Lexical Summary mulos: mill, millstone Original Word: μύλος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance millstone. Probably ultimately from the base of molis (through the idea of hardship); a "mill", i.e. (by implication), a grinder (millstone) -- millstone. see GREEK molis HELPS Word-studies 3458 mýlos – a hand-mill used for grinding grain with a stationary, lower stone, ground against an upper stone that was turned. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as mulikos Definition a mill, a millstone NASB Translation mill (2), millstone (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3458: μύλοςμύλος, μύλου, ὁ ((Latinmola; English mill, meal)); 1. a mill-stone ((Anthol. etc.)): Revelation 18:21 (L WH μύλινος, which see); μύλος ὀνικός, Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42 L T Tr WH; Luke 17:2 Rec.; a large mill consisted of two stones, an upper and an under one; the nether stone was stationary, but the upper one was turned by an ass, whence the name μύλος ὀνικός. 2. equivalent to μύλη, a mill ((Diodorus, Strabo, Plutarch)): Matthew 24:41 L T Tr WH; φωνή μύλου, the noise made by a mill, Revelation 18:22. A μύλος is a millstone, the heavy circular stone used in antiquity for grinding grain. Households typically used a smaller hand-stone rotated upon a lower base, whereas larger communities and estates employed “upper” stones turned by donkeys (Matthew 24:41). A single millstone could weigh hundreds of pounds; together the paired stones were indispensable for daily bread yet formidable in size and strength—facts that energize the metaphorical force of the word in Scripture. Old Testament Background Millstones were part of Israel’s ordinary economy (Deuteronomy 24:6) and appear in narratives of warfare and judgment (Judges 9:53; Isaiah 47:2). Their indispensability for sustenance made them protected under the Law, while their weight made them fitting instruments of sudden destruction, themes that the New Testament continues. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Matthew 18:6 — warning against causing believers (“little ones”) to stumble. Symbolism of Judgment Because a millstone is both essential and immovable, it becomes a vivid emblem of irreversible judgment. In Matthew 18:6 and Mark 9:42, drowning with a millstone tied to the neck pictures an irrevocable end that even human courts did not prescribe, underscoring the gravity of leading believers astray. Revelation 18:21 draws on the same severity; Babylon’s demise is as certain and permanent as a millstone sunk in the sea. Millstone and Discipleship Accountability Jesus employs the image to safeguard vulnerable believers. The warning is not hyperbole but pastoral protection: “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” (Matthew 18:6). Gospel ministry must therefore cultivate an environment in which the young in faith are nurtured rather than hindered, for the consequence of negligence or scandal is portrayed as worse than violent death. Domestic Life versus Eschatological Ruin Matthew 24:41 situates the millstone within ordinary household labor: “Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left”. The same implement that speaks of daily provision also frames sudden eschatological division. Revelation takes the domestic sound of grinding and turns its silencing into a sign of cosmic judgment (Revelation 18:22). Thus Scripture juxtaposes mundane rhythms with divine intervention, reminding believers that final realities break into ordinary moments. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Guard the flock: Leaders must avoid any influence that precipitates stumbling; the millstone warning establishes a red line for pastoral integrity. Christological and Eschatological Connections Jesus, the Bread of Life, references the very tool that produces literal bread, pointing to Himself as the protector and judge of His people. The final millstone judgment in Revelation echoes His earlier warnings, revealing a consistent thread from the earthly ministry of Christ to the consummation of history: those who harm His followers or cling to worldly power will face unrelenting judgment, while those engaged in humble faithfulness amid ordinary tasks will be vindicated. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 18:6 N-NMSGRK: ἵνα κρεμασθῇ μύλος ὀνικὸς περὶ NAS: for him to have a heavy millstone hung KJV: that a millstone were hanged INT: that should be hung a millstone heavy upon Matthew 24:41 N-DMS Mark 9:42 N-NMS Revelation 18:21 Adj-AMS Revelation 18:22 N-GMS Strong's Greek 3458 |
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