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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses His disciples while traveling toward Jerusalem, immediately after warning against spiritual compromise and promising reward for faithful service. He speaks directly to them about the gravity of leading vulnerable believers away from faith.

The words — σκανδαλίσῃ (skandalisē) literally means "shall cause to stumble" or "cause to fall into sin," and μικρῶν (mikrōn) translates to "little ones," denoting humble or newly vulnerable believers.

The thread — The text records this exact warning in Matthew 18:6 and Luke 17:2, while the protective command over these same individuals appears in Matthew 18:10.

Why it lands — The passage states that causing a believer to fall carries such weight that a millstone death would be preferable, demanding that readers treat others' faith with uncompromising care.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Matthew 18:6 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.
Luke 17:1 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.
Matthew 25:45 Then the King will answer, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’
Acts 26:11 I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, and I tried to make them blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.
Romans 14:13 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.
Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.
2 Corinthians 6:3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.
2 Thessalonians 1:6 After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
Acts 9:4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”