from πρός and κόπτω; to strike at, i.e. surge against (as water); specially, to stub on, i.e. trip up (literally or figuratively):--beat upon, dash, stumble (at).
Transliteration:proskóptō
Pronunciation:pros-kop'-to
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb proskóptō `{{G4350}}` is a compound word derived from πρόσ (pros), meaning "to, toward, against," and κόπτω (koptō), meaning "to strike, cut, beat." This etymology reveals its core semantic range: to strike *against* something.
Literally, proskóptō denotes the action of striking one's foot against an obstacle, leading to a trip or stumble. This physical sense implies an unexpected encounter with an impediment that hinders progress or causes a fall.
Figuratively, and more frequently in the New Testament, proskóptō signifies a moral or spiritual stumbling. This can manifest as:
1. **An internal impediment:** A person's own actions, beliefs, or lack of faith causing them to falter in their spiritual walk or to be offended by a truth.
2. **An external impediment:** Something or someone acting as a "stumbling block" that causes another to sin, doubt, or abandon their faith.
3. **Opposition or resistance:** Like waves dashing against a rock, it can describe a forceful impact or collision, often implying a point of contention or opposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Proskóptō appears several times in the New Testament, illuminating both its literal and figurative dimensions.
* **Literal Stumbling:** In the temptation narrative, Satan quotes Psalm 91:12, saying, "He will command his angels concerning you, and on their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone" (μὴ προσκόψῃς πρὸς λίθον τὸν πόδα σου). This is found in [[Matthew 4:6]] and [[Luke 4:11]], depicting a literal physical stumbling. The implication is divine protection from harm.
* **Figurative Stumbling (Internal):**
* In [[Romans 9:32]], Paul explains why Israel did not attain righteousness: "Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone" (προσέκοψαν τῷ λίθῳ τοῦ προσκόμματος). Here, proskóptō describes Israel's spiritual failure to grasp the nature of righteousness through faith, leading them to reject Christ, who is himself the "stumbling stone" for those who do not believe.
* [[1 Peter 2:8]] echoes this, stating that Christ is "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense" (λίθος προσκόμματος καὶ πέτρα σκανδάλου) for those who "stumble because they disobey the word." Their disobedience causes them to stumble over Christ.
* **Figurative Stumbling (Causing Others to Stumble):**
* Paul uses proskóptō prominently in discussions about Christian liberty and conscience. In [[Romans 14:21]], he advises, "It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble" (ἐν ᾧ ὁ ἀδελφός σου προσκόπτει). The emphasis is on avoiding actions, even if permissible for oneself, that might lead a weaker brother or sister in faith to sin or compromise their conscience.
* Similarly, [[1 Corinthians 8:9]] warns, "But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak" (μή πως ἡ ἐξουσία ὑμῶν αὕτη πρόσκομμα γένηται τοῖς ἀσθενέσιν). While the noun πρόσκομμα (proskomma) is used here, it directly relates to the verb proskóptō, underscoring the responsibility to prevent others from stumbling.
* [[2 Corinthians 6:3]] states, "We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry" (μηδεμίαν ἐν μηδενὶ διδόντες προσκοπήν). The related noun προσκοπή (proskopē) `{{G4351}}` here means "occasion of stumbling or offense," highlighting the apostles' commitment to blameless conduct.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding proskóptō is enhanced by examining its lexical neighbors and thematic counterparts:
* **πρόσκομμα (proskomma) `{{G4349}}`:** The noun form, meaning "a stumbling block, an occasion of stumbling, an offense." This is often used interchangeably with σκάνδαλον (skandalon) `{{G4625}}`.
* **σκάνδαλον (skandalon) `{{G4625}}`:** A "stumbling block, trap, snare, offense." While proskóptō focuses on the *act* of stumbling, skandalon often refers to the *object* or *cause* of stumbling. Both terms are frequently linked, as seen in [[Romans 9:33]] and [[1 Peter 2:8]].
* **πίπτω (piptō) `{{G4098}}`:** "To fall." Stumbling often precedes falling, so piptō represents the consequence of proskóptō.
* **ὀλισθάνω (olisthanō) `{{G3680}}`:** "To slip, totter." This word also conveys a sense of instability or precariousness, similar to the initial stage of stumbling.
* **ἀσθενής (asthenēs) `{{G770}}`:** "Weak." Often, those who are prone to stumble are described as "weak in faith," emphasizing the need for stronger believers to be considerate.
* **ἀπείθεια (apeitheia) `{{G543}}`:** "Disobedience." As seen in [[1 Peter 2:8]], disobedience is a direct cause of spiritual stumbling.
### Theological Significance
The concept of proskóptō carries profound theological weight in the New Testament:
1. **The Stumbling Stone of Christ:** A central theological theme is that Christ himself becomes a "stumbling stone" for those who reject Him, particularly those who seek righteousness through works of the Law rather than by faith. This highlights divine judgment on unbelief and the radical nature of the Gospel. God's plan, though glorious, is an offense to the self-righteous.
2. **Ethical Responsibility and Conscience:** The frequent use of proskóptō in Paul's letters (Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8) underscores the importance of Christian ethics rooted in love and consideration for others. Believers are called not merely to exercise their freedom but to do so in a way that builds up, rather than tears down or causes a fellow believer to stumble morally or spiritually. This emphasizes the communal aspect of faith and the sanctity of individual conscience.
3. **Spiritual Danger and Perseverance:** The imagery of stumbling serves as a warning against spiritual pitfalls, temptations, and deviations from the path of righteousness. It highlights the constant need for vigilance, reliance on God's grace, and adherence to sound doctrine to avoid falling away. The ultimate goal is to stand firm and not stumble.
4. **Divine Preservation:** While humanity is prone to stumble, the New Testament also speaks of God's power to keep His people from stumbling. [[Jude 1:24]] famously declares, "Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy." This emphasizes God's sovereign grace in preserving His elect.
### Summary
Proskóptō `{{G4350}}` is a versatile Greek verb meaning "to strike against," encompassing both literal physical tripping and, more significantly, figurative moral or spiritual stumbling. In the New Testament, it vividly portrays the dangers of rejecting Christ (who is a "stumbling stone" for the disobedient) and the ethical imperative for believers to live in a way that does not cause others, especially the "weak" in faith, to stumble into sin or doubt. The word highlights human susceptibility to error and temptation, but also points to God's powerful ability to preserve His people from falling, ultimately presenting them blameless. It serves as a potent reminder of the personal and communal responsibilities inherent in the Christian walk, urging vigilance, love, and faith to navigate the path without offense or apostasy.
TRV