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!

KJV (with Strong's)

Woe {G3759} unto the world {G2889} because of {G575} offences {G4625}! for {G1063} it must needs {G318} be {G2076} that offences {G4625} come {G2064}; but {G4133} woe {G3759} to that man {G444} by {G1565} whom {G1223}{G3739} the offence {G4625} cometh {G2064}!

Complete Jewish Bible

Woe to the world because of snares! For there must be snares, but woe to the person who sets the snare!

Berean Standard Bible

Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!

American Standard Version

Woe unto the world because of occasions of stumbling! for it must needs be that the occasions come; but woe to that man through whom the occasion cometh!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 18:7 delivers a solemn warning from Jesus, acknowledging the inevitable presence of spiritual "offences" or "stumbling blocks" in a fallen world, but simultaneously pronouncing a severe "woe" upon any individual who becomes the instrument through which such an offence occurs. This profound declaration underscores both the pervasive reality of sin's corrupting influence and the grave personal accountability for actions that lead others astray from faith or into sin, particularly those who are vulnerable.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' discourse to His disciples in [Matthew 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - The Kingdom of Heaven and Its Members"), which focuses on the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven and the responsibilities of those within it. Following the disciples' question about who is greatest in the kingdom ([Matthew 18:1](/matthew/18-1 "Matthew 18:1 - Who is Greatest?")), Jesus calls a child to Himself, emphasizing humility as a prerequisite for kingdom entrance ([Matthew 18:2-4](/matthew/18-2-4 "Matthew 18:2-4 - Becoming Like Children")). The immediate preceding verse, [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Warning Against Causing Little Ones to Stumble"), delivers a stark warning about the severe consequences for anyone who causes one of these "little ones" (referring to humble believers, especially new or vulnerable ones) to stumble. Verse 7 then broadens this warning, acknowledging the general inevitability of such stumbling blocks in the world, yet intensifying the condemnation on the specific individual responsible. The discourse continues with radical calls for self-mutilation to avoid sin ([Matthew 18:8-9](/matthew/18-8-9 "Matthew 18:8-9 - Radical Measures Against Sin")) and the parable of the lost sheep, further emphasizing God's and the community's care for the vulnerable ([Matthew 18:10-14](/matthew/18-10-14 "Matthew 18:10-14 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, the concept of a "stumbling block" (Hebrew: _mikshol_, Greek: _skandalon_) was well-understood, often referring to an obstacle placed in someone's path, causing them to trip or fall. Spiritually, it denoted anything that led a person into sin, apostasy, or a breach of the Law. The "woe" (Greek: _ouaí_) pronounced by Jesus carries significant prophetic weight, echoing the "woe oracles" found throughout the Old Testament prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 5:8-23](/isaiah/5-8-23 "Isaiah 5:8-23 - Woes Against Israel's Sins"), [Habakkuk 2:6-19](/habakkuk/2-6-19 "Habakkuk 2:6-19 - Woes Against the Wicked")). These were not merely expressions of sorrow but pronouncements of divine judgment and condemnation upon those who defied God's will or oppressed others. The phrase "it must needs be" reflects a realistic understanding of the world's fallen state, where sin and evil are pervasive, making the occurrence of spiritual pitfalls unavoidable due to human free will and the presence of spiritual adversaries. However, this inevitability does not absolve individual responsibility for participating in or perpetuating such evil.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 18:7 contributes significantly to several major themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **reality and pervasiveness of sin** in the world, acknowledging that spiritual traps and temptations are an unavoidable consequence of humanity's fallen nature and the ongoing spiritual battle. Secondly, it powerfully emphasizes **personal accountability and moral responsibility**, even within a context where evil is inevitable. While "offences" will come, the individual who facilitates them faces severe divine condemnation. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **divine value and protection of the vulnerable**, especially the "little ones" (believers who are humble, new, or struggling in their faith), a theme introduced in [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Warning Against Causing Little Ones to Stumble") and reinforced by the parable of the lost sheep in [Matthew 18:10-14](/matthew/18-10-14 "Matthew 18:10-14 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep"). Finally, it speaks to the **seriousness of spiritual influence**, warning against actions, words, or attitudes that could lead others away from God or into sin, underscoring the high calling for believers to live in a manner that builds up, rather than tears down, the body of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Greek, _ouaí'_):** This is a primary exclamation of grief, often translated as "alas" or "woe." In biblical usage, especially in prophetic contexts, it is far more than a mere expression of sorrow; it functions as a solemn pronouncement of judgment, a curse, or a declaration of impending doom. Jesus' use of "woe" here signifies a profound condemnation and the certainty of divine retribution for those who cause spiritual harm.
