Lesson 5158

(Lesson 5158)(03-17-26) 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.” 

 

   Today’s quote warns that anyone who causes a "little one", who believes in Christ, to stumble or sin would be better off drowned in the sea with a heavy millstone hung around their neck. The word translated as "offend” in today’s quote is the Greek verb skandsalizo" which describes a specific, irreversible process of entrapment. It is derived from the Greek word skandalon, which originally referred to the trigger-stick of a trap (like a figure 4). When the animal touches the skandalon, the trap is sprung and the animal is caught. In the context of Matthew 18:6, the word “offend” doesn't mean "to make someone feel hurt or insulted." Rather, it means to set a trap or lay a snare that causes a believer to trip, stumble, or be lured away from their foundation of faith. ~