| 6. Linguistic Exegesis The verse begins with an indefinite relative clause formed by hos an skandalisei {ὃς ἂν σκανδαλίσῃ | hòs án skandalísē}, which functions conditionally as “whoever causes to stumble.” The phrase héna tôn mikrōn toútōn {ἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων | héna tôn mikrōn toútōn} “one of these little ones” is then elaborated by the genitive participle pisteuóntōn eis emé {πιστευόντων εἰς ἐμέ | pisteuóntōn eis emé}, “to believe in Me,” linking their identity to faith in Jesus. The main clause symphérei autō̂ {συμφέρει αὐτῷ | symphérei autō̂} “it is better for him” introduces a comparative preference, which is expressed by a hína-clause: hína kremasthē̂ mýlos onikós epí tón trákhēlon autoû kaí katapontisthē̂ en tō̂ pélagei tēs thalássēs {ἵνα κρεμασθῇ μύλος ὀνικός ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ καταποντισθῇ ἐν τῷ πελάγει τῆς θαλάσσης | hína kremasthē̂ mýlos onikós epí tón trákhēlon autoû kaí katapontisthē̂ en tō̂ pélagei tēs thalássēs}. In both reconstructions, the indefinite relative is rendered as “whoever” or “if anyone,” the layered genitives as “one of these little ones/children who believe/trust in Me,” and the hina-clause as a statement of preference preserving the stark image of execution by drowning with a heavy millstone. |