Mark 9:42 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Causing one of these little ones who believe in Jesus to stumble is worse than being thrown into the sea with a millstone about the neck.
What Does Mark 9:42 Mean?
The warning is the embrace of verse 36 turned protective: whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Jesus to stumble, it would be better for him to be cast into the sea with a millstone, the great stone turned by a donkey, hung about his neck. Better that irreversible end, Jesus says, than what such harm deserves.
Heaven is fiercely protective of small and vulnerable believers. To damage a little one's trust in Christ, by cruelty, contempt, or corrupting example, is among the gravest sins the Gospels name. The word is both warning and comfort: warning to handle young faith with awe, and comfort that the Lord Himself stands guard over the least of those who believe in Him.
Mark 9:42 in the Original Language
skandalizo (σκανδαλίζω), 'offend' -- to cause to stumble, to trip another into sin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark 9:42
What does Mark 9:42 mean?
Causing one of these little ones who believe in Jesus to stumble is worse than being thrown into the sea with a millstone about the neck.