What the Bible says
“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.”
Matthew 18:6 (KJV)
“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:3 (KJV)
“Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.”
Matthew 18:14 (KJV)
A child in the middle
The disciples had asked who was greatest in the kingdom. Jesus set a little child among them and said that unless they became like children they would not enter the kingdom at all. Then came the warning about the millstone — a huge stone turned by a donkey to grind grain.
Who are the 'little ones'?
The phrase includes children, and also every humble believer who trusts him. To 'offend' them in the KJV means to cause them to stumble — to lead them into sin, to crush their faith or to harm them. Jesus says such harm is worse than a terrible death.
The heart of the Shepherd
The same chapter tells of a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one that went astray. The warning and the parable come from the same heart. Jesus is gentle with the weak and fierce toward those who would harm them.
Common questions
What is a millstone?
A large, heavy stone used to grind grain, often turned by an animal. Being drowned with one tied on meant certain death.
Who are the 'little ones' in Matthew 18?
Children and humble believers who trust Jesus. He warns against causing any of them to stumble.