Luke 17
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Commentaries
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It is impossible but that offenses will come - Such is the corrupt state of the human heart that, notwithstanding all the influences of grace, and the promises of glory, men will continue to sin against God; and his justice must continue to punish. See on Mat 18:6 (note).
Open source ↗OFFENSES--FAITH--HUMILITY. (Luk 17:1-10) (See Mat 18:6-7).
Open source ↗Then said he unto his disciples,.... In the Alexandrian copy, and in "three" of Beza's exemplars it is read, "his disciples"; and so read the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions; that is, Jesus said to his disciples what follows, as the Syriac and Persic versions express, and the latter reads, he said "again". About the time that he delivered the above parable concerning the rich man and Lazarus, he repeated to his disciples what he had before said to them on another occasion, Mat 18:7 it is impossible but that offences will come; considering the decree of God, the malice of Satan, the wickedness of men, the corruption both of their principles and practices. The Ethiopic version renders it, "temptation will come"; that which will be trying to the faith of the saints, and a stumblingblock to weak minds, as reproach and persecution, errors, and heresies, and the evil lives of professors: but woe unto him through whom they come; See Gill on Mat 18:7
Open source ↗We are here taught, I. That the giving of offences is a great sin, and that which we should every one of us avoid and carefully watch against, Luk 17:1, Luk 17:2. We can expect no other than that offences will come, considering the perverseness and frowardness that are in the nature of man, and the wise purpose and counsel of God, who will carry on his work even by those offences, and bring good out of evil. It is almost impossible but that offences will come, and therefore we are concerned to provide accordingly; but woe to him through whom they come, his doom will be heavy (Luk 17:2), more terrible than that of the worst of the malefactors who are condemned to be thrown into the sea, for they perish under a load of guilt more ponderous than that of millstones. This includes a woe, 1. To persecutors, who offer any injury to the least of Christ's little ones, in word or deed, by which they are discouraged in serving Christ, and doing their duty, or in danger of being driven off from it. 2. To seducers, who corrupt the truths of Christ and his ordinances, and so trouble the minds of the disciples; for they are those by whom offences come. 3. To those who, under the profession of the Christian name, live scandalously, and thereby weaken the bands and sadden the hearts of God's people; for by them the offence comes, and it is no abatement of their guilt, nor will be any of their punishment, that it is impossible but offences will come. II. That the forgiving of offences is a great duty, and that which we should every one of us make conscience of (Luk 17:3): Take heed to yourselves. This may refer either to what goes before, or to what follows: Take heed that you offend not one of these little ones. Ministers must be very careful not to say or do any thing that may be a dis…
Open source ↗17:1 what sorrow awaits: Traditionally rendered woe! (see study notes on 6:24-26; 11:42-52). • the person who does the tempting: Leaders bear a greater responsibility because they are accountable not only for themselves, but for those they lead (see Jas 3:1).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… μαθητής (mathētḗs, G3101) — a learner, i.e. pupil ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἀνένδεκτος (anéndektos, G418) — unadmitted, i.e. (by implication) not supposable μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… σκάνδαλον (skándalon, G4625) — a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e. snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin) ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) οὐαί (ouaí, G3759) — "woe" διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Open source ↗λυσιτελεῖ (lysiteleî, G3081) — impersonally, it answers the purpose, i.e. is advantageous αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. μύλος (mýlos, G3458) — a "mill", i.e. (by implication), a grinder (millstone) ὀνικός (onikós, G3684) — belonging to a ass, i.e. large (so as to be turned by a ass) περίκειμαι (períkeimai, G4029) — to lie all around, i.e. inclose, encircle, hamper (literally or figuratively) περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… τράχηλος (tráchēlos, G5137) — the throat (neck), i.e. (figuratively) life καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ῥίπτω (rhíptō, G4496) — to fling (properly, with a quick toss, thus differing from G906 (βάλλω), which denotes a… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… θάλασσα (thálassa, G2281) — the sea (genitive case or specially) ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
Open source ↗προσέχω (proséchō, G4337) — (figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e. pay attention to, be… ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἁμαρτάνω (hamartánō, G264) — properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e. (figuratively) to err,… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… σέ (sé, G4571) — thee ἐπιτιμάω (epitimáō, G2008) — to tax upon, i.e. censure or admonish; by implication, forbid αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μετανοέω (metanoéō, G3340) — to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction) ἀφίημι (aphíēmi, G863) — an intensive form of , to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… ἁμαρτάνω (hamartánō, G264) — properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e. (figuratively) to err,… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… σέ (sé, G4571) — thee ἑπτάκις (heptákis, G2034) — seven times ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… ἐπιστρέφω (epistréphō, G1994) — to revert (literally, figuratively or morally) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… μετανοέω (metanoéō, G3340) — to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction) ἀφίημι (aphíēmi, G863) — an intensive form of , to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀπόστολος (apóstolos, G652) — a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ… ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… προστίθημι (prostíthēmi, G4369) — to place additionally, i.e. lay beside, annex, repeat ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) κόκκος (kókkos, G2848) — a kernel of seed σίναπι (sínapi, G4615) — mustard (the plant) ἄν (án, G302) λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ταύτῃ (taútēi, G5026) — (towards or of) this συκάμινος (sykáminos, G4807) — a sycamore-fig tree ἐκριζόω (ekrizóō, G1610) — to uproot
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… δοῦλος (doûlos, G1401) — a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a… ἀροτριόω (arotrióō, G722) — to plow ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than ποιμαίνω (poimaínō, G4165) — to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser) ἐρέω (eréō, G2046) — an alternate for G2036 (ἔπω) in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. speak or say ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that εὐθέως (euthéōs, G2112) — directly, i.e. at once or soon εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai, G1525) — to enter (literally or figuratively) ἀγρός (agrós, G68) — a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e.…
Open source ↗ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) οὐχί (ouchí, G3780) — not indeed ἐρέω (eréō, G2046) — an alternate for G2036 (ἔπω) in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. speak or say αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimázō, G2090) — to prepare τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) δειπνέω (deipnéō, G1172) — to dine, i.e. take the principle (or evening) meal καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… περιζώννυμι (perizṓnnymi, G4024) — to gird all around, i.e. (middle voice or passive) to fasten on one's belt (literally or… διακονέω (diakonéō, G1247) — to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively)… μοί (moí, G3427) — to me ἕως (héōs, G2193) — a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place) φάγω (phágō, G5315) — to eat (literally or figuratively) πίνω (pínō, G4095) — to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative… ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed δοῦλος (doûlos, G1401) — a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) διατάσσω (diatássō, G1299) — to arrange thoroughly, i.e. (specially) institute, prescribe, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… δοκέω (dokéō, G1380) — compare the base of G1166 (δεικνύω)) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not
Open source ↗οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) ὅταν (hótan, G3752) — whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively… ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole διατάσσω (diatássō, G1299) — to arrange thoroughly, i.e. (specially) institute, prescribe, etc. ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐσμέν (esmén, G2070) — we are ἀχρεῖος (achreîos, G888) — useless, i.e. (euphemistically) unmeritorious δοῦλος (doûlos, G1401) — a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πορεύομαι (poreúomai, G4198) — to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively,… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Ἱερουσαλήμ (Hierousalḗm, G2419) — Hierusalem (i.e. Jerushalem), the capitol of Palestine διέρχομαι (diérchomai, G1330) — to traverse (literally) διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) μέσος (mésos, G3319) — middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun) Σαμάρεια (Samáreia, G4540) — Samaria (i.e. Shomeron), a city and region of Palestine Γαλιλαία (Galilaía, G1056) — Galilæa (i.e. the heathen circle), a region of Palestine
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai, G1525) — to enter (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object κώμη (kṓmē, G2968) — a hamlet (as if laid down) ἀπαντάω (apantáō, G528) — to meet away, i.e. encounter δέκα (déka, G1176) — ten ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) λεπρός (leprós, G3015) — scaly, i.e. leprous (a leper) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… πόῤῥωθεν (pórrhōthen, G4207) — from far, or (by implication) at a distance, i.e. distantly
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… αἴρω (aírō, G142) — to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep… φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἐπιστάτης (epistátēs, G1988) — an appointee over, i.e. commander (teacher) ἐλεέω (eleéō, G1653) — to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace) ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πορεύομαι (poreúomai, G4198) — to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively,… ἐπιδείκνυμι (epideíknymi, G1925) — to exhibit (physically or mentally) ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… ἱερεύς (hiereús, G2409) — a priest (literally or figuratively) γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… ὑπάγω (hypágō, G5217) — to lead (oneself) under, i.e. withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. καθαρίζω (katharízō, G2511) — to cleanse (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!
Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.
And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved.
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.
Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to stumble.
But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—
But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.
But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols.