Luke 17:2 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.

◄ Luke 17:2 ►

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 hung around his neck and he is thrown into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.

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].

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.

Majority 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.

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.

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 Version
it 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 hung around his neck and he is thrown into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.

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 Bible
It 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 Bible
It 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 Testament
It 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
it is good for him if a millstone is hung around his neck, and he is cast into the sea, rather than that he may offend one of these little ones.

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
It were profitable for him, if a millstone were placed about his neck, and he thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.

Worsley New Testament
It were better for him that a milstone were hung about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to offend.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Temptations and Trespasses
1Jesus 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.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.’

Proverbs 28:10
He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.

Ezekiel 34:18
Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of the pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink the clear waters? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?

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

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…

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Luke 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.

Berean Study Bible

It would be better
The phrase "It would be better" suggests a comparison of outcomes, emphasizing the severity of the consequence. In the Greek, the word "better" (Greek: συμφέρει, sympherei) implies a more advantageous or preferable situation. This sets the tone for the gravity of the warning Jesus is about to give. The use of this phrase underscores the seriousness with which Jesus regards the spiritual well-being of others, particularly the vulnerable.

for him
The pronoun "him" is generic, referring to anyone who might cause harm. It personalizes the warning, making it applicable to each individual. This universality is a reminder that the responsibility to protect and nurture the faith of others is not limited to leaders or teachers but extends to all believers.

to have a millstone hung around his neck
A "millstone" (Greek: μυλικός λίθος, mylikos lithos) refers to a large stone used for grinding grain. In ancient times, millstones were heavy and essential for daily life, symbolizing a significant burden. The imagery of having such a stone "hung around his neck" is vivid and stark, indicating an inescapable and dire consequence. Historically, this method of execution was known in the ancient world, adding a layer of cultural understanding to the severity of the warning.

and to be thrown into the sea
The act of being "thrown into the sea" conveys a sense of finality and hopelessness. In Jewish thought, the sea often represented chaos and destruction. This imagery would resonate with Jesus' audience, highlighting the drastic nature of the punishment. The sea, vast and uncontrollable, serves as a metaphor for the overwhelming consequences of leading others astray.

than to cause
The phrase "than to cause" introduces the alternative, which is deemed worse than the previous scenario. The Greek word for "cause" (Greek: σκανδαλίζω, skandalizō) means to cause to stumble or to lead into sin. This word is the root of the English "scandalize," indicating a serious moral failing. The emphasis here is on the active role one might play in leading others into sin.

one of these little ones
"Little ones" (Greek: μικρός, mikros) can refer to children or those who are young in faith. This term is often used affectionately by Jesus to describe those who are vulnerable or dependent. The phrase underscores the preciousness and value of each believer, especially those who are impressionable or weak. It is a call to protect and nurture the faith of those who are most susceptible to harm.

to stumble
The word "stumble" (Greek: σκανδαλίζω, skandalizō) is repeated, emphasizing the act of causing another to fall into sin or lose faith. In a spiritual context, stumbling implies a disruption in one's walk with God. The repetition of this term highlights the seriousness of the offense and the responsibility of believers to support and uphold one another in their faith journey.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

It would be better
λυσιτελεῖ (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).

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NT Gospels: Luke 17:2 It would be better for him if (Luke Lu Lk)