Modern Christians misinterpret Matthew 18:6 claiming Jesus supported drowning pedophiles with heavy circular stones

[zarkle]

tldr, Jesus was actually saying its better off to be drowned in the sea with a giant circular stone then to lead humble Christians away from the faith. But since the early mid 2010s in America specifically this has been mistranslated to include drowning to death pedophiles. I will debunk this claim. It is best to interpret the word "little ones" as humble believers who are least in pride and very small in arrogance, and Christianity as basically a contest of who can be the most humble and dependent on Jesus's teachings and accept his resurrection and ability to forgive sins. The moral boost for us MAPs happens when I conclude that this bible verse has nothing to do with pedophilia despite antis using it to argue pedophiles should be drowned with milestones.


sources of Greek translated words I will be discussing:
mikros = small/low
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon ... lc/tr/0-1/

mikroteros = small/low in comparison to
https://freely-given.org/OBD/ref/GrkLem/mikroteros.htm

paidion = child
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon ... /mgnt/0-1/

elachistos = least in respect to a hierarchy/competition/status
https://www.ministryvoice.com/elachisto ... -and-usage


Before we begin I will state I am not religious but respectful to all peaceful beliefs. With that out of the way today we will be analyzing this Bible verse antis use to attack us. Matthew 18:6 - This is heavily quoted on right wing social media pages implying pedophiles should be drowned in the ocean by a large circular stone around their neck.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?s ... ersion=NIV
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

Popular bible scripture Matthew 18:6 is often interpreted as a sign that Jesus wanted pedophiles thrown into the sea with heavy weights around their neck. Heavily cited in modern right wing Christian circles when child sex crimes occur.

Trigger warning Offensive source about drowning pedophiles Biblically:
https://www.reddit.com/r/BidenBuzz/comm ... w_186_kjv/


The point of this thread is to show that Matthew 18:6 is NOT about anti pedophilia, in fact it has nothing to do with pedophilia at all. Its about representing Jesus's strongly negative perception towards people who are discouraging followers of him, and getting them to leave the early Christian church. In other words leading followers of Jesus astray, getting them to reject the faith, apostasy. That is how it was interpreted since the start and what Jesus literally said in best interpretation. But as of the 2010s onward a literal 1900 something years after it was written; Modern right wing modern day bible belt Americans have misinterpreted this as a anti pedophilia scripture. Trying to repurpose a bible verse to fit modern socio-political-intergenerational sex panic. As if Jesus Christ wants milestones weighted around pedophiles necks and furthermore to murder them via drowning them in the sea. The good news once again, Jesus never said kill pedophiles.

Being clear, I definitely clash with Christianity for the unmistakable opposition to young earth creationism, life long monogamous marriage and opposition to homosexuality. When it comes to those things, yes I am an opponent of the faith, But other then that I have a cold tolerance for it and do not wish to harm or provoke peaceful non bigoted followers. Even though I do not believe these doctrines. I am here today to debunk what is falsely attributed to the faith. Not attack the faith as a whole.

Let's start by re-examining this

6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

The word "little ones" is what we want to focus on and its original Greek meaning that was used by Jesus multiple times in the new testament four gospels. I linked it above at the top of this thread so you can research it for yourself.

It is mostly translated to "mikros" or in its native language μικρός
but sometimes Jesus uses a similar term for "little ones" which is "mikroteros" μικρότερος - which is sometimes synonymous but is more often used to say "little in comparison" implying little in comparison to boastful people, and non humble traditional religious men of the time Jesus clashed with, or little in comparison to God the father or himself.


Then Jesus uses the term "elachistos" in native Greek "ἐλάχιστος" which means means small in ranking, "elachistos" focuses more on ranking where as the term "mikros" focuses on small in size, but both can and are used interchangeable by Jesus. ' I will list all three of them below with definitions

Clear definitions of different Greek words Jesus used
mikros = small
mikkroteros = small in comparison too
elachistos = low in a rank of hierarchy/status/competition.

direct evidence on how Jesus uses these terms.
- where Jesus uses these terms in the Gospel of Matthew-

Use of Mikros μικρός (term meaning small in ancient Greek)

Matthew 10:42 - And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

Notice, how he says "little one that is my disciple" He isn't talking about children alone he is talking about church congregates who can be either children or adults. That's why he follow ups with "that is my disciple" part. Let me explain for those who are skeptical why Jesus uses the term "little ones" for church followers.

