New International Version It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. New Living Translation It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin. English Standard Version It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Berean Standard Bible It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Berean Literal Bible It is better for him if a millstone is put around his neck and he is thrown into the sea than that he might cause to stumble one of these little ones. King James Bible It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. New King James Version It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. New American Standard Bible It is better for him if a millstone is hung around his neck and he is thrown into the sea, than that he may cause one of these little ones to sin. NASB 1995 “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble. NASB 1977 “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. Legacy Standard Bible It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble. Amplified Bible It would be better for him if a millstone [as large as one turned by a donkey] were hung around his neck and he were hurled into the sea, than for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble [in sin and lose faith]. Berean Annotated Bible It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Christian Standard Bible It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Holman Christian Standard Bible It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble. American Standard Version It were well for him if a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. Contemporary English Version would be better off thrown into the ocean with a heavy stone tied around their neck. English Revised Version It were well for him if a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. GOD'S WORD® Translation It would be best for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large stone hung around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to lose his faith. Good News Translation It would be better for him if a large millstone were tied around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. International Standard Version It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. NET Bible It would be better for him to have a millstone tied around his neck and be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. New Heart English Bible It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. Webster's Bible Translation It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to fall into sin. Weymouth New Testament It would be well for him if, with a millstone round his neck, he were lying at the bottom of the sea, rather than that he should cause even one of these little ones to fall. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIt would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. World English Bible It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionit is more profitable to him if a weighty millstone is put around his neck, and he has been cast into the sea, than that he may cause one of these little ones to stumble. Berean Literal Bible It is better for him if a millstone is put around his neck and he is thrown into the sea than that he might cause to stumble one of these little ones. Young's Literal Translation it is more profitable to him if a weighty millstone is put round about his neck, and he hath been cast into the sea, than that he may cause one of these little ones to stumble. Smith's Literal Translation It is profitable to him if the millstone of an ass were placed about his neck, and he cast into the sea, rather than he should offend one of these little ones. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIt were better for him, that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should scandalize one of these little ones. Catholic Public Domain Version It would be better for him if a millstone were placed around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than to lead astray one of these little ones. New American Bible It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. New Revised Standard Version It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIt were better for him that an ass’ millstone were hanged on his neck, and he thrown into the sea, than cause one of these little ones to stumble. Aramaic Bible in Plain English “It were better for him if the millstone of a donkey were hung on his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he would subvert one of these little ones.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentIt would be better for him that a millstone were hung about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament It would be advantageous for him, if a milstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea, rather than offend one of these little ones. Mace New Testament it were better for him that a milstone were hang'd about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should occasion any innocent person to relapse. Weymouth New Testament It would be well for him if, with a millstone round his neck, he were lying at the bottom of the sea, rather than that he should cause even one of these little ones to fall. Worrell New Testament Worsley New Testament Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Temptations and Trespasses1Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.… Cross References It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck 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. 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. and to be thrown into the sea Jonah 1:15 Then they picked up Jonah and cast him into the sea, and the raging sea grew calm. Exodus 15:4 Pharaoh’s chariots and army He has cast into the sea; the finest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea. Revelation 18:21 Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again. than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 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. 1 Corinthians 8:9 Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 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 5:19 So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 1 Corinthians 8:12 By sinning against your brothers in this way and wounding their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 1 John 2:10 Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 1 Corinthians 10:32 Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God— Romans 14:21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble. 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 Peter 2:8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed. Treasury of Scripture It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. better. 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 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Mark 9:42 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. one. Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Zechariah 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. Matthew 18:3-5,10,14 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven… Jump to Previous Better Bottom Cast Cause Dropped Fall Great Hanged Hung Little Millstone Neck Offend Ones Profitable Rather Round Sea Sin Stone Stumble Thrown Tied Trouble WeightyJump to Next Better Bottom Cast Cause Dropped Fall Great Hanged Hung Little Millstone Neck Offend Ones Profitable Rather Round Sea Sin Stone Stumble Thrown Tied Trouble WeightyLuke 17 1. Jesus teaches to avoid occasions of offense;3. and to forgive one another. 5. The power of faith. 6. How we are bound to God. 11. Jesus heals ten lepers. 22. Of the kingdom of God, and the coming of the Son of Man. It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck A millstone was a massive stone used to grind grain, and fastening one to a person’s neck pictured a hopeless death. Jesus used this severe image to show the dreadful judgment awaiting anyone who deliberately leads others into sin. Mrk 9:42 But if anyone causes one of these little ones… and to be thrown into the sea Drowning beneath such a weight would be certain and inescapable. The sea, often feared in Jewish thought as a place of danger, chaos, and uncertainty, heightens the picture of irreversible judgment. Jon 1:15 Then they picked up Jonah and cast him into the sea,… than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. The little ones are believers who are humble, immature in faith, or especially vulnerable to spiritual harm. To cause them to stumble is to entice, pressure, or influence them toward sin or unbelief. Jesus warns that those who misuse their influence against such people answer to God for the damage they cause. Rom 14:13 Therefore let us stop judging one another.… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, offering a stern warning about causing others to sin. 2. Little Ones Refers to believers, particularly those who are young in faith or vulnerable. 3. Millstone A large, heavy stone used for grinding grain, symbolizing a severe consequence. 4. Sea Represents a place of judgment or destruction in this context. 5. Stumbling A metaphor for leading someone into sin or causing them to fall away from faith. Teaching Points The Seriousness of SinJesus uses strong imagery to convey the gravity of leading others into sin. This underscores the importance of living a life that reflects Christ's teachings. Responsibility to Fellow Believers As members of the body of Christ, we have a duty to support and uplift one another, ensuring our actions do not cause others to falter in their faith. Guarding Our Influence We must be mindful of how our words and actions impact others, especially those who are new or vulnerable in their faith journey. Accountability This passage calls for self-examination and accountability within the Christian community to prevent causing others to stumble. The Weight of Leadership Those in positions of influence or leadership within the church bear a significant responsibility to guide others rightly and avoid leading them into sin. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Luke 17:2?2. What does Luke 17:2 teach about the seriousness of causing others to sin? 3. How can we ensure our actions don't lead others into sin, per Luke 17:2? 4. How does Luke 17:2 connect with Matthew 18:6 on causing others to stumble? 5. What practical steps can we take to protect others from sin, as taught in Luke 17:2? 6. How does understanding Luke 17:2 influence our responsibility towards younger believers? 7. What does Luke 17:2 imply about the severity of leading others into sin? 8. How does Luke 17:2 reflect on personal responsibility within the Christian community? 9. Why does Jesus use such a harsh metaphor in Luke 17:2? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 17? (2) It were batter for him . . .--See Note on Matthew 18:6, where the order of the two sayings is inverted. Assuming the words to have been repeated where we find them here, the "little ones" must mean the disciples of Christ who are, in both senses of the word "offended" by the worldliness of those who profess to be religious. They are made to stumble by the temptation to follow the bad example, or their faith in the reality of godliness is shaken by seeing that the form exists without the power.Jesus declares that ruining a child’s or young believer’s faith invites judgment worse than a horrific drowning. The graphic language underscores God’s deep love for the vulnerable and His intolerance of spiritual sabotage. Better to lose everything in this life than to face the Lord after causing even one “little one” to fall. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek It would be betterλυσιτελεῖ (lysitelei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3081: It is advantageous to, it profits. for him αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. to have εἰ (ei) Conjunction Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. a millstone λίθος (lithos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3037: A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone. hung περίκειται (perikeitai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 4029: From peri and keimai; to lie all around, i.e. Inclose, encircle, hamper. around περὶ (peri) Preposition Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. neck τράχηλον (trachēlon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 5137: The neck. Probably from trecho; the throat, i.e. life. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. to be thrown ἔρριπται (erriptai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 4496: A primary verb; to fling (see in ekteino), which indicates an extended projection); by qualification, to deposit; by extension, to disperse. into εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sea θάλασσαν (thalassan) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 2281: Probably prolonged from hals; the sea. than ἢ (ē) Conjunction Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. {to cause} ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. one ἕνα (hena) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. of these τούτων (toutōn) Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. little [ones] μικρῶν (mikrōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3398: Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity). to stumble. σκανδαλίσῃ (skandalisē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 4624: From skandalon; to entrap, i.e. Trip up (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure). Additonal Resources Luke 17:2 Blue Letter BibleLuke 17:2 Bible Gateway Luke 17:2 Bible.com Luke 17:2 NIV |
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