Matthew 18:6
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.
Matthew 18:6
This verse sits within Jesus’ teaching on humility, care for “these little ones,” and the seriousness of causing others to stumble in faith. In the open-air teaching, Jesus often centers the vulnerable—children, newcomers, depending believers—as the standard for understanding the kingdom. Here, “little ones” can refer to children, but more broadly to those who are new in the faith or spiritually vulnerable. The language of “offend” (skandalizō) means to cause to stumble, to lead astray, or to entrap in sin. The image of a millstone tied around the offender’s neck is shockingly graphic, underscoring that harming a disciple or leading someone to abandon faith incurs a severe penalty. Culturally, millstones were heavy stones for grinding grain; binding one around a person’s neck and casting them into the sea conveys irreversible harm and justice. The larger context in Matthew 18 moves from discipline within the community to the parable of the lost sheep, highlighting God’s priority for faithful, vulnerable members.
This verse emphasizes the sacred value of every believer, especially the vulnerable. It reveals God’s protective stance toward those who trust Jesus and warns against corrupting influence—whether through mistreatment, cynicism, or exploitative teaching. The severity of the punishment matches the gravity of scandalous spiritual harm. It also points to communal responsibility: believers are accountable for their words and actions toward others. The verse aligns with a theology of grace and judgment—God’s different handling of offense versus offense-tolerant culture; God will not overlook predatory behavior within the community. The underlying themes include accountability, mercy toward the vulnerable, and the seriousness of leading others astray from the gospel.
Exercising care with how we treat newcomers or fragile believers matters. Some practical examples:
- If you’re a church leader, implement transparent discernment and mentoring that protects novices from manipulative rhetoric or harsh judgment.
- If you’re a longtime Christian, examine how your comments, lifestyle, or online interactions may discourage someone exploring faith. Avoid sarcasm, “insider” jokes that alienate newcomers, or dismissive attitudes toward questions.
- Parents and mentors should model humility, making space for doubts while gently guiding toward truth.
- If you witness someone harming a child or vulnerable person emotionally or spiritually, respond with protection and accountability, not indifference.
The core call is to steward influence carefully, avoiding any behavior that would lead someone away from Jesus. The grace offered in this passage invites compassion and responsibility in equal measure.
Cross-References
- Mark 9:42
- Luke 17:2
- James 3:16
- 1 Corinthians 8:9-13
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14