* **World (Greek, _kósmos'_):** Derived from a root meaning "orderly arrangement" or "decoration," _kósmos_ can refer to the physical universe or humanity. In this context, it refers to the fallen, unredeemed human society, characterized by its opposition to God's will and its susceptibility to sin. The "woe unto the world" indicates the inherent brokenness and spiritual danger present in a system alienated from God, which inevitably produces "offences."
* **Offences (Greek, _skándalon'_):** This term, from which we get "scandal," originally referred to the movable stick or trigger of a trap, a snare, or a stumbling block over which one might trip and fall. In a moral and spiritual sense, it denotes anything that causes a person to stumble, fall into sin, lose faith, or deviate from the path of righteousness. It is not merely an insult but a spiritual trap or cause of ruin.
* **Must needs (Greek, _anánkē'_):** This word signifies "constraint," "distress," or "necessity." When Jesus says "it must needs be that offences come," He is not endorsing them or suggesting they are God's will in a prescriptive sense. Rather, He is acknowledging their inevitability as a consequence of the fallen nature of humanity, the presence of evil in the world, and the operation of free will. It is a statement of grim reality, not divine ordination of sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Woe unto the world because of offences!":** This opening phrase sets a somber tone, pronouncing a divine judgment not just on individuals, but on the entire "world" (fallen human system) itself. The "woe" signifies condemnation and impending judgment. The world is condemned because its inherent brokenness and rebellion against God inevitably produce "offences" or spiritual stumbling blocks, leading people into sin and away from God. This highlights the pervasive nature of sin and its destructive impact on society as a whole.
* **"for it must needs be that offences come;":** This clause provides a realistic, albeit grim, explanation for the "woe." Jesus acknowledges the unavoidable reality that "offences" will occur. This is not a theological justification for sin, but a sober recognition of the consequences of living in a fallen world where human free will interacts with the forces of evil. The phrase "must needs be" (Greek: _anánkē_) indicates a necessary consequence, a logical outcome of the world's condition, rather than a divine decree that these specific sins *must* happen. It underscores the pervasive nature of sin and the spiritual battle.
* **"but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!":** Despite the general inevitability of "offences," this concluding clause sharply shifts the focus back to individual accountability. The "but" (Greek: _plḗn_) introduces a strong contrast, emphasizing that while offences are globally inevitable, the specific individual who becomes the instrument of a stumbling block faces a distinct and severe "woe." This pronouncement underscores the gravity of leading others into sin or causing them to fall, implying divine judgment and condemnation for such actions. It highlights the profound moral responsibility each person bears for their influence on others.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 18:7 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Woe Oracle**, a prophetic pronouncement of judgment common in Old Testament prophets, which Jesus adopts to convey the severity of the consequences for causing spiritual harm. This is not merely an expression of sorrow but a declaration of divine condemnation. There is also a striking **Paradox** at play: the inevitability of "offences" ("it must needs be") is juxtaposed with the severe condemnation of the individual who causes them ("woe to that man"). This paradox highlights the tension between the fallen state of the world and individual moral responsibility. The phrase "woe unto the world" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "world" stands for the systems and values of fallen humanity that produce such stumbling blocks. Finally, the concept of "offences" itself functions as a powerful **Metaphor** or **Symbolism**, representing not just physical traps but spiritual snares that lead to sin, apostasy, or spiritual ruin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 18:7 profoundly connects to the broader biblical understanding of sin, human responsibility, and divine justice. It reiterates that while humanity lives in a fallen world where sin's presence is pervasive and its manifestations (like "offences") are inevitable, this does not diminish individual culpability. God holds individuals accountable for their actions, especially when those actions lead others, particularly the vulnerable, into spiritual peril. This verse underscores the sanctity of each individual soul in God's eyes and the serious nature of undermining another's faith or leading them into disobedience. It serves as a stark reminder of the ethical demands of the Kingdom of God, where love for God is inextricably linked to love for one's neighbor, manifested in a commitment to spiritual edification rather than destruction.