Some say and think he means inexperienced disciples with "little ones/mikros" but this interpretation is also incorrect, as by little ones he means humble disciples in general regardless of veteran status

Little in the sense of having very little pride
Little in the sense of having little ego
Least in the sense of being least arrogant
Least in material wealth status

Here are some examples...

https://biblehub.com/luke/12-32.htm

Luke: 31-33

But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added unto you. 32Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys

I highlighted "little flock" for a reason to show Jesus was calling his experienced disciples little flock as well, telling them to give up earthly possessions and give to the poor.

The term "Little ones" is a title Jesus gives to his disciples regardless of age, veteran status and experience, they are all "little ones" if they acquire true humbleness and for them to be little in regard to arrogance and least in regard to pride/material wealth. This aligns with his anti hierarchical counter cultural views that directly clashed with Jewish religious authority of the time and bible scriptures I will quote on humbleness ahead. Jesus wanted all of his disciples to feel equal, equally ranked as little ones or his little flock of sheep dependent on him.

James 2:1
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” – James 2:1

By little ones/least he means those with the littlest amount of pride, those with the least amount of boastfulness. Those greatest in humility, those greatest in humbleness. As evidenced here


Evidence of Jesus talking about being humble

Luke 18:14
14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

James 4:10

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10

Matthew 6:3

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

Jesus is saying to do not boast about giving the the poor.

Proverbs 16:8 (Pre Jesus - old testament)

Pride goes before destruction, a boastful spirit before a fall.

Matthew 11:29

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:29

Mark 10:45

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus showing the the humility of himself. As obviously he wants his disciples to live like him.

Luke 22:27

“For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” – Luke 22:27

Now lets continue looking at Matthew

Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven

He's saying don't critique or socially pressure members of the church because they have personal guardian angels that will report you to Father God. This directly follows up from Matthew 18:6

Matthew 18:14
In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

He's saying God doesn't want members of the church to end up in hellfire, which is the consequence of sin. He rather wants them following God's correct path. That's why he is so stern about keeping the little ones/little flock following God's path. As Christianity dictates Father God is pure and holy and the only righteous punishment for sin is eternal hellfire. With Jesus being the only way to remedy this natural consequence, it makes perfect sense in the context of why Jesus is so harsh with his reference to Milestones and drowning.

Its better to put a milestone around your neck and drown to Jesus then it is to deceive believers into something that leads them to hellfire away from Christ's faith

Use of mikroteros" μικρότερος (term meaning small in comparison to something else in ancient Greek)


Matthew 11:11

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

This one is a bit tricky, and I had to ask AI to help me since I was not smart enough to figure it out.

He's saying John the Baptist was the greatest prophet of God before the new testament revelation of himself the Christ. and "LEAST IN the kingdom of heaven" translates to mikroteros, because it is in comparison to other things. He is not using it to say least in comparison to humility this time.

So to fully understand Jesus is implying John the Bapist was an amazing man but nothing can compare to humble believers that come after the complete works of Jesus Christ himself. Meaning all post Christ religious believers and teachers of the faith are by default superior to Pre-christ era preachers of the faith. Because no pre Christ teaching can amount to a post Christ teachings and humbleness. John the Baptist was the final pre-Christ teaching.

Use of elachistos ἐλάχιστος (term meaning low rank or least, in ancient Greek)

Matthew 25:40
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these brothers, you did it to me.’

We often see Jesus using words "brother" and "sister" to describe men and women in the church respectively. So he is saying what you do to help the needy and humble members of the church you do onto him (Jesus). What you do kind for the needy and or humble members of the church you do onto Jesus. We get to see the word elachistos as "the least of these" used to rank things. In this case perhaps those are ranked by least material wealth and the most humble.

Now let's reexamine Matthew 18:6 - yet again

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea"


He says "little ones THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN ME", in all caps the THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN ME part is crucial. Implying church members who may stumble. He is saying don't lead church members into rejecting the faith or going astray or perverting the gospel. Also, he isn't inscribing a punishment, he just said it would be better to drown by a giant milestone then lead members of the faith astray. So any concept of Jesus authorizing capital punishment is out the window

and because little ones translates to mikros (small) the case is clear.

Doing a best of faith counter argument, what if Matthew 18:6 is referencing children?

Now let's hear the counter arguments to play devil's advocate against my own post above. To argue Christ is referencing children with the word Mikros. We can argue that mikros variants can be defined as "lesser in age". Making the reasonable case that Jesus is saying anyone who harms children deserves a milestone drowning including non sexual abuse of children. We can also try to argue that here.

Matthew 18:3-18:4

Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven"

implies the humbleness of a child being a goal, in other words whoever becomes humble like a child.

One contributing factor to believe Jesus is talking about children is right before Matthew 18:6 begins, in Matthew 18.0-18.5 Jesus directly mentions literal children saying:

Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me



The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.


Notice how Jesus is implying the most humble is the greatest? That applies regardless of the devil's advocate exercise that the term "little ones" can mean most humble, because once again they are little in respect to pride and arrogance and material wealth obsession. Jesus wanted his followers to be little and least in respect to boastfulness, pride, arrogance and greed.

In this Jesus is saying whoever adopts the humbleness and kindness of a behaved child is on root to becoming the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and whoever welcomes a child to church welcomes Jesus into their heart. Implying all true Christians are children of God, and yes to bring kids to church and kids can be "mikros/little ones" as well.

Here are Greek words he uses relevant to rank and child

Word's he uses translated back to old Greek:

1)humbles himself / takes the lowly position" ταπεινώσει tapeinōsei To make low, to abase, to actively lower one's own status or rank .

2) "this child" παιδίον paidion A young child; in the context of this teaching, a literal child representing vulnerability and low social standing .

3) "is greatest" μείζων meizōn Greater; a comparative adjective describing the higher status one attains in the kingdom through humility .

We can see how one can make a case that Jesus is going for a duel statement of paradoxing little ones being the greatest and least at the same time. Or just plan in simple greatest in spiritual wealth but least in pride. But even if we accept this loose duel meaning interpretation, it fails to show any evidence peaceful pedophiles should be drowned. There is no reference to pedophilia whatsoever and to assume Matthew 18:6 even mentions children in the first place is a weak interpretation relying on mikros meaning lesser in age and restricted to those who believe in him.

The weak points of the "literal child for mikros" interpretation is that The Greek word "paidion" does NOT have an orthodox meaning of least/low ranking despite what a few specific bible sources say. Secular sources make the word "paidion" exclusive to children and so do most Biblical sources.

source:https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/παιδίον
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon ... /mgnt/0-1/


Though one can always argue that children are low ranking and inexperienced making them technical mikros in respect to age and church experience in default. We do not see the words "mikros" "mikroteros" or "elachistos" or anything related to the term small or low ranking used as synonymous for child in the Bible. Though we do see Jesus refer to his disciples as children to be fair, but never children and mikros as the same term by Jesus. That is a big problem for people who believe Jesus is talking about children when he uses mikros (small) or elachistos(small in a status). When it comes to mentioning children in the Bible.

Jesus uses the word paidion which is clearly just means small child. Its obvious he is going from one theme not double talk. He is clearly talking about disciples/church members who are least arrogant and least prideful. Even Jesus himself when he was a baby from Bethlehem nursed by his mother Mary and father Joseph was called "paidion/child" as well. No where was baby Jesus called mikros or anything adjacent to it.

Lastly, the best evidence from the Gospel of Luke in Luke 9:46-48 to show once and for all "little ones" does NOT mean children as this devil's advocate that mikros meant child is over.

Luke 9:46-48
46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”

For "little child" we see the word "paidion"
For the word "least" he uses "mikros" for small

Showing both words existing in the same paragraph and not interchangeable.

Jesus is saying that those that welcome children to church welcome his blessing into them and whoever excepts Jesus's blessings accepts father God's blessings. He is implying that humble church members can rise greatly if they welcome children to church and accept Christ (himself) in their hearts.

I hope this clarifies, even if there is a very small reasonable chance Jesus meant children by "mikros" he was saying it in the context of church followers. The best interpretation is humble least arrogant church members and this bible verse Matthew 18:6 has nothing to say about pedophiles/MAPs. Thus invalidating all far right post about Matthew 18:6 being about killing pedophiles. So if you ever see far right propaganda about Jesus saying pedophiles should be drowned just know its bullshit.

Jesus Loves Pedophiles too! I am very grateful to have dissected Matthew 18:6 to defuse the trauma it caused on peaceful MAPs/pedos. By doing this I did not insult Christianity whatsoever, in fact I as a non believer honored it by looking carefully at the faith and appreciating Jesus's sophisticated doctrine of humility and virtue.

[bnkywuv]

I doubt this is a misinterpretation as much a deliberate attempt to justify the cruel murder of pedophiles. I rarely suspect anything against pedophiles in this day and age is EVER accidental anymore, no matter how people try to make it out to be. With all of the hate we face on the daily and all, I find this impossible to keep believing and forgiving.

Oh but these Christians are SUCH moral people!!!!11!! Pfffffft!

[DANAT4T]

Another irrelevant poll. Is that the best you could come up with? Really? All MAPs do is bitch.