### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective μυλικός (mylikós, `{{G3457}}`) is derived directly from the noun μύλος (mylos, `{{G3458}}`), which signifies a "mill" or "millstone." As an adjective, mylikós literally means "belonging to a mill" or "pertaining to a mill." Its semantic range is quite narrow, primarily serving to qualify a noun as being associated with the grinding process or the apparatus used for it. In its New Testament occurrences, it is exclusively used in conjunction with "millstone" to denote a specific type of heavy grinding stone, often one turned by an animal, as opposed to a smaller, hand-operated one.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μυλικός (mylikós, `{{G3457}}`) appears three times in the New Testament, always in the same striking and somber context, highlighting a severe warning from Jesus:
* **[[Matthew 18:6]]**: "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."
* **[[Mark 9:42]]**: "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea."
* **[[Luke 17:2]]**: "It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble."
In all three synoptic passages, mylikós modifies λίθος (lithos, "stone"), forming the phrase λίθος μυλικός (lithos mylikos), meaning "millstone." The context is Jesus' stern admonition against leading "little ones" (μικροὶ, mikroi), understood as humble believers or new disciples, astray. The imagery invoked is that of a particularly large and heavy millstone, likely the kind turned by a donkey (an ὄνος μυλικός, onos mylikos), rather than a small hand-mill. Such a stone would ensure swift and certain drowning, emphasizing the extreme gravity of causing a believer to stumble. The hyperbole underscores the divine judgment awaiting those who would harm the faith of the vulnerable.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is μύλος (mylos, `{{G3458}}`), the noun from which mylikós is derived, meaning "mill" or "millstone." While mylikós is an adjective describing something *pertaining* to a mill, mylos is the object itself. The phrase λίθος μυλικός (lithos mylikos) specifically refers to the millstone.
Other related concepts include:
* **Stumbling Block/Cause to Stumble:** The verb σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō, `{{G4624}}`) is central to these passages, signifying to "cause to stumble," "lead astray," or "offend." The millstone imagery serves as a vivid consequence for this action.
* **"Little Ones" (μικροὶ, mikroi):** This term refers not necessarily to children in age, but to those who are humble, vulnerable, or new in faith, whom God particularly cherishes and protects.
* **Judgment and Punishment:** The metaphor of being cast into the sea with a millstone illustrates a severe, inescapable, and terminal form of divine judgment, far worse than any earthly consequence.
* **Care for the Vulnerable:** The strong warning implicitly highlights the immense value God places on the spiritual well-being of the least and most vulnerable members of His kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μυλικός (mylikós, `{{G3457}}`) is profound, though its direct lexical meaning is simple. It functions as a key component in one of Jesus' most forceful warnings, underscoring the sanctity of a believer's faith and the terrifying consequences of undermining it.
1. **Gravity of Causing Apostasy/Stumbling:** The imagery of the millstone around the neck vividly portrays the extreme severity with which God views actions that lead believers, especially new or vulnerable ones, away from faith or into sin. It suggests that such an offense is so heinous that a swift and definitive end to one's earthly life, preventing further harm, would be preferable to facing divine retribution.
2. **Protection of the Vulnerable:** Jesus' words reveal His deep concern for the "little ones." This emphasizes the church's responsibility to nurture and protect new converts and those weak in faith, creating an environment where they can grow without being led astray by the actions or teachings of others.
3. **Divine Justice:** The millstone metaphor serves as a powerful illustration of retributive justice. It speaks to an ultimate, irreversible judgment for those who actively cause spiritual harm to others, particularly those whom Christ holds dear. It is a stark reminder that actions have eternal consequences.
4. **Ethical Imperative for Believers:** The passage serves as a foundational ethical teaching for all who claim to follow Christ. It calls for extreme caution in one's conduct, words, and influence, recognizing the potential impact on the faith journeys of others. It prioritizes the spiritual well-being of the community over personal gain or careless behavior.
### Summary
The Greek adjective μυλικός (mylikós, `{{G3457}}`), meaning "belonging to a mill," is foundational to one of Jesus' most severe warnings in the Gospels. Always appearing in the phrase "millstone" (λίθος μυλικός), it denotes a large, heavy stone used for grinding, specifically the kind that would ensure certain drowning. Its three occurrences in [[Matthew 18:6]], [[Mark 9:42]], and [[Luke 17:2]] underscore the extreme gravity of causing "little ones" (vulnerable believers) to stumble. Theologically, this term contributes to a vivid portrayal of divine judgment, emphasizing God's fierce protection of His humble followers and the dire consequences for those who lead them astray. It serves as a powerful ethical imperative for believers to exercise utmost care in their influence on others' faith.
TRV