Mark 9:41,42 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Bible Comments

For whosoever shall give you a cup of water, &c. Having answered John, our Lord resumes the discourse, which was broken off at Mark 9:37. And to show the apostles further, that they had been in the wrong to discourage this person, who must have entertained a great veneration for their Master, and was in a fair way to become his follower, he told them, that the lowest degree of respect which any one showed him, though it were but the giving a cup of cold water to one of his thirsty disciples, would be acceptable to him, and should not lose its reward: whereas, on the other hand, the least discouragement of his servants in their duty, come from what quarter it might, should be severely punished. For he added, Whosoever shall offend: και ος αν σκανδαλιση, whosoever shall cause to stumble one of these little ones The very least Christian. It is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck See note on Matthew 18:5-6.

Mark 9:41-42

41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.