Mark 9:42
New International Version
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.

New Living Translation
“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck.

English Standard Version
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
And whoever might cause to stumble one of these little ones believing in Me, it is better for him rather if a heavy millstone is put around his neck, and he has been cast into the sea.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.

New American Standard Bible
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it is better for him if a heavy millstone is hung around his neck and he is thrown into the sea.

NASB 1995
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.

NASB 1977
“And whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.

Legacy Standard Bible
“And whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.

Amplified Bible
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe and trust in Me to stumble [that is, to sin or lose faith], it would be better for him if a heavy millstone [one requiring a donkey’s strength to turn it] were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.

Christian Standard Bible
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away —it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“But whoever causes the downfall of one of these little ones who believe in Me—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.

American Standard Version
And whosoever shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it were better for him if a great millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Contemporary English Version
It will be terrible for people who cause even one of my little followers to sin. Those people would be better off thrown into the ocean with a heavy stone tied around their necks.

English Revised Version
And whosoever shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it were better for him if a great millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"These little ones believe in me. It would be best for the person who causes one of them to lose faith to be thrown into the sea with a large stone hung around his neck.

Good News Translation
"If anyone should cause one of these little ones to lose faith in me, it would be better for that person to have a large millstone tied around the neck and be thrown into the sea.

International Standard Version
"If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a large millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.

Majority Standard Bible
But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea.

NET Bible
"If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a huge millstone tied around his neck and to be thrown into the sea.

New Heart English Bible
Whoever will cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if he was thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around his neck.

Webster's Bible Translation
And whoever shall cause one of these little ones that believe in me, to fall into sin, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Weymouth New Testament
"And whoever shall occasion the fall of one of these little ones who believe, he would be better off if, with a millstone round his neck, he were lying at the bottom of the sea.

World English Bible
“Whoever will cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if he were thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around his neck.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and whoever may cause to stumble one of the little ones believing in Me, better is it for him if a millstone is hanged around his neck, and he has been cast into the sea.

Berean Literal Bible
And whoever might cause to stumble one of these little ones believing in Me, it is better for him rather if a heavy millstone is put around his neck, and he has been cast into the sea.

Young's Literal Translation
and whoever may cause to stumble one of the little ones believing in me, better is it for him if a millstone is hanged about his neck, and he hath been cast into the sea.

Smith's Literal Translation
And whoever should scandalize one of these little ones believing in me, it is good for him rather if a millstone is put about his neck, and he be cast into the sea.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And whosoever shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me; it were better for him that a millstone were hanged around his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And whoever will have scandalized one of these little ones who believe in me: it would be better for him if a great millstone were placed around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.

New American Bible
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe [in me] to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.

New Revised Standard Version
“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And whoever shall cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it were better for him that an ass’ mill stone were hanged on his neck and then he were thrown into the sea.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And everyone who shall subvert one of these little ones who believe in me, it were better for him if a millstone of a donkey were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And whoever will ensnare one of these little ones that believe on me, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.

Godbey New Testament
Whosoever may offend one of these little ones who believe in me, rather is it good for him, if a millstone is hung about his neck, and he may be cast into the sea.

Haweis New Testament
And whosoever shall give occasion of offence to one of these little ones who believe in me, it were desirable for him rather that a milestone were hanged about his neck, and that he were cast into the sea.

Mace New Testament
but if any one shall cause the meanest of those, who believe in me, to transgress, it had been better for him that a milstone were hanged about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.

Weymouth New Testament
"And whoever shall occasion the fall of one of these little ones who believe, he would be better off if, with a millstone round his neck, he were lying at the bottom of the sea.

Worrell New Testament
And whosoever shall cause to stumble one of these little ones, who believe, it were better for him, if a great millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Worsley New Testament
And whosoever shall cause one of these little ones, that believe in me, to offend, it were better for him, if a milstone were laid upon his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Temptations and Trespasses
41Indeed, if anyone gives you even a cup of water because you bear the name of Christ, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward. 42But 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. 43If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two hands and go into hell, into the unquenchable fire.…

Cross References
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.

Luke 17:1-2
Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come! / 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.

Matthew 5:29-30
If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. / And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to depart into hell.

1 Corinthians 8:12-13
By sinning against your brothers in this way and wounding their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. / Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him 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 John 2:10
Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him.

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.

Matthew 25:40
And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’

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 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.

2 Peter 2:1-2
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.

Ezekiel 34:4
You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.

Zechariah 13:7
Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.

Isaiah 57:14
And it will be said, “Build it up, build it up, prepare the way, take every obstacle out of the way of My people.”


Treasury of Scripture

And whoever 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.

offend.

Matthew 18:6,10
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…

Luke 17:1,2
Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! …

Romans 14:13
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

it.

