Luke 17:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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.

NIV: It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.

NASB: It is better for him if a millstone is hung around his neck and he is thrown into the sea, than that he may cause one of these little ones to sin.

CSB: It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble.

NLT: It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

In the early verses of this chapter, Luke seems to collect off-the-cuff opinions about Jesus' varied lessons, combining them to show how believers should interact with Jesus and those they teach. Jesus is instructing a larger group of disciples and future church leaders.

In Luke 17:1–3, Jesus warns His disciples that they must not teach in a way that leads others into sin. The Greek says it would be a "better deal," as if it were a negotiation, to drown. Jesus tells them, "Pay attention to yourselves!" (Luke 17:3).

Material resembling Luke 17:1–2 is found in Matthew 18:6–7 and Mark 9:42, both of which place a related warning in larger teachings on personal sin. Both Matthew and Mark go straight into the teaching on ridding oneself of those things that cause personal temptation—that is, cutting off your hand or foot or tearing out your eye if they lead you to sin (Matthew 18:8–9; Mark 9:43–47).

Luke, however, emphasizes the responsibilities of leadership. As leaders in the church, the disciples will need to protect others—children as well as adults—from false teaching and committing sin, forgive others' sin against them, rely on God's power, and serve with radical humility (Luke 17:3–10).

A millstone is a large, thick, disk-like stone for grain grinding; these required strong animals such as oxen or donkeys just to roll. There were different sizes and weights, but any of them would be enough to drown a person.

Luke 17:1–4 records Jesus' comments about sin from three different angles. First is our responsibility not to teach something leading others astray. Second is our responsibility to confront others with their sin. Third is our responsibility to forgive those who repent of their sin. These topics are also covered in Matthew 18:7, 15–22 and Mark 9:42. Luke completes this section of teachings on kingdom living with Jesus' words about the power of faith and our humble position before God (Luke 17:5–10).

In his gospel, Luke has often arranged events by theme rather than by strict time order. That seems likely here with a series of teachings about living as Christ followers and ambassadors of God. Christians ought to be careful not to poison the faith of others. Faith is powerful. God's servants should not demand extravagant treatment in return. After healing ten lepers—only one of whom offers thanks—Jesus discusses the state of the world at His future second coming.

Luke 17 continues Jesus' teaching about how to live as citizens and ambassadors of the kingdom of God. Luke 15 describes God's love for the lost. Chapter 16 teaches earthly blessings are far inferior to heavenly rewards. Here, He exhorts His followers to lead well, serve humbly, give thanks, and watch for His second coming. In Luke 18, Jesus gives a series of comparisons to show how we are to approach God—as He approaches Jerusalem and the cross.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.