Matthew 18:6

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

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.

Literal

And whoever might cause to stumble one of these little ones believing in Me, it is better for him that a heavy millstone should be hung around his neck and he should be sunk in the depth of the sea.

Latin

…qui autem scandalizaverit unum de pusillis istis, qui in me credunt, expedit ei ut suspendatur mola asinaria in collo ejus, et demergatur in profundum maris.

Original

Greek

English

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.

Notes

Matthew 18:6

Cause one … to stumble: This means to lead believers to turn away from Christ, whether children or adults who have become “like children” in faith (see Matthew 18:3).
The title little ones emphasizes their humility (see 5:3–12; 18:4; 19:13–15).
The thought of being drowned with a large millstone around the neck is terrifying. But Jesus warned that causing someone to lose faith will bring even greater suffering (18:7; 26:24; Revelation 18:21; Matthew 22:13).

Matthew 18:1–35

This fourth major teaching in Matthew (see study note on Matthew 5:1–7:29) focuses on how people responded to the Messiah. The disciples accepted him, while the Jewish leaders and most people did not. As this division increased, Jesus taught his disciples about community life.

To follow the standards of Jesus, a community should live with:

humility (18:1–5),
sensitivity (18:6–9),
compassion (18:10–14),
discipline (18:15–18), and
forgiveness (18:21–35).

Like the other teachings, a closing statement (19:1–2) connects to the next section.

Events

Teachings on Humility/Temptation/Reconciliationc. AD 29

Related verses

Mark 9:42
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.
Luke 17:1–2
Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come!
Matthew 18:10
See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven.
2 Thessalonians 1:6–9
After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
Matthew 18:14
In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
Romans 15:1–3
We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
Psalm 105:15
“Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!”
1 Corinthians 8:9–13
Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
Romans 14:13–15
Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.
1 Corinthians 10:32–33
Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—
Zechariah 2:8
For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “After His Glory has sent Me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye—
Romans 14:21
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble.

Matthew 18:6

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