### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb skandalízō (`{{G4624}}`) is derived from the noun skándalon (`{{G4625}}`), which originally referred to the movable stick or trigger of a trap, a snare, or a stumbling block over which one might trip. This etymological root informs its rich semantic range in the New Testament.
In its most literal sense, skandalízō means "to cause to stumble physically" or "to set a trap." However, its predominant usage in the biblical text is figurative and metaphorical:
* **To cause someone to stumble spiritually or morally:** This is the most common and significant meaning, implying an action that leads another person into sin, error, or a loss of faith. It is not merely to annoy, but to create an obstacle that results in a spiritual fall.
* **To entice to sin or apostasy:** To tempt or lead someone away from righteous conduct or from their commitment to Christ.
* **To cause displeasure or offense:** To provoke a reaction of indignation, resentment, or rejection, often leading to a turning away from truth or a person. This can be understood as "taking offense at" or "being scandalized by."
* **To stumble (reflexive/passive):** In many contexts, the verb is used in the passive or middle voice, meaning "to stumble," "to take offense," "to be led into sin," or "to fall away."
The core idea is that of an impediment or action that precipitates a fall, whether moral, spiritual, or in faith.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb skandalízō appears frequently in the Gospels and Pauline epistles, revealing critical theological insights:
* **Jesus' Warnings Against Causing Others to Stumble:** Perhaps the most striking usage is Jesus' severe warning in [[Matthew 18:6]] (and parallels [[Mark 9:42]], [[Luke 17:2]]): "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea." This hyperbole underscores the extreme gravity of leading a new or vulnerable believer astray, highlighting God's profound care for the spiritually weak.
* **Radical Self-Examination:** Jesus also uses skandalízō in the context of personal purity, advising radical measures (e.g., cutting off a hand or plucking out an eye) if they cause one to stumble ([[Matthew 5:29-30]], [[Matthew 18:8-9]], [[Mark 9:43-47]]). This is hyperbole emphasizing the absolute necessity of removing anything, however cherished, that leads one into sin or causes a spiritual fall.
* **Disciples' Stumbling:** Jesus predicts that His disciples will "stumble because of me" ([[Matthew 26:31]], [[Mark 14:27]]) during His passion, fulfilling [[Zechariah 13:7]]. This refers to their desertion and loss of faith in Him during His arrest and crucifixion, a temporary but profound spiritual stumbling.
* **Taking Offense at Jesus:** Many people "took offense" at Jesus' teachings or actions, leading them to reject Him. Examples include those who found His teaching on eating His flesh and drinking His blood offensive ([[John 6:61]]) or the people in His hometown who were offended by His humble origins ([[Matthew 13:57]], [[Mark 6:3]]). Jesus himself states, "Blessed is the one who is not offended by me" ([[Matthew 11:6]], [[Luke 7:23]]), indicating that His person and message were often a "stumbling block" to those without faith.
* **Pauline Usage Regarding Conscience and Liberty:** Paul employs skandalízō in discussions of Christian liberty, particularly concerning food sacrificed to idols ([[Romans 14:21]], [[1 Corinthians 8:13]]). He argues that even if an action is permissible for an individual, it should be avoided if it causes a "weaker brother" to stumble—that is, to violate their conscience or revert to sinful practices. Paul's own ministry was characterized by a commitment "to give no offense" ([[2 Corinthians 6:3]]) so that the ministry would not be discredited.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **skándalon (`{{G4625}}`):** The noun form, meaning "stumbling block," "trap," or "offense." This is the direct root of skandalízō and is often used interchangeably in concept. Christ is referred to as a "stumbling block" (skándalon) to the Jews ([[Romans 9:33]], [[1 Corinthians 1:23]]).
* **proskóptō (`{{G4348}}`):** To strike against, to stumble (often physically, but also figuratively). While similar, skandalízō often carries the stronger connotation of causing a *fall* or *apostasy*, or setting a *trap*, whereas proskóptō can simply mean to trip or hit an obstacle.
* **apostasía (`{{G680}}`):** Apostasy, a falling away from faith. skandalízō can be the *cause* or *process* leading to apostasía.
* **Sin (ἁμαρτία - `{{G266}}`):** The act of skandalízō often results in sin, or is itself a sinful act when one causes another to stumble.
* **Offense/Displeasure:** The concept of causing someone to be offended or displeased to the point of rejection or stumbling.
### Theological Significance
The concept of skandalízō holds profound theological significance within Christian ethics, discipleship, and the nature of the Gospel itself.
1. **The Gravity of Causing Spiritual Harm:** Jesus' severe warnings against causing "little ones" to stumble highlight the immense value God places on the spiritual well-being of every believer, especially the vulnerable. It underscores a corporate responsibility within the body of Christ, where individual actions can have profound and eternal consequences for others. This principle calls for careful consideration of how one's freedom or actions might impact another's walk with God.
2. **The Demanding Nature of Divine Truth:** The fact that Jesus Himself was a "stumbling block" to many reveals that divine truth, when encountered, often challenges human expectations, traditions, and comfort zones. The Gospel is not always palatable; it demands a response that can lead either to profound faith or to offense and rejection. This demonstrates that the truth of God, far from being universally appealing, can expose unbelief and provoke a crisis of faith.
3. **Love as the Guiding Principle for Liberty:** Paul's application of skandalízō to issues of Christian liberty (e.g., eating meat) establishes love as the supreme ethical principle. While believers may have freedom in Christ, this freedom is not to be exercised in a way that causes a weaker brother to sin or violate their conscience. To skandalízō another through an unloving exercise of liberty is a failure to walk in love, which is the fulfillment of the law.
4. **Radical Commitment to Purity:** Jesus' hyperbolic commands to remove anything that causes one to stumble (e.g., hand, foot, eye) emphasize the absolute priority of entering the Kingdom of God. This calls for radical self-examination, ruthless elimination of sin, and a willingness to make extreme personal sacrifices to maintain spiritual purity and avoid anything that could lead to a fall.
5. **The Vulnerability of Faith:** The repeated use of skandalízō reminds us that faith is not static but can be challenged, weakened, and even lost. Believers are susceptible to stumbling through internal temptations, external pressures, or the actions of others. This necessitates vigilance, mutual support, and a deep reliance on God's sustaining grace to persevere.
### Summary
Skandalízō (`{{G4624}}`) is a pivotal Greek verb meaning "to cause to stumble," "to entrap," or "to lead into sin or apostasy," deriving from skándalon (`{{G4625}}`), a "stumbling block" or "snare." Predominantly used metaphorically in the New Testament, it describes the act of causing someone to fall spiritually or morally, or the experience of taking offense at something (especially Jesus or His teachings) to the point of rejecting faith. Jesus issues severe warnings against causing "little ones" to stumble, underscoring the immense spiritual harm inflicted. Paul applies the concept to Christian liberty, urging believers to forgo permissible actions if they cause a weaker brother to skandalízō their conscience or fall into sin. The word highlights the critical importance of protecting the spiritual integrity of others, the challenging nature of divine truth, and the radical commitment required for personal purity in discipleship. It underscores the serious consequences of actions that lead to a departure from faith or a violation of conscience within the Christian community, emphasizing love and spiritual vigilance as paramount.
TRV