### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term πρόσκομμα (próskomma) is derived from the verb προσκόπτω (proskóptō) `{{G4350}}`, which fundamentally means "to strike against," "to stumble," or "to cause to stumble." In its literal sense, πρόσκομμα refers to an obstacle, a "stub," or anything that one might trip over. Figuratively, and more predominantly in the New Testament, it denotes an impediment, an occasion for offense, or a cause for spiritual or moral stumbling. This can lead to deviation from a righteous path, a lapse in faith, or even apostasy. It signifies anything that hinders spiritual progress, causes moral failure, or leads one astray from God's will.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πρόσκομμα appears several times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles, consistently carrying a figurative sense of impediment or offense.
* In [[Romans 9:32-33]], πρόσκομμα is used in conjunction with σκάνδαλον (skandalon) `{{G4625}}` to describe Israel's failure to attain righteousness because they sought it by works rather than by faith. Christ, the "stone of stumbling" (λίθος προσκόμματος), became an obstacle over which they tripped, leading to their rejection of Him. This highlights the concept of Christ as a point of division and the consequences of unbelief.
* [[Romans 14:13]] presents a crucial ethical application. Paul exhorts believers not to "put a stumbling-block or hindrance in the way of another." In the context of Christian liberty concerning food and observances, a "stumbling-block" here refers to an action by a "stronger" believer that might cause a "weaker" believer to violate their conscience, stumble into sin, or be led astray from their faith.
* Similarly, in [[1 Corinthians 8:9]], Paul warns against the knowledge of the "strong" becoming a "stumbling-block" (πρόσκομμα) to the "weak." The freedom to eat food sacrificed to idols, while permissible for those with understanding, could cause a weaker brother to participate in idolatry against their conscience, thus defiling them.
* [[Romans 11:9]] quotes Psalm 69:22, where Paul applies the imagery of a "table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution" to Israel's spiritual hardening. Here, what was intended for their good (the Law, their covenant relationship) became a cause for their spiritual downfall due to their unbelief and rejection of Christ.
* [[1 Peter 2:8]] echoes the theme from Romans 9, identifying Christ as the "stone of stumbling" (λίθος προσκόμματος) and "rock of offense" (πέτρα σκανδάλου) for those who disobey the word. This reinforces the idea that Christ, though the foundation for believers, becomes an insurmountable obstacle for the unbelieving.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **προσκόπτω (proskóptō) `{{G4350}}`**: The verbal root of πρόσκομμα, meaning "to stumble," "to strike against." πρόσκομμα is the concrete result or the cause of such an action.
* **σκάνδαλον (skandalon) `{{G4625}}`**: Frequently used in parallel with πρόσκομμα, as seen in [[Romans 9:33]] and [[1 Peter 2:8]]. While πρόσκομμα emphasizes the *obstacle* itself, σκάνδαλον (originally a trap-stick or bait-stick) often carries the nuance of a *snare* or a *trap* that leads to moral downfall or sin. They are closely related in meaning and often reinforce each other.
* **ἀπώλεια (apōleia) `{{G684}}`**: "Destruction," "ruin." Stumbling blocks, especially those leading to apostasy, can result in spiritual ruin.
* **ἁμαρτία (hamartia) `{{G266}}`**: "Sin." To stumble over a πρόσκομμα often results in ἁμαρτία.
* **λίθος προσκόμματος (lithos proskommatos)**: A specific phrase, "stone of stumbling," used in the Old Testament (e.g., Isaiah 8:14) and applied in the New Testament to Christ for those who reject Him.
### Theological Significance
The concept of πρόσκομμα carries profound theological implications:
1. **Christ as a Decisive Factor**: For those who believe, Christ is the cornerstone; for those who do not, He is πρόσκομμα – a stumbling block. This underscores the radical nature of the Gospel, which demands a response that leads either to salvation through faith or to spiritual ruin through rejection ([[Romans 9:33]], [[1 Peter 2:8]]).
2. **Christian Responsibility and Conscience**: In ethical contexts ([[Romans 14:13]], [[1 Corinthians 8:9]]), πρόσκομμα highlights the believer's responsibility to act in love and consideration for others, especially those weaker in faith. Christian liberty, while valid, must not be exercised in a way that causes a brother or sister to sin against their conscience or to fall away from their commitment to Christ. This emphasizes the communal and interdependent nature of the body of Christ.
3. **Spiritual Obstacles and Apostasy**: The term points to anything, whether internal or external, that serves as an impediment to faith, obedience, or spiritual growth, potentially leading to a moral lapse or even apostasy. It serves as a warning against factors that can cause individuals or communities to deviate from God's path.
4. **Divine Judgment and Human Unbelief**: In [[Romans 11:9]], the πρόσκομμα is linked to God's just judgment upon Israel for their unbelief. What was intended for their good became a snare due to their hardened hearts, illustrating the severe consequences of rejecting divine truth and grace.
### Summary
πρόσκομμα (próskomma) signifies an obstacle, a cause for stumbling, or an occasion of offense, often leading to spiritual downfall or apostasy. Rooted in the idea of striking against something and tripping, its New Testament usage is primarily figurative, describing anything that impedes spiritual progress or causes one to deviate from the path of righteousness. It is notably applied to Christ Himself, who becomes a "stumbling stone" for those who reject Him, and to the actions of believers who, through the misuse of Christian liberty, might cause weaker brethren to sin or fall away. Theologically, πρόskoμμa underscores the divisive nature of the Gospel, the critical ethical responsibility of believers to protect the consciences of others, and the serious consequences of unbelief and spiritual impediments. It serves as a potent reminder of the dangers of anything that might lead one away from faithful adherence to God and His will.
TRV