Luke 17:1
New International Version
Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.

New Living Translation
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting!

English Standard Version
And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!

Berean Standard Bible
Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come!

Berean Literal Bible
And He said to His disciples, "It is impossible for the stumbling blocks not to come, but woe to him by whom they come!

King James Bible
Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

New King James Version
Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!

New American Standard Bible
Now He said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to one through whom they come!

NASB 1995
He said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!

NASB 1977
And He said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks should come, but woe to him through whom they come!

Legacy Standard Bible
Now He said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!

Amplified Bible
Jesus said to His disciples, “Stumbling blocks [temptations and traps set to lure one to sin] are sure to come, but woe (judgment is coming) to him through whom they come!

Christian Standard Bible
He said to his disciples, “Offenses will certainly come, but woe to the one through whom they come!

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He said to His disciples, “Offenses will certainly come, but woe to the one they come through!

American Standard Version
And he said unto his disciples, It is impossible but that occasions of stumbling should come; but woe unto him, through whom they come!

Contemporary English Version
Jesus said to his disciples: There will always be something that causes people to sin. But anyone who causes them to sin is in for trouble. A person who causes even one of my little followers to sin

English Revised Version
And he said unto his disciples, It is impossible but that occasions of stumbling should come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus told his disciples, "Situations that cause people to lose their faith are certain to arise. But how horrible it will be for the person who causes someone to lose his faith!

Good News Translation
Jesus said to his disciples, "Things that make people fall into sin are bound to happen, but how terrible for the one who makes them happen!

International Standard Version
Jesus told his disciples, "It is inevitable that temptations to sin will come, but how terrible it will be for the person through whom they come!

Majority Standard Bible
Jesus said to His disciples, ?It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come!

NET Bible
Jesus said to his disciples, "Stumbling blocks are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!

New Heart English Bible
He said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no occasions of stumbling should come, but woe to him through whom they come.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then he said to the disciples, It is impossible but that causes of sin will come: but woe to him by whom they come!

Weymouth New Testament
Jesus said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that causes of stumbling should come; but alas for him through whom they come!

World English Bible
He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no occasions of stumbling should come, but woe to him through whom they come!
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And He said to the disciples, “It is impossible for the stumbling blocks not to come, but woe [to him] through whom they come;

Berean Literal Bible
And He said to His disciples, "It is impossible for the stumbling blocks not to come, but woe to him by whom they come!

Young's Literal Translation
And he said unto the disciples, 'It is impossible for the stumbling blocks not to come, but woe to him through whom they come;

Smith's Literal Translation
And he said to the disciples, It is impossible there come not causes of offence: and woe, through whom they come!
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
AND he said to his disciples: It is impossible that scandals should not come: but woe to him through whom they come.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said to his disciples: “It is impossible for scandals not to occur. But woe to him through whom they come!

New American Bible
He said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the person through whom they occur.

New Revised Standard Version
Jesus said to his disciples, “Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
AND Jesus said to his disciples, It is impossible but that offences should come; but woe to him by whose hand they come!

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Yeshua said to his disciples, “It is not possible that offenses shall not come, but woe to him by whose hand they shall come.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Then he said to his disciples: It is impossible that causes of offense should not come; but alas for him by whom they come!

Godbey New Testament
And He spoke to His disciples, It is impossible for offenses not to come: but woe unto him, through whom they come;

Haweis New Testament
THEN he said to his disciples, It is impossible that offences should not come; but wo to him through whom they come!

Mace New Testament
Then said Jesus to his disciples, it is impossible but that discouragements should come: but wo to him, who is the occasion of them.

Weymouth New Testament
Jesus said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that causes of stumbling should come; but alas for him through whom they come!

Worrell New Testament
And He said to His disciples, "It is impossible but that occasions of stumbling should come; but woe to him through whom they come!

Worsley New Testament
Then said He to the disciples, It is impossible that offences should not come: but wo to him by whom they come.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Temptations and Trespasses
1 Jesus 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.…

Cross References
Matthew 18:6-7
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. / Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!

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.

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 Corinthians 8:9-13
Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. / For if someone with a weak conscience sees you who are well informed eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols? / So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. ...

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.

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.

1 John 2:10
Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him.

Galatians 5:13
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.

James 3:1-2
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. / We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.

1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,

Ezekiel 3:18-21
If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood. / But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself. / Now if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die in his sin, and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. And I will hold you responsible for his blood. ...

Leviticus 19:14
You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.

Deuteronomy 27:18
‘Cursed is he who lets a blind man wander in the road.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

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.

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

Then said he to the disciples, It is impossible but that offenses will come: but woe to him, through whom they come!

It is.

Matthew 16:23
But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Matthew 18:7
Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Romans 14:13,20,21
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…

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Alas Blocks Bound Cause Causes Disciples Impossible Inevitable Jesus Necessary Occasions Offences Sin Stumbling Sure Temptations Trouble Unhappy Woe
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.














Jesus said to His disciples
This phrase sets the context for the teaching that follows. Jesus, the central figure of the New Testament, is addressing His disciples, those who have committed to following Him and learning from His teachings. The Greek word for "disciples" is "μαθηταί" (mathētai), which means learners or students. This indicates a close, personal relationship where Jesus is imparting wisdom and guidance to those who are dedicated to His mission. Historically, discipleship in the Jewish context involved a deep commitment to the rabbi, suggesting that Jesus' words are meant to be taken seriously and applied diligently.

It is inevitable
The Greek word used here is "ἀνένδεκτον" (anendekton), which conveys the idea of something that cannot be avoided or is bound to happen. This highlights the certainty of the situation Jesus is describing. In a fallen world, the presence of sin and temptation is unavoidable. This inevitability is a reminder of the brokenness of the world and the constant spiritual battle believers face. It calls Christians to be vigilant and prepared, understanding that challenges to their faith are a part of their journey.

that stumbling blocks will come
The term "stumbling blocks" is translated from the Greek word "σκάνδαλα" (skandala), which refers to anything that causes someone to trip or fall, both physically and spiritually. In the biblical context, it often denotes temptations or obstacles that lead believers away from their faith or cause them to sin. Historically, the concept of a stumbling block was well understood in Jewish culture, as it was used metaphorically in the Old Testament to describe anything that led people away from God. This phrase serves as a warning to be aware of the things that can lead one astray and to remain steadfast in faith.

but woe to the one
The word "woe" is a translation of the Greek "οὐαί" (ouai), an expression of grief or denunciation. It is often used in the Bible to pronounce judgment or sorrow upon those who are in opposition to God's will. This phrase indicates a serious warning from Jesus about the consequences of leading others into sin. It underscores the responsibility that individuals have to live righteously and not be a source of temptation or sin for others.

through whom they come
This phrase emphasizes personal accountability. The Greek construction suggests a direct link between the individual and the stumbling block. It is a sobering reminder that believers are called to be examples of Christ-like behavior and to avoid being the cause of spiritual harm to others. In the broader scriptural context, this aligns with teachings on the importance of community and the impact one's actions can have on the faith of others. It calls Christians to reflect on their influence and to strive to be a source of encouragement and strength to those around them.

XVII.

(1) It is impossible but that offences will come.--In this instance, the absence of any apparent connection might, perhaps, justify us in looking on the two precepts as having been noted by St. Luke for their own intrinsic value, without regard to the context in which they had been spoken. (See Notes on Matthew 18:7.) Even here, however, we must remember that there may have been what we have called "dropped links." It is not hard to see that the self-indulgent life, after the pattern of that of the rich man in the preceding parable, was an "offence" which, in one sense, must needs come, in the history of the Christian Church, as it had come in the Jewish, and yet would bring a woe on the man through whom it came.

Verses 1-37. - The Master's teaching on the subject of the injury worked on the souls of others by our sins. The disciples pray for an increase of faith that they may be kept from such sins. The Lord's reply. His little parable on humility. The healing of the ten lepers. The ingratitude of all save one. The question of the Pharisees as to the coming of the kingdom. The Lord's answer, and his teaching respecting the awful suddenness of the advent of the Son of man. Verses 1, 2. - Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come: 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. The thread of connection here is not very obvious, and many expositors are content with regarding this seventeenth chapter as simply containing certain lessons of teaching placed here by St. Luke without regard to anything which preceded or succeeded them in the narrative, these expositors regarding the contents of this chapter as well authenticated sayings of the Master, which were repeated to Luke or Paul without any precise note of time or place, and which appeared to them too important for them to omit in these memoirs of the Divine life. Notwithstanding this deliberate opinion, endorsed by Godet and others, there does seem a clear connection here with the narrative immediately preceding. The Divine Master, while mourning over the sorrowful certainty of offences being committed in the present confused and disordered state of things, yet pronounces a bitter woe on the soul of the man through whose agency the offences were wrought. The "little cues" whom these offences would injure are clearly in this instance not children, although, of course, the words would include the very young, for whom Jesus ever showed the tenderest love; but the reference is clearly to disciples whose faith was only as yet weak and wavering - to men and women who would be easily influenced either for good or evil. The offences, then, especially alluded to were no doubt the worldliness and selfishness of professors of godliness. The sight of these, professedly serving God and all the while serving mammon more earnestly, would bring the very name of God's service into evil odour with some; while with others such conduct would serve as an example to be imitated. The selfish rich man of the great parable just spoken, professedly a religious man, one who evidently prided himself on his descent from Abraham the friend of God, and yet lived as a heartless, selfish sinner, who was eventually condemned for inhumanity, was probably in the Lord's mind when he spoke thus. What fatal injury to the cause of true religion would be caused by one such life as that! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he east into the sea. This was a punishment not unknown among the ancients. The ancient Latin Version, and Marcion in his recension of St. Luke, read here, "It were better for him that he had never been born, or that a millstone." etc. The awful sequel to a life which apparently had given the offence to which the Lord referred, endorses this terrible alternative. Yes; better indeed for him had that evil life been cut short even by such a death of horror as the Master pictures here, when he speaks of the living being cast into the sea bound to a millstone.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[Jesus] said
Εἶπεν (Eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

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.

disciples,
μαθητὰς (mathētas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

“It is
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.

inevitable
Ἀνένδεκτόν (Anendekton)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 418: Impossible, inadmissible. Unadmitted, i.e. not supposable.

that
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

stumbling blocks
σκάνδαλα (skandala)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4625: A snare, stumbling-block, cause for error. Scandal; probably from a derivative of kampto; a trap-stick, i.e. Snare.

will come,
ἐλθεῖν (elthein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

but
πλὴν (plēn)
Conjunction
Strong's 4133: However, nevertheless, but, except that, yet. From pleion; moreover, i.e. Albeit, save that, rather, yet.

woe [ to the one ]
οὐαὶ (ouai)
Interjection
Strong's 3759: Woe!, alas!, uttered in grief or denunciation. A primary exclamation of grief; 'woe'.

through
δι’ (di’)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

whom
οὗ (hou)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

they come!
ἔρχεται (erchetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.


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NT Gospels: Luke 17:1 He said to the disciples It (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 16:31
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