Mat 18:6-7, Mar 9:42 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 6. Whoso shall offend . That is, cause to fall, or to sin; or who should place anything in their way to hinder their piety or happiness; . These little ones . That is, Christians, manifesting the spirit of little children, . It were better for him that a millstone , etc. Mills anciently were either turned by hand, or by beasts, chiefly by mules . These were of the larger kind; and the original words denote that it was this kind that was intended. This was one mode of capital punishment practised by the Greeks, Syrians, Romans, and by some other surrounding nations. The meaning is, it would be better for him to die before he had committed the sin. To injure, or to cause to sin, the feeblest Christian, will be regarded as a most serious offence, and will be punished accordingly. (z) "shall offend"

Matthew 18:6-7

Verse 6. Whoso shall offend. That is, cause to fall, or to sin; or who should place anything in their way to hinder their piety or happiness; Mt 5:29.

These little ones. That is, Christians, manifesting the spirit of little children, 1Jn 2:1,12,18,28.

It were better for him that a millstone, etc. Mills anciently were either turned by hand, Mt 24:41 or by beasts, chiefly by mules. These were of the larger kind; and the original words denote that it was this kind that was intended. This was one mode of capital punishment practised by the Greeks, Syrians, Romans, and by some other surrounding nations. The meaning is, it would be better for him to die before he had committed the sin. To injure, or to cause to sin, the feeblest Christian, will be regarded as a most serious offence, and will be punished accordingly.

(z) "shall offend" Mk 9:42, Lk 17:1,2 Verse 7. Woe unto the world because of offences. That is, offences will be the cause of woe, or of suffering. Offences, here, mean things that will produce sin; that will cause us to sin, or temptations to induce others to sin. Mt 5:29.

It must needs be, etc. That is, such is the depravity of man, that there will be always some attempting to make others sin; some men of wickedness endeavouring to lead Christians astray, and rejoicing when they have succeeded in causing them to fall. Such, also, is the strength of our native corruption, and the force of passion, that our besetting sins will lead us astray.

Woe to that man by whom the offence cometh. He who draws others into sin is awfully guilty. No man can be more guilty, life wickedness can be more deeply seated in the heart, than that which attempts to mar the peace, defile the purity, and destroy the souls of others. And yet, in all ages, there have been multitudes, who, by persecution, threats, arts, allurements, and persuasion, have endeavoured to seduce Christians from the faith, and to lead them into sin.

(a) "for it must" 1Cor 11:19, Jude 1:4 (b) "but woe" Jude 1:11

Mark 9:42

Verses 42-50. See Mt 18:7-9. Millstone. See Mt 18:6.