King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:6 Mean?

Matthew 18:6 in the King James Version says “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 18:6 · KJV


Context

4

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

6

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.

7

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!

8

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee : it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus issues a severe warning about causing 'little ones which believe in me' to stumble. The Greek 'skandalizo' means to entrap, cause to sin, or destroy faith. The proposed punishment—drowning with a millstone—illustrates the seriousness of leading believers into sin. Reformed pastoral theology takes seriously the responsibility of spiritual leadership and the dangers of false teaching or immoral example. Those who influence others bear weighty accountability for the spiritual damage they cause.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Millstones were large stones used for grinding grain, turned by donkeys ('mulos onikos'—donkey-turned millstone). Drowning with such weight ensured death. While hyperbolic, Jesus' language emphasizes the gravity of spiritual harm. In Roman law, drowning was a punishment for serious crimes. Jesus elevates spiritual offense against believers to the level of capital crime.

Reflection Questions

  1. How seriously do you consider your influence on other believers?
  2. What examples or teachings might cause weaker Christians to stumble?
  3. How does this warning shape your responsibility as a parent, teacher, or leader?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
Ὃς1 of 29

whoso

G3739

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

δ'2 of 29

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἂν3 of 29
G302

whatsoever

σκανδαλίσῃ4 of 29

shall offend

G4624

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

ἕνα5 of 29

one

G1520

one

τῆς6 of 29

which

G3588

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

μικρῶν7 of 29

little ones

G3398

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

τούτων8 of 29

of these

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

τῆς9 of 29

which

G3588

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

πιστευόντων10 of 29

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

εἰς11 of 29

in

G1519

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

ἐμέ12 of 29

me

G1691

me

συμφέρει13 of 29

it were better

G4851

to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage

αὐτοῦ14 of 29

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

ἵνα15 of 29

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

κρεμασθῇ16 of 29

were hanged

G2910

to hang

μύλος17 of 29

a millstone

G3458

a "mill", i.e., (by implication), a grinder (millstone)

ὀνικὸς18 of 29
G3684

belonging to a ass, i.e., large (so as to be turned by a ass)

ἐπὶ19 of 29

about

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς20 of 29

which

G3588

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

τράχηλον21 of 29

neck

G5137

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

αὐτοῦ22 of 29

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

καὶ23 of 29

and

G2532

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

καταποντισθῇ24 of 29

that he were drowned

G2670

to plunge down, i.e., submerge

ἐν25 of 29

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῆς26 of 29

which

G3588

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

πελάγει27 of 29

the depth

G3989

deep or open sea, i.e., the main

τῆς28 of 29

which

G3588

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

θαλάσσης29 of 29

of the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 18:6 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 Matthew 18:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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