Luke 17:2

It would be better for them if they had been flung into the sea with a millstone round their neck, rather than that they should cause even one of these little ones to stumble.

Open English Bible (UK)

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

1Jesus said to his disciples, ‘It is inevitable that there should be temptations but sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting!

3Be on your guard! If your brother or sister does wrong, rebuke them; but if they repent, forgive them.

Read all of Luke 17

Cross References

Zechariah 13:7Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands near to me, says the Lord of hosts. I will strike the shepherd so that the sheep may be scattered, I will turn my hand against the little ones.

Matthew 18:10Beware of despising one of these little ones, for in heaven, I tell you, their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 26:24True, the Son of Man must go, as scripture says of him, yet alas for that man by whom the Son of Man is being betrayed! For that man it would be better never to have been born!’

John 21:15When breakfast was over, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than the others?’ ‘Yes, Master,’ he answered, ‘you know that I am your friend.’ ‘Feed my lambs,’ said Jesus.

1 Corinthians 9:15I, however, have not availed myself of any of these rights. I am not saying this to secure such an arrangement for myself; indeed, I would far rather die – Nobody will make my boast a vain one!

2 Peter 2:1But there were false prophets also in the nation, just as there will be false teachers among you, people who will secretly introduce ruinous divisions, disowning even the Lord who bought them, and bringing speedy ruin on themselves.

Matthew Henry on Luke 17:2-11

The Treatment of Offences. 1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 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. 3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Luke 17:2