King James Version

What Does Mark 9:42 Mean?

Mark 9:42 in the King James Version says “And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hange...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Mark 9:42 · KJV

Faith

Context

40

For he that is not against us is on our part.

41

For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

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.

43

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: offend: or, cause thee to offend

44

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Read Mark 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus warned: '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' (ὃς ἂν σκανδαλίσῃ ἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων τῶν πιστευόντων εἰς ἐμέ, καλόν ἐστιν αὐτῷ μᾶλλον εἰ περίκειται μύλος ὀνικὸς περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ βέβληται εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν). The verb 'offend' (skandalizō, σκανδαλίσῃ) means cause to stumble or fall into sin. 'Little ones' (mikrōn, μικρῶν) refers to humble believers (v. 36-37 used children as examples). Causing believers to stumble into sin or apostasy brings severe judgment. A millstone (mylos onikos, μύλος ὀνικὸς, 'donkey millstone'—the large upper stone turned by donkey) tied to one's neck ensures drowning. Jesus says this horrible death is better than facing God's judgment for destroying faith. The hyperbole emphasizes how seriously God regards harm done to His children. Leaders bear special responsibility for those under their care (Hebrews 13:17; James 3:1).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman execution methods included drowning with weights, though not typically millstones. Jesus' vivid imagery shocked hearers—death by drowning with massive millstone was horrifying. The 'donkey millstone' weighed hundreds of pounds, distinguishing it from small hand-mills. This hyperbole emphasized the gravity of causing believers to stumble. First-century Judaism took seriously the responsibility of teachers not to mislead students (Matthew 23:13-15). Jesus' warning applied particularly to leaders whose false teaching or immoral example destroyed others' faith. Church history records tragic examples: clergy sexual abuse, financial exploitation, doctrinal heresies leading multitudes astray. Paul echoed this concern (Acts 20:28-31; 1 Timothy 4:16). The phrase 'little ones that believe in me' shows genuine faith exists among the seemingly insignificant—those often most vulnerable to exploitation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' severe warning about causing believers to stumble challenge leaders to guard their example and teaching carefully?
  2. What does the phrase 'little ones that believe' teach about God's fierce protective care for vulnerable believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὃς2 of 28

“whosoever”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἂν3 of 28
G302

whatsoever

σκανδαλίσῃ4 of 28

“shall offend”

G4624

to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)

ἕνα5 of 28

“one”

G1520

one

τῶν6 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μικρῶν7 of 28

“of these little ones”

G3398

small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)

τῶν8 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πιστευόντων9 of 28

“that believe”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

εἰς10 of 28

“in”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἐμέ11 of 28

“me”

G1691

me

καλόν12 of 28

“better”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ἐστιν13 of 28

“it is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

αὐτοῦ14 of 28

“for him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μᾶλλον15 of 28
G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

εἰ16 of 28

“that”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

περίκειται17 of 28

“were hanged”

G4029

to lie all around, i.e., inclose, encircle, hamper (literally or figuratively)

λὶθος18 of 28

“a millstone”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

μύλικὸς19 of 28
G3457

belonging to a mill

περὶ20 of 28

“about”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τὸν21 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τράχηλον22 of 28

“neck”

G5137

the throat (neck), i.e., (figuratively) life

αὐτοῦ23 of 28

“for him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ24 of 28

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

βέβληται25 of 28

“he were cast”

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

εἰς26 of 28

“in”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν27 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θάλασσαν28 of 28

“the sea”

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 9:42 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 9:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 18:6Luke 17:1-2Matthew 18:102 Corinthians 6:3Romans 14:13Romans 16:17

Test Your Knowledge

Mark 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMark Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Mark 9 with CommentaryAll Mark ChaptersComplete Mark QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes