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.

MARK 9:42KJV
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Mark 9:42 (KJV)

What does Mark 9:42 mean?

Mark 9:42 warns that causing harm or leading astray those who trust in Jesus—especially those considered "little ones" or vulnerable believers—is a very serious offense. Jesus says it would be better for such a person to face a harsh fate, like having a heavy millstone tied around their neck and being thrown into the sea, than to cause one of these believers to stumble.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, teaching them about the seriousness of their influence on others, especially those who are new or childlike in faith. The verse uses strong imagery to stress how much Jesus values the spiritual well-being of every believer, no matter how small or insignificant they might seem. The warning is not just about physical harm, but about anything that might cause someone to lose faith or turn away from following Jesus.

The Greek behind Mark 9:42

  • The word "offend" is σκανδαλίσῃ (skandalizē), which means to cause someone to stumble, fall into sin, or lose faith. This highlights that Jesus is talking about spiritual harm, not just physical.
  • The phrase "little ones" uses the Greek word μικρῶν (mikron), meaning small or insignificant. This shows Jesus is especially concerned about those who might be overlooked or considered unimportant.
  • The word for "millstone" is μύλος ὀνικός (mylos onikos), referring to a large stone turned by a donkey, not just a small hand mill. This emphasizes the severity of the warning—this is a punishment meant to be shocking and final.
  • The verb "believe" is πιστευόντων (pisteuontōn), which means to trust or have faith in Jesus. The focus is on those who are actively putting their faith in Him, not just children by age.

Why Mark 9:42 matters

  • Mark 9:42 makes clear that Jesus takes the spiritual care of all believers seriously, especially those who are vulnerable or easily influenced.
  • The verse warns leaders and anyone with influence that their actions can have deep spiritual consequences for others, not just themselves.
  • This teaching connects to the wider passage, where Jesus is instructing His disciples about humility, service, and the dangers of pride or causing division among His followers.

Where else these words appear

“hanged” Greek G4029 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 17:2 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.
  • Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
  • Hebrews 5:2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

“neck” Greek G5137 · used in 7 verses

  • 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.
  • Luke 17:2 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.
  • Acts 20:37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

“offend” Greek G4624 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Matthew 18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
  • Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

“ones” Greek G3398 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
  • Luke 9:48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
  • Hebrews 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.