Matthew 25:45,46
Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me…

Acts 9:4
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Acts 26:11-14
And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities…

Jump to Previous
Believe Believing Better Bottom Cast Cause Causes Dropped Faith Fall Great Hanged Heavy Hung Little Millstone Neck Occasion Offend Ones Round Sea Sin Snare Stone Stumble Thrown Trouble
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Believe Believing Better Bottom Cast Cause Causes Dropped Faith Fall Great Hanged Heavy Hung Little Millstone Neck Occasion Offend Ones Round Sea Sin Snare Stone Stumble Thrown Trouble
Mark 9
1. Jesus is transfigured.
11. He instructs his disciples concerning the coming of Elijah;
14. casts forth a deaf and mute spirit;
30. foretells his death and resurrection;
33. exhorts his disciples to humility;
38. bidding them not to prohibit such as are not against them,
42. nor to give offense to any of the faithful.














But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble
This phrase emphasizes the seriousness of leading believers, especially those who are young or new in faith, into sin or away from Christ. The "little ones" can refer to children or those who are humble and dependent in their faith. The concept of causing someone to "stumble" is a metaphor for leading them into sin or causing them to fall away from their faith. This warning reflects the protective nature of Jesus towards His followers and highlights the responsibility of believers to nurture and support one another in faith. The idea of stumbling is also seen in other scriptures, such as Romans 14:13, where believers are urged not to put a stumbling block in a brother's way.

it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck
The imagery of a millstone is significant. In ancient times, a millstone was a large, heavy stone used for grinding grain. The "large millstone" mentioned here refers to the upper stone, which was particularly heavy and required a donkey to turn it. This metaphor illustrates the severity of the punishment for causing a believer to stumble. The use of such a vivid image underscores the gravity of the offense. The millstone is a symbol of an unbearable burden, suggesting that the consequences of leading others into sin are dire.

and to be thrown into the sea
Being thrown into the sea with a millstone around one's neck implies a certain and inescapable death. In the Jewish context, the sea was often seen as a place of chaos and destruction. This imagery conveys the seriousness of the sin and the judgment that follows. The sea, in biblical literature, can symbolize judgment and separation from God, as seen in the story of Jonah or the casting of the Egyptian army into the Red Sea. This phrase serves as a stark warning about the eternal consequences of leading others away from faith in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, emphasizing the seriousness of leading believers astray.

2. Little Ones
Refers to believers, particularly those who are young or new in faith, highlighting their vulnerability.

3. Millstone
A large, heavy stone used for grinding grain, symbolizing the severe consequences of causing others to stumble.

4. The Sea
Represents a place of judgment and destruction, illustrating the gravity of the offense.

5. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus, who are being taught about the importance of nurturing and protecting fellow believers.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Influence
Believers must recognize the profound impact their actions and words can have on others, especially those new in faith.

Guarding Against Stumbling Blocks
We are called to be vigilant in our conduct, ensuring that we do not become a source of temptation or doubt for others.

The Value of Every Believer
Jesus underscores the worth of each believer, urging us to protect and nurture their faith.

Accountability and Consequences
The imagery of the millstone serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of leading others into sin.

Encouragement and Support
We should actively seek to build up and encourage fellow believers, fostering an environment of spiritual growth and support.(42-48) Whosoever shall offend.--See Notes on Matthew 18:6-9. The verbal, or all but verbal, reproduction of these verses indicates the impression which they had made on the disciples. It may be noted, however, that St. Mark omits the "Woe unto the world because of offences . . .," which we find in St. Matthew, and that the emphatic thrice-repeated words, "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched," are found only in St. Mark. It should be noted, however, that in Mark 9:43; Mark 9:45 the words "into the fire that never shall be quenched" are omitted in some of the best MSS., and that the same MSS., and others, omit both Mark 9:44; Mark 9:46, leaving Mark 9:48 to stand as the only description of Gehenna. . . . Verse 42. - This verse stands out as the severe antithesis to what has gone before. As he who receives and encourages Christ's little ones and those who are like little children and believe in him, receives him, and so shall receive from him the glorious rewards of Heaven; so, on the contrary, whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in Christ is guilty of deadly sin; and it were better for him if a great millstone (μύλος ὀνικός) - literally, a millstone so large as to require to be turned by an ass - were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Whoever
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

causes
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).

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).

who
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

believe
πιστευόντων (pisteuontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Me {to stumble},
ἐμέ (eme)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

it would be
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

better
καλόν (kalon)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

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 large
ὀνικὸς (onikos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3684: Pertaining to an ass. From onos; belonging to a ass, i.e. Large.

millstone
μύλος (mylos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3458: A millstone, mill. Probably ultimately from the base of molis; a 'mill', i.e., a grinder.

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
βέβληται (beblētai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 906: (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.

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.


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NT Gospels: Mark 9:42 Whoever will cause one of these little (Mar Mk Mr)
Mark 9:41
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