FocusHumility and protective care
Connection to the wholeJesus answers the question of greatness with humility, warnings against causing offense, and the Father's care for the wandering little one.
interpretation Matthew 18:6
KJVBut 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.
Read it in context
The little ones
Start reading at Matthew 18:1 (Matthew 18:1 to Matthew 18:14).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus answers the question of greatness with humility, warnings against causing offense, and the Father's care for the wandering little one.
- 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
- 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
- 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
- 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
- 18:5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
- 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.
- 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
- 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
- 18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
- 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
- 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
- 18:12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
- 18:13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
- 18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 18:1–18:35): Jesus addresses His disciples about greatness, care for the little ones, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Peter asks the question that introduces the final parable. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The little ones. Read Matthew 18:1 through Matthew 18:14 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus answers the question of greatness with humility, warnings against causing offense, and the Father's care for the wandering little one. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The little ones (Matthew 18:1 to Matthew 18:14). Start reading at Matthew 18:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 18:1, Matthew 18:14, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Related passages
- offend Ps 105:15 Zech 2:8 Mark 9:42 Luke 17:1-2 Acts 9:5 Rom 14:13-15,21 Rom 15:1-3 1 Cor 8:9-13
- little Matt 18:10,14 Zech 13:7 Luke 17:2
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 18
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Dealing with an offending brother
Matthew 18:15–20FocusCorrection and restoration
Connection to the wholeInstructions for addressing sin describe a process involving the brother and, if necessary, the church rather than private vengeance.
interpretation Forgiveness from the heart
Matthew 18:21–35FocusMercy received and extended
Connection to the wholePeter's question and the unforgiving servant connect the community's conduct to the mercy its members have received.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.