* [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Put a Stumbling Block")
* [1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble")
* [Luke 17:1-2](/luke/17-1-2 "Luke 17:1-2 - Warnings About Stumbling Blocks")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 18:7 serves as a powerful call to introspection and vigilance for every believer. It compels us to consider the profound impact our words, actions, and even our inactions can have on the spiritual journey of others. In a world saturated with distractions and temptations, it is easy to inadvertently become a "stumbling block" through carelessness, pride, or a lack of empathy. This verse challenges us to live with intentionality, seeking to build up and protect, rather than tear down or endanger, our fellow human beings, especially those who are spiritually vulnerable or new in their faith. It reminds us that our personal freedom in Christ is always balanced by our responsibility to love and serve our neighbor, ensuring that our conduct does not become an obstacle to their spiritual growth or a cause for them to fall away. We are called to embody the selfless love of Christ, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others above our own preferences or perceived rights.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my words, actions, or attitudes inadvertently be a "stumbling block" for others, especially those new to faith or struggling?**
* **How does this warning from Jesus shape my understanding of personal accountability and influence within my community and the church?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my life is a source of encouragement and spiritual growth for others, rather than a cause for them to stumble?**
* **How does the inevitability of "offences" in the world inform my prayer life and my reliance on God's grace for myself and others?**

### FAQ

**If offences must come, why is the one who causes them condemned?**

Answer: Jesus' statement "it must needs be that offences come" (Greek: _anánkē_) is a realistic acknowledgment of the pervasive nature of sin and evil in a fallen world, where human free will and the presence of spiritual adversaries ensure that such spiritual pitfalls will arise. It is a statement of inevitability, not a divine decree or endorsement of sin. However, this inevitability does not absolve individual moral responsibility. While the general phenomenon of "offences" is unavoidable, the specific act of an individual *causing* an offence is a choice for which they are held accountable. The "woe" is pronounced upon the person who actively or passively becomes the instrument of another's spiritual downfall, highlighting that God holds individuals responsible for their choices and their impact on others, regardless of the broader context of sin in the world. It emphasizes that while evil exists, we are not compelled to participate in it or facilitate it.

**What is the difference between 'offences' and 'temptations'?**

Answer: While related, "offences" (Greek: _skándalon_) and "temptations" (Greek: _peirasmos_) have distinct nuances. A "temptation" is an enticement to sin, an internal or external pull towards disobedience, often aimed at an individual's own will (e.g., [James 1:13-14](/james/1-13-14 "James 1:13-14 - Source of Temptation")). An "offence" or "stumbling block," as used in Matthew 18:7, is something that causes another person to stumble, fall into sin, or lose faith. It's an external obstacle or action that leads someone astray. While a temptation might lead an individual to commit an offence, the offence itself is the *result* of that action impacting another. For example, my pride might tempt me to boast, and my boasting might then become an "offence" if it causes a weaker brother to become envious or stumble in their own faith. Thus, "temptation" focuses on the internal struggle with sin, while "offence" focuses on the external impact of sin on others.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 18:7, with its stark warning against causing others to stumble, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who, far from being a stumbling block, became the ultimate "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), removing the greatest obstacle to humanity's relationship with God: sin itself. While the world is indeed full of "offences," Christ entered this fallen world not to add to them, but to bear their full weight. His crucifixion, though a "stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles" ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block")), was paradoxically the means by which all true stumbling blocks to salvation were removed. He became the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus provides the grace and power for believers to overcome sin and to live in a way that does not cause others to stumble, but rather builds them up in love ([Romans 15:1-2](/romans/15-1-2 "Romans 15:1-2 - Bearing With the Weak")). He empowers His followers, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to reflect His character and to be agents of healing and restoration, rather than sources of spiritual harm, ultimately guiding them into the kingdom He inaugurated ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")).

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

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!

1 Corinthians 11:19

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

Matthew 26:24

The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

1 Timothy 4:1

¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

1 Timothy 4:3

Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

2 Timothy 3:1

¶ This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 Timothy 3:5

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.