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Luke 17:2

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 17:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “It were well for him if a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

It were well for him if a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.
Luke 17:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And he said unto his disciples, It is impossible but that occasions of stumbling should come; but woe unto him, through whom they come!
2It were well for him if a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.
3Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
4And if he sin against thee seven times in the day, and seven times turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
5And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
← Luke 17:1Luke 17:3 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“It were better for him that a millstone, etc.] (See Gill on “<401806>Matthew 18:6”) and (See Gill on “<410942>Mark 9:42”).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“It is impossible - It cannot but happen. Such is the state of things that “it will be.” See these verses explained in the notes at Matthew 18:6-7. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Little ones - Weak believers. Luke 17:3”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“17:2 A millstone is a large round stone with a hole in its center, used to grind grain in a mill. A millstone could weigh hundreds of pounds.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“better: Mat 18:6, Mat 26:24; Mar 9:42; Co1 9:15; Pe2 2:1-3 one: Isa 40:11; Zac 13:7; Mat 18:3-5, Mat 18:10, Mat 18:14; Joh 21:15; Co1 8:11, Co1 8:12, Co1 9:22 Next: Luke Chapter 18”
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Related study paths

Read Luke 17 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification