### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ὀνικός (G3684) is derived from the noun ὄνος (G3688), meaning "donkey" or "ass." Its primary literal meaning is "belonging to a donkey" or "of a donkey." However, in its specific biblical usage, it extends semantically to describe something so large that it requires the power of a donkey for its operation. This particular application exclusively refers to a "millstone" of considerable size, as opposed to smaller, hand-operated grinding stones. The term thus conveys the idea of immense weight and the necessity of animal power for its movement, distinguishing it as an industrial-scale implement rather than a domestic one.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ὀνικός (G3684) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew:
* **[[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 great millstone (μύλος ὀνικός) fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."
In this sole occurrence, ὀνικός modifies μύλος (G3458), forming the compound phrase μύλος ὀνικός, which translates to "donkey millstone" or "millstone turned by an ass." This specification is crucial. While parallel passages in [[Mark 9:42]] and [[Luke 17:2]] use only μύλος ("millstone"), Matthew's inclusion of ὀνικός underscores the extraordinary size and weight of the stone. This was not a small, household grinding stone, but a massive stone, typically operated by a donkey or mule, used for grinding large quantities of grain. The imagery evokes a fate of inescapable and utterly destructive judgment, emphasizing the profound gravity of causing a "little one" (referring to a vulnerable believer or child) to stumble in their faith. The context is Jesus' stern warning against spiritual offenses that lead others astray.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to ὀνικός (G3684) is its root, ὄνος (G3688), meaning "donkey" or "ass." This connection highlights the origin of the descriptor, emphasizing the size and power required to operate the object in question. Another closely related term is μύλος (G3458), meaning "mill" or "millstone," which ὀνικός qualifies in [[Matthew 18:6]].
Conceptually, ὀνικός is intrinsically linked to:
* **Stumbling blocks (σκάνδαλον, `{{G4625}}`):** The very act that Jesus condemns is causing others to stumble, making the millstone a metaphor for the severe consequence of such an action.
* **Divine judgment and retribution:** The imagery of being drowned with a millstone around one's neck is a powerful metaphor for an ultimate, inescapable divine punishment.
* **The value of the "little ones":** Jesus' strong language underscores the immense value God places on the vulnerable, whether they are children or new/weak believers.
* **The severity of sin:** The specific and extreme nature of the proposed punishment highlights the profound seriousness of leading others into sin, particularly those who are spiritually vulnerable.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ὀνικός (G3684) is profound, though its direct lexical contribution is limited to a single, powerful phrase.
1. **Extreme Severity of Judgment:** The use of "ὀνικός" intensifies the image of the millstone, underscoring the unparalleled severity of the judgment awaiting those who cause spiritual harm to others. It is not merely a difficult fate, but one of utter destruction and inescapable doom, signifying a divine wrath that is absolute and final. The drowning in the "depth of the sea" further emphasizes the finality and irretrievability of such a judgment.
2. **God's Zealous Protection of the Vulnerable:** Jesus' stark warning highlights God's profound care and fierce protectiveness over "these little ones who believe in me." This refers not only to literal children but also to new converts, those weak in faith, or any humble disciple. Their spiritual well-being is of paramount importance to Christ, and any action that jeopardizes it incurs severe divine displeasure.
3. **Weight of Responsibility:** For those in positions of influence, leadership, or even simply within the community of faith, this passage serves as a solemn reminder of the immense spiritual responsibility they bear. Causing another believer to stumble, whether through teaching, example, or neglect, is a grave offense against the Kingdom of God and against Christ himself.
4. **Hyperbolic Emphasis:** While the image is terrifyingly vivid, it functions as hyperbole to convey the extreme gravity of the sin, rather than prescribing a literal method of execution. It speaks to the spiritual consequence and the divine abhorrence of such actions, emphasizing the profound spiritual cost.
### Summary
The Greek word ὀνικός (G3684), derived from ὄνος (G3688, "donkey"), literally translates to "belonging to a donkey" and specifically refers to a large millstone turned by an animal. Its singular, yet profoundly impactful, occurrence in the New Testament is found in [[Matthew 18:6]]. Here, Jesus employs the phrase "μύλος ὀνικός" (a donkey millstone) to illustrate the extreme severity of judgment awaiting anyone who causes "one of these little ones who believe in me" to stumble. This imagery of being drowned with such a massive stone around one's neck powerfully conveys a fate of utter destruction and inescapable divine wrath. The term ὀνικός thus underscores the immense weight and finality of the spiritual consequences for those who lead vulnerable believers into sin, highlighting God's zealous protection of His children and the solemn responsibility of all who influence others within the community of faith.
TRV