identifying them as humble, vulnerable disciples of Jesus. Their faith in Him is the defining characteristic that makes them objects of God's special protection.
* **"it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck":** This part of the verse presents a hyperbolic comparison, stating that a horrifying physical death is preferable to the spiritual consequences of causing a believer to stumble. The "millstone" (specifically the large, donkey-driven type) around the neck vividly portrays an inescapable, crushing burden. This is a powerful rhetorical device, not a literal prescription for punishment, designed to shock the audience into understanding the immense gravity of the offense.
* **"and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea":** This final clause completes the horrific imagery, describing the ultimate, irreversible destruction. To be "drowned in the depth of the sea" (G3989, _pélagos_, meaning "deep or open sea, i.e. the main") signifies a complete and unrecoverable demise, leaving no trace. This emphasizes the utter finality and severity of the judgment awaiting those who cause spiritual harm to God's beloved "little ones," suggesting a spiritual fate far worse than any physical death.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Warning against causing stumbling") to convey the gravity of His warning. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, where He uses extreme exaggeration—the millstone and drowning—to emphasize the profound severity of causing a "little one" to stumble. This is not a literal command for punishment but a rhetorical device designed to shock the audience into recognizing the immense spiritual stakes involved. The imagery also functions as **Symbolism**, where the millstone and the act of drowning symbolize utter destruction, irreversible judgment, and a fate that is spiritually worse than any physical death. Furthermore, there is a stark **Contrast** drawn between the humble, vulnerable "little ones" (whom God values immensely) and the dire, inescapable judgment awaiting those who harm them, highlighting the divine protection afforded to the weakest members of the community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 18:6 stands as a powerful testament to God's profound love and protective care for every individual who places their faith in Christ, especially the vulnerable and humble. Theologically, it underscores the sanctity of a believer's faith and the immense responsibility that comes with influencing others within the community of faith. Causing a "little one" to stumble is not merely a social misstep but an egregious offense against God Himself, who identifies with His children. This passage reveals a facet of divine justice that fiercely defends the weak and holds accountable those who abuse their influence or knowledge to lead others into sin or away from Christ. It is a call to radical self-examination and a profound commitment to nurturing, rather than harming, the spiritual well-being of fellow believers.

* [Mark 9:42](/mark/9-42 "Mark 9:42 - Parallel warning about stumbling blocks")
* [Luke 17:2](/luke/17-2 "Luke 17:2 - Parallel warning about causing offense")
* [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do not cause a brother to stumble")
* [1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Do not put a stumbling block before the weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 18:6 serves as a profound and sobering call to introspection for every believer, particularly those in positions of influence or leadership. It challenges us to consider the far-reaching impact of our words, actions, doctrines, and freedoms on the spiritual journey of others, especially those who are new in faith, struggling, or naturally more vulnerable. This passage compels us to prioritize the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters, exercising caution, discernment, and sacrificial love to ensure that nothing we do or say becomes a stumbling block. It calls us to cultivate a community where the faith of the "little ones" is not just tolerated but actively protected, nurtured, and celebrated, reflecting God's own tender care. Understanding the severity of this warning should motivate us to live with greater humility, empathy, and a vigilant awareness of our responsibility to build up, rather than tear down, the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life—my speech, my actions, my use of freedom—might I inadvertently be causing a "little one" to stumble in their faith?**
* **How can I actively contribute to a church or community environment that prioritizes the protection and spiritual growth of its most vulnerable members?**
* **What does Jesus' severe warning in this verse reveal to me about God's profound value for every individual believer, regardless of their spiritual maturity or social standing?**

### FAQ
**Does "little ones" in Matthew 18:6 refer only to literal children?**

Answer: While literal children are certainly included in Jesus' concern, the broader context of [Matthew Chapter 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - Discourse on the Church") indicates that "little ones" primarily refers to those who humble themselves like children, as Jesus states in [Matthew 18:3-4](/matthew/18-3-4 "Matthew 18:3-4 - Becoming like a child"). This encompasses all humble, vulnerable, new, or marginalized believers in Christ, regardless of their age. They are "little ones" in the sense of their spiritual humility, dependence on God, or perhaps their social standing within the community.

**Is Jesus advocating for literal drowning as a punishment for causing someone to stumble?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not prescribing a literal form of capital punishment. The imagery of the millstone and drowning is a powerful example of **hyperbole**, a rhetorical device used to emphasize the extreme gravity and severity of the offense. Jesus employs this vivid and shocking image to convey that causing spiritual harm to a believer is an act so grievous in God's eyes that even a horrifying physical death would be "better" (i.e., a lesser evil) than facing the divine consequences for such a sin. It underscores the immense value God places on the spiritual well-being of His followers and the dire spiritual judgment awaiting those who jeopardize it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The stern warning in [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Warning against causing stumbling") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the very care and protection this verse demands. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently identified with and uplifted the "little ones" of society—the marginalized, the sick, the outcasts, and those without social standing. He came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man came to serve")). His entire mission was to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus came to seek and save the lost")), and He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, ensuring that none of them are lost ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). The parable of the lost sheep immediately following this warning in [Matthew 18:12-14](/matthew/18-12-14 "Matthew 18:12-14 - Parable of the Lost Sheep") further illustrates Christ's relentless pursuit and profound value for every single one of His "little ones." Ultimately, Christ Himself became the one who removed the greatest stumbling block—sin—through His sacrifice on the cross, making a way for all who believe to enter the Kingdom of God ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God so loved the world")). His ongoing intercession for believers ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ intercedes for us")) and His promise to build His church against which the gates of hell will not prevail ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")) stand as the ultimate guarantee of protection for His beloved "little ones."

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.

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.

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.

2 Thessalonians 1:6

Seeing [it is] a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

2 Thessalonians 1:9

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;