THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 18 - Verse 6

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; See Barnes "Mt 5:29".

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

It were better for him that a millstone, etc. Mills anciently were either turned by hand, See Barnes "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" Mr 9:42; Lu 17:1,2