from Α (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of προσκόπτω; actively, inoffensive, i.e. not leading into sin; passively, faultless, i.e. not led into sin:--none (void of, without) offence.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ἀπρόσκοπος (apróskopos)**, represented by `{{G677}}`, describes a state of being **inoffensive** or **faultless**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The word's definition carries a dual meaning: actively, it means not leading others into sin, and passively, it means not being led into sin oneself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical applications, `{{G677}}` emphasizes the importance of a believer's conduct. In Paul's prayer for the Philippians, he desires that they may be "sincere and **without offence** till the day of Christ" [[Philippians 1:10]], highlighting a state of personal blamelessness. In his defense before Felix, Paul states that he strives to maintain a "conscience **void of offence** toward God, and toward men" [[Acts 24:16]], connecting the term to personal integrity and spiritual discipline. Finally, Paul uses it as an active command to the Corinthian believers: "Give **none offence**, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God" [[1 Corinthians 10:32]], focusing on the responsibility to not be a stumbling block to others.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context to the concept of being without offense:
* `{{G1381}}` **dokimázō** (to test; by implication, to approve): This word is used in conjunction with `{{G677}}`, urging believers to **approve** things that are excellent in order to be without offense [[Philippians 1:10]].
* `{{G4893}}` **syneídēsis** (moral consciousness): This term is central to the idea of being faultless, as Paul's goal was to maintain a **conscience** void of offense before both God and man [[Acts 24:16]].
* `{{G778}}` **askéō** (to train, strive): This word shows the active effort required to remain blameless, as Paul states he must **exercise** himself to have a clear conscience [[Acts 24:16]].
* `{{G1096}}` **gínomai** (to become, come into being): This verb is used to command believers to **be** or become a source of "none offence" to any group [[1 Corinthians 10:32]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G677}}` is centered on the practical outworking of a believer's faith in relation to God, others, and oneself.
* **Personal Purity:** Being without offense is presented as a key aspect of sincerity and readiness for the "day of Christ," linking blameless conduct to eschatological hope [[Philippians 1:10]].
* **Conscious Integrity:** The term underscores the importance of a well-kept conscience. It is not a passive state but one that requires constant exercise and discipline toward both God and people [[Acts 24:16]].
* **Corporate Responsibility:** The command to give no offense extends a believer's responsibility to all groups of people—Jews, Gentiles, and the church itself—making considerate, selfless behavior a core Christian duty [[1 Corinthians 10:32]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G677}}` is a crucial term for Christian ethics. It moves beyond a simple definition of faultlessness to encompass both the internal state of a clear conscience and the external action of not causing others to stumble. It calls believers to a life of sincerity and discipline, lived in conscious consideration of their impact on the church and the wider world, all in preparation for the day of Christ.
TRV