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.
It would be better for someone to have a huge stone tied around their neck and get thrown into the ocean than to hurt one of these kids.
Jesus is saying don't mess with children, the consequences are that serious.
📚 Historical Context
In the first century AD, during Jesus' ministry in ancient Israel, he was teaching his disciples about the dangers of causing others to sin, using strong imagery to emphasize the severity of such actions. The millstone mentioned was a large, heavy stone used for grinding grain, symbolizing a cultural form of execution that would result in drowning, which highlighted the certainty of divine judgment. This warning fits into the broader context of Jesus' teachings on faith, humility, and the importance of protecting the vulnerable in society.
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