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).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **proskóptō**, represented by `{{G4350}}`, means to **strike at** or **trip up**. Its base definition is "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)." It appears **8 times** in **8 unique verses**, illustrating both physical and spiritual concepts of collision and failure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4350}}` is used in both literal and figurative ways. Literally, it describes the tempter's challenge to Jesus to **dash** his foot against a stone ([[Matthew 4:6]]; [[Luke 4:11]]) and the powerful force of a storm that **beat upon** a house [[Matthew 7:27]]. It also describes the simple act of a person who **stumbleth** when walking in the night without light [[John 11:10]]. Figuratively, the term is used to describe those who **stumbled** at the "stumblingstone" by seeking righteousness through works instead of faith [[Romans 9:32]]. It also signifies causing a fellow believer to fall, as in the warning not to do anything whereby a brother **stumbleth** [[Romans 14:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the theme of stumbling and offense:
* `{{G4348}}` **próskomma** (stumbling): Defined as a stub or, figuratively, an occasion of apostasy. It is used to describe the "stumblingstone" that people **stumbled** at [[Romans 9:32]] and as a warning not to put a **stumblingblock** in a brother's way [[Romans 14:13]].
* `{{G4624}}` **skandalízō** (to offend): This term means to entrap or trip up, often by enticing to sin. It is used alongside **proskóptō** in the exhortation that a brother should not be **offended** by another's actions [[Romans 14:21]].
* `{{G4625}}` **skándalon** (offence, stumblingblock): Literally a trap-stick or snare, it is used figuratively as a cause of displeasure or sin. It is described as a "rock of **offence**" for those who stumble at the word [[1 Peter 2:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4350}}` is seen in its application to spiritual truths.
* **Physical Action as Metaphor:** The word's literal use, such as walking in darkness [[John 11:10]] or a storm beating on a house [[Matthew 7:27]], provides a clear picture for its figurative spiritual meanings.
* **Stumbling at Christ:** The concept is central to why some reject the gospel. They **stumble** at the word because they are disobedient [[1 Peter 2:8]] or because they sought righteousness through works of the law instead of faith [[Romans 9:32]].
* **Responsibility to Believers:** `{{G4350}}` highlights the believer's duty to care for others in the faith. The warning is not to do anything that would cause a brother to **stumble**, be offended, or be made weak [[Romans 14:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4350}}` **proskóptō** is a dynamic word that moves from a physical act to a profound spiritual metaphor. It illustrates everything from dashing a foot against a stone [[Matthew 4:6]] and a storm beating on a house [[Matthew 7:27]] to the spiritual failure of those who **stumble** at the word [[1 Peter 2:8]]. It serves as a powerful reminder of the danger of disobedience and the importance of not causing a fellow believer to fall.
TRV