In the text, verse 6 is a continuation of the sentence begun in verse 5, but Good News Translation has begun a new paragraph here and even has a section heading. Some translators will begin new paragraphs at the beginning of verse 7 or verse 8. The key factor in determining where to begin the paragraph is the translation of one of these little ones, discussed below. If translators interpret the phrase to refer to children, then they will not begin a new paragraph here. However, our opinion (see below) is that the expression is figurative and refers to believers. Beginning a new paragraph is a natural result of this interpretation.
The verb causes … to sin (see comment on 5.29), used three times in verses 6-9, together with the related noun “temptations to sin” (see comments on 13.41), used three times in verse 7, reveal the theme that unites this series of sayings which represent a major thrust of the Gospel (5.29-30; 11.6; 15.12; 16.23; 17.27; 24.10; 26.31-35). Good News Translation combines who believe in me with the literal “causes … to stumble” and translates “should cause one of these little ones to lose his faith in me.” Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, 1st edition is similar: “whoever destroys the childlike faith which someone has in me.” The broader interpretation of Revised Standard Version (causes … to sin) is certainly possible, but the context strongly suggests that the specific nature of the sin has to do with causing a fellow believer to lose faith in Jesus. Moffatt seems to walk a line midway between these two interpretations: “But whoever is a hindrance to one of these little ones who believe in me.”
Most translations have dropped the literal “stumble” noted in the RSV footnote because of the strong possibility it will be understood literally. It is possible, however, in at least a few languages to retain the form with an expression such as “stumble into sin” or “stumble in their belief (in me).”
For those who prefer the interpretation of causes … to sin followed by Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, 1st edition and Good News Translation, “cause … to lose his faith in me,” it may be necessary to use a verb to express “faith,” as in “causes one of these little ones to stop believing in me.”
One of these little ones (see comment at 10.42) renews the theme which was inaugurated by the mention of “child” in verses 4-5, though the meaning of these little ones is clearly figurative and refers to Jesus’ disciples. Therefore it would be inaccurate to translate “one of these little children.” However, “one of these little ones” in a translation will probably still seem to be referring to children. “One of these people, like children to me” will perhaps convey the meaning, but translators may be more comfortable with a translation similar to that in Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch (cited above), possibly “Those people who do trust in me like children, if someone causes them to lose their faith, it would be better for that person to have a huge millstone tied around his neck and be thrown into the deep part of the sea.”
Although there are numerous places where Matthew associates faith with Jesus, this is the only place in the entire Gospel where he uses the phrase in me (meaning “in Jesus”) for the object of faith. This observation underscores the significance that Matthew attaches to the message of the chapter: there can be no greater sin than to cause one of these “little ones” to lose faith in Jesus. The illustration in the second half of the verse describes precisely how enormous that sin really is.
A great millstone (Good News Translation “a large millstone”) is literally “a donkey millstone,” referring to the large stone that was turned by a donkey, rather than to the small stone used at a handmill. Needless to say, even the best swimmer would drown with such a stone tied around his neck. In areas where readers will not know what a great millstone is, translators can say “a large stone” or “a large stone for grinding grain.” But translators will need to be sure readers don’t think of a small stone for grinding grain by hand.
To have … fastened … and to be drowned may be translated impersonally as “to have someone tie … and drown him” or “… and cause him to drown.” Another way to express it is “It would be better for that person if someone tied a large millstone around his neck and threw him into the deepest part of the sea.”
In the depth of the sea (Good News Translation “in the deep sea”) may also be phrased “in the deepest part of the sea.” Depth is used only here in Matthew, and outside the Gospel it is used just once (Acts 27.5). The noun refers to the open sea, the deepest part of the sea.
Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.