Mark 9:42 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) And whoever causes one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of the Lord. See Matt. 18:6] who believes in me to be led astray [from God], he would have been better off to have had a huge millstone tied around his neck and thrown into the ocean [Note: This was a heavy, circular stone rolled over grain to crush it, and moved by an animal walking in a circle]. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 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. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition And whoever causes one of these little ones (these believers) who acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin, it would be better (more profitable and wholesome) for him if a [huge] millstone were hung about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. American Standard Version (1901) And whosoever shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it were better for him if a great millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. Common English Bible “As for whoever causes these little ones who believe in me to trip and fall into sin, it would be better for them to have a huge stone hung around their necks and to be thrown into the lake. Catholic Public Domain Version And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off: it is better for you to enter into life disabled, than having two hands to go into Hell, into the unquenchable fire, Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version And if thy hand scandalize thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life, maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into unquenchable fire: |
But, so that we do not become a hindrance to these [tax collectors], go to the lake and cast in your hook [and line]. Then take the first fish [you catch], open its mouth and you will find a coin [i.e., worth twice the amount of an individual’s Temple tax assessment]. Take it and give it [to the tax collectors] for you and me.”
Make sure you do not look down on any one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of Christ]. For I tell you, their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
But that person who causes one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of the Lord] who believes in me to be led astray [from God], he would have been better off to have had a huge millstone tied around his neck and been dumped into a deep ocean [Note: This “millstone” was a heavy circular stone rolled over grain to crush it and was moved by an animal walking in a circle].
He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
So, we should stop judging one another any more. But instead, you people should determine not to put anything in your brother’s way [to cause him] to trip or fall [away from God].
But, as it is written [Isa. 52:15], “Those people who had not been told about Him will see [the truth], and those who have not heard [the message] will understand [it].” [Note: Paul here applies a Messianic prediction to his ambition of doing pioneer evangelism].
Now I urge you, brothers, watch out for those who are causing divisions and occasions for falling [away from God over matters] contrary to the teaching you have learned, and withdraw from them [i.e., stop listening to their false teaching].
[We try] not to place an obstacle in anyone’s way [i.e., to keep them from accepting the Gospel message], so that our ministry would not be blamed.
Then you will be able to approve of [only] what is best and be sincere and without just blame on the day of Christ’s [return],
Therefore, I want the younger widows to get married, have children and manage their homes, so that they do not give the enemy [i.e., non-Christians] an opportunity for speaking against [the church].
And many people will follow their unrestrained, indecent conduct, which will result in the true way [of God] being spoken against.