Luke 17:1-2
And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus isn't just stating a fact about bad things happening; he's highlighting the immense gravity of being the source of another's spiritual downfall. The word for "offenses" doesn't just mean a mistake, but a trap or stumbling block—and Jesus declares a profound "woe" on anyone who sets those traps, especially for those with weaker faith.
Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples, warning them about the unavoidable reality of sin and temptation in the world. He emphasizes that while stumbling blocks are sure to arise, the heaviest condemnation falls on those who actively cause others to fall away, particularly the "little ones" whose faith is still developing. This teaching immediately follows Jesus' parable about the rich man and Lazarus, highlighting how a self-centered life can indeed become an "offence" to others.
Jesus doesn't sugarcoat life. He tells his followers that obstacles to faith are a given. But why such a stark warning?
Jesus acknowledges a harsh reality: 'Temptations to sin are sure to come.' This isn't a suggestion; it's a certainty. Given the brokenness of the world and the struggles within our own hearts, encountering things that lead us astray is inevitable.
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Jesus doesn't just point out the problem; he pronounces a severe judgment on those who cause others to fall. What makes this so serious?
The second part of the verse, 'but woe to the one through whom they come!' is incredibly serious. Jesus uses the word 'woe,' which signifies deep sorrow, distress, and divine judgment. This isn't a light reprimand; it's a powerful warning.
Why such a strong statement?
Understand the original words
skandalon · Greek Noun
Refers to anything that lures a person into disobedience, stumbling, or abandoning their faith in God. In the New Testament, it often denotes a snare or a cause for ruin.
ouai · Greek Interjection
An expression of deep distress, grief, or impending judgment. It serves as a prophetic warning of the disastrous consequences awaiting those who persist in wickedness.
mylos onikos · Greek Noun phrase
A heavy, circular stone used for grinding grain. In a metaphorical sense, it represents a weight that ensures drowning, signifying a total and inescapable end.
mikros · Greek Adjective (used as noun)
Refers to those who are vulnerable, whether children in age or believers who are immature or lowly in status. Jesus uses this term to emphasize the spiritual danger of harming those whom God values and protects.
This passage directly parallels Luke 17:1, stating it's better to have a millstone around one's neck than to cause 'one of these little ones who believe in me' to sin.
1 Corinthians 8:13Paul echoes the sentiment of causing others to stumble by declaring he would 'eat no meat as long as the world stands' if it meant not causing a brother to fall.
Romans 14:13This passage encourages believers not to be a stumbling block or a hindrance to another, reinforcing the serious responsibility we have towards each other's faith.
1 Peter 2:8Peter describes those who stumble over Christ, highlighting that the 'offense' is a reality that affects people, often due to disbelief or rejection.
pulpitLuke 17:1: "Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!"
Verses 1-37. - The Master's teaching on the subject of the injury worked on the souls of others by our sins. The disciples pray for an increase of faith that they may be kept from such sins. The Lord's reply. His little parable on humility. The healing of the ten lepers. The ingratitude of all save one. The question of the Pharisees as to the coming of the kingdo…
barnesLuke 17:1: "Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!"
It is impossible - It cannot but happen. Such is the state of things that "it will be." See these verses explained in the notes at Matthew 18:6-7 .
Jesus isn't just stating a fact about bad things happening; he's highlighting the immense gravity of being the source of another's spiritual downfall. The word for "offenses" doesn't just mean a mistake, but a trap or stumbling block—and Jesus declares a profound "woe" on anyone who sets those traps, especially for those with weaker faith.
Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples, warning them about the unavoidable reality of sin and temptation in the world. He emphasizes that while stumbling blocks are sure to arise, the heaviest condemnation falls on those who actively cause others to fall away, particularly the "little ones" whose faith is still developing. This teaching immediately follows Jesus' parable about the rich man and Lazarus, highlighting how a self-centered life can indeed become an "offence" to others.
Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples, warning them about the unavoidable reality of sin and temptation in the world. He emphasizes that while stumbling blocks are sure to arise, the heaviest condemnation falls on those who actively cause others to fall away, particularly the "little ones" whose faith is still developing. This teaching immediately follows Jesus' parable about the rich man and Lazarus, highlighting how a self-centered life can indeed become an "offence" to others.
"And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one…" — Jesus isn't just stating a fact about bad things happening; he's highlighting the immense gravity of being the source of another's spiritual downfall. The word for "offenses" doesn't just mean a mi…
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