Matthew Chapter 18, Verse 6
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6: ος δ αν σκανδαλιση ενα των μικρων τουτων των πιστευοντων εις εμε συμφερει αυτω ινα κρεμασθη μυλος ονικος επι τον τραχηλον αυτου και καταποντισθη εν τω πελαγει της θαλασσης
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.
6: But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe
in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about
his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Whoso shall offend. That is, cause to fall, or to sin; or who should place anything in their way to hinder their piety or happiness; See Barnes "Mt 5:29".
These little ones. That is, Christians, manifesting the spirit of little children, 1Jn 2:1, 1Jn 2:12,18,28.
It were better for him that a millstone, etc. Mills anciently were either turned by hand, See Barnes "Mt 24:41"
or by beasts, chiefly by mules. These were of the larger kind; and the original words denote that it was this kind that was intended. This was one mode of capital punishment practised by the Greeks, Syrians, Romans, and by some other surrounding nations. The meaning is, it would be better for him to die before he had committed the sin. To injure, or to cause to sin, the feeblest Christian, will be regarded as a most serious offence, and will be punished accordingly.
