This verse stands out as the severe antithesis to what has gone before. As he who receives and encourages Christ's little ones and those who are like little children and believe in him, receives him, and so shall receive from him the glorious rewards of Heaven; so, on the contrary, whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in Christ is guilty of deadly sin; and it were better for him if a great millstone ( μύλος ὀνικός)—literally, a millstone so large as to require to be turned by an ass—were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
Bible Commentary
Mark 9:42
The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:42
The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain
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The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:1-50Mark 9:1-50 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITIONThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:38-42Mark 9:38-42 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe comprehensiveness of Christ's service. The connection with what preceded is to be sought in John's keen sense of having transgressed the spirit of the beautiful words just uttered. Christ Would acknowledge all who p…The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:38-50Mark 9:38-50 · The Pulpit CommentaryMarked sins. There are some sins which are singled out for peculiar denunciation by the Spirit and Word of Christ. They are extremely opposed to the ends and purport of the kingdom. I. INTOLERANCE. That is, the hinderin…The Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:38-50Mark 9:38-50 · The Pulpit CommentaryStumbling-blocks. The same spirit which had led to the disputing as to "who was the greatest," had prompted the forbidding of one who, in Jesus' Name, was "casting out devils." The only reason assigned for the authorita…Matthew Henry on Mark 9:41-50Mark 9:41-50 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryIt is repeatedly said of the wicked, Their worm dieth not, as well as, The fire is never quenched. Doubtless, remorse of conscience and keen self-reflection are this never-dying worm. Surely it is beyond compare better…Pain to Be Preferred to SinMark 9:41-50 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BiblePAIN TO BE PREFERRED TO SIN. Here, I. Christ promiseth a reward to all those that are any way kind to his disciples (Mark 9:41); "Whosoever shall give you a cup of water, when you need it, and will be a refreshment to y…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:1-50EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:38-50Stumbling-blocks. The same spirit which had led to the disputing as to "who was the greatest," had prompted the forbidding of one who, in Jesus' Name, was "casting out devils." The only reason assigned for the authorita…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:38-50Marked sins. There are some sins which are singled out for peculiar denunciation by the Spirit and Word of Christ. They are extremely opposed to the ends and purport of the kingdom. I. INTOLERANCE. That is, the hinderin…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:38-42The comprehensiveness of Christ's service. The connection with what preceded is to be sought in John's keen sense of having transgressed the spirit of the beautiful words just uttered. Christ Would acknowledge all who p…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Mark 9:41-50It is repeatedly said of the wicked, Their worm dieth not, as well as, The fire is never quenched. Doubtless, remorse of conscience and keen self-reflection are this never-dying worm. Surely it is beyond compare better…Matthew HenrycommentaryPain to Be Preferred to SinPAIN TO BE PREFERRED TO SIN. Here, I. Christ promiseth a reward to all those that are any way kind to his disciples (Mark 9:41); "Whosoever shall give you a cup of water, when you need it, and will be a refreshment to y…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:42-50Parallel passage: Matthew 18:6-9. Christ's love to his little ones, and offenses. I. Love to the little ones. Christ's little ones are either young believers or weak believers. A kindness shown them is accepted by Chris…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Mark 9:42-50Warnings. With these solemn words our Lord closed his arduous and faithful ministry in Galilee. Christ's language was usually language of grace and encouragement; but there were occasions, like the present, when he spok…Joseph S. Exell and contributors