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NASB | Mark 9:42 ¶ "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Mark 9:42 ¶ "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe and trust in Me to stumble [that is, to sin or lose faith], it would be better for him if a heavy millstone [one requiring a donkey's strength to turn it] were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. [Matt 18:6; Luke 17:2] |
Subject: "him" refers to which one? |
Bible Note: Hi Azure, Well, Sister Azure, in English, I don't think it would support the version you've heard lately. I can see the 'remote' possibility, where someone would or could come up with that scenario, but it's quite a big stretch from what the context and the gist of what the word is saying here in this passage. I believe God is saying here to carefully watch what we do and say to a little one who is impressionable and trusting of adult's. So it is very wise to be very careful to give out the word 'as is' not convoluting or embellishing it for our own desire, so that anyone, but especially the 'little ones' may not stumble and lose faith, or that one who causes such as these little ones to stumble, pay the consequence! If the little ones or any believers do stumble, of course God will be gracious and forgive, but for those who cause them to stumble, and especially on purpose, or for selfish reasons or worldly gain of any kind... it will be very bad for them indeed. Gill writes that it (those who believe) means adults only, because of the inability of infants or the very young to have reason and maturity enough to truly believe and trust in God, but I don't really get that from the text, or that it could refer to those who are quite that young, or from the reality of the mater that there is a Child in their midst while He (Christ) speaks (Mark 9:36, Matt 18:2) so it stands to reason that He is talking about Children and not only adults who believe; also the reality of the many, quite young, children that are found to be truly in Christ. So, Azure, I guess the short of it is: I don't agree with the version that the, ('him' that has been given the millstone necklace and thrown into the sea) could possibly mean the 'little ones' who believe) I don't think it fits grammatically, contextually, or doctrinally, though there is a very slim possibility for the latter version. Another -and big- reason for me to reject that scenario is, it's just too complicated, and I don't think God ever intended His word to confuse, but only edify. As Dr. Ironside used to say: "God don't put the goodies on the top shelf where His kiddies cant reach them." :-) John |