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 · King James Version
Meaning
Jesus is emphasizing the importance of protecting and caring for the vulnerable and innocent in this verse. By referring to "these little ones which believe in me," he is likely speaking about children or those who are spiritually young and in need of guidance. The consequences mentioned in the verse are severe, showing the seriousness of causing harm to such individuals. The imagery of a millstone being hung around someone's neck and them being drowned in the sea highlights the grave nature of the offense. It suggests that those who harm or lead astray those who trust in Jesus will face severe punishment. This verse serves as a reminder to treat others with kindness, especially those who are impressionable or easily influenced. It is a call to protect and nurture the faith of those who look to Jesus for guidance, rather than causing harm or leading them astray.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Jesus issues a severe warning to those who would harm or lead astray young believers. The phrase "offend one of these little ones" can be interpreted as causing harm or stumbling blocks to someone who is young in their faith or vulnerable. Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of such actions by stating that it would be better for the offender to have a millstone hung around their neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. This imagery reinforces the idea of the gravity of causing harm to those who are innocent or new in their belief. It serves as a strong reminder of the responsibility believers have to protect, nurture, and support the young and vulnerable in the faith community. The theological implications of this verse underline the importance of showing love, care, and respect towards all members of the body of Christ, especially those who may be most in need of guidance and protection.
Matthew 18:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
But whoso shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it is profitable for him that a great millstone should be hanged about his neck, and [that] he should be sunk in the depth of the sea.
World English Bible
but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea.
Douay-Rheims
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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But whosoeuer shall offend one of these litle ones which beleeue in me, it were better for him, that a milstone were hanged about his necke, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.