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) `{{G677}}` is a compound term derived from the alpha privative (α-), signifying negation, and the root of προσκόπτω (proskoptō) `{{G4350}}`, meaning "to strike against," "to stumble," or "to cause to stumble." This etymology yields a rich dual meaning for ἀπρόσκοπος:
1. **Active Sense:** "Not causing to stumble," "inoffensive," "not creating an occasion for sin or difficulty for others." In this sense, it describes an action, behavior, or person that does not become a stumbling block or source of offense to another.
2. **Passive Sense:** "Not stumbling," "faultless," "blameless," "without offense," "not being led into sin or error." Here, it describes a state of being, a conscience, or a character that remains pure, unblemished, and free from fault before God and humanity.
This duality is crucial for a full understanding of the word's application in the New Testament, encompassing both outward conduct towards others and inward integrity before God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀπρόσκοπος `{{G677}}` appears three times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its nuanced meaning:
* **[[Acts 24:16]]**: "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men."
* In Paul's defense before Felix, he declares his earnest endeavor to maintain a conscience that is "void of offence." Here, the passive sense is paramount. Paul desires his inner moral compass to be blameless, not having stumbled or been led into sin, both in his relationship with God and with humanity. This speaks to personal integrity and purity of motive.
* **[[1 Corinthians 10:32]]**: "Give no offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God."
* This verse provides a clear example of the active sense. Paul exhorts the Corinthian believers, particularly concerning the exercise of Christian liberty (e.g., eating meat offered to idols), to ensure their actions do not cause others to stumble or take offense. The focus is on the impact of one's behavior on the spiritual well-being of others, whether they are outside the faith (Jews, Gentiles) or within the Christian community. It is a call to considerate, loving conduct that prioritizes the spiritual health of the neighbor over personal rights.
* **[[Philippians 1:10]]**: "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ."
* Here, in his prayer for the Philippian believers, Paul uses ἀπρόσκοπος `{{G677}}` in its passive sense. He prays that their discernment of what is best (things that are excellent) will lead them to a life characterized by sincerity (εἰλικρινεῖς, eilikrineis `{{G1506}}`, "pure, unmixed, tested by sunlight") and blamelessness until the return of Christ. This refers to a life free from moral stumbling, a character that stands irreproachable before God's final judgment. It points to an ongoing process of sanctification culminating in eschatological purity.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἀπρόσκοπος `{{G677}}` is enhanced by examining its relationship with other key biblical terms:
* **προσκόπτω (proskoptō) `{{G4350}}`**: The verbal root, meaning "to strike against," "to stumble," or "to cause to stumble." This is the foundational concept from which ἀπρόσκοπος `{{G677}}` derives its meaning of either not causing stumbling or not stumbling oneself.
* **σκάνδαλον (skandalon) `{{G4625}}`**: Often translated "stumbling block" or "occasion for sin." This noun directly relates to the active sense of ἀπρόσκοπος `{{G677}}`, as the goal of being ἀπρόσκοπος is to avoid placing a σκάνδαλον before others.
* **ἀμώμητος (amōmētos) `{{G299}}` / ἄμεμπτος (amemptos) `{{G273}}`**: These terms mean "blameless" or "irreproachable" and often describe the character of believers or leaders. They resonate strongly with the passive sense of ἀπρόσκοπος `{{G677}}`, emphasizing a life free from legitimate accusation or fault.
* **συνείδησις (syneidēsis) `{{G4893}}`**: "Conscience." As seen in [[Acts 24:16]], a "conscience void of offense" is a conscience that is clear, pure, and not burdened by sin or accusation, aligning with the passive sense of ἀπρόσκοπος `{{G677}}`.
* **ἀγάπη (agapē) `{{G26}}`**: "Love." The active sense of ἀπρόσκοπος `{{G677}}` (not causing others to stumble) is fundamentally motivated by Christian love, which seeks the good and edification of the neighbor, as extensively discussed in 1 Corinthians 8-10.
### Theological Significance
The concept embodied by ἀπρόσκοπος `{{G677}}` holds profound theological significance for Christian life and witness:
* **Ethical Responsibility and Love for Neighbor:** The active sense of "giving no offense" highlights the believer's ethical responsibility to consider the impact of their actions on others. This is rooted in the command to love one's neighbor as oneself ([[Romans 13:8-10]]) and particularly applies to areas of Christian liberty where individual freedom might inadvertently cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble ([[Romans 14:13-23]], [[1 Corinthians 8:9-13]]). It underscores that Christian ethics are not merely about personal purity but also about relational integrity and the edification of the community.
* **Personal Purity and Sanctification:** The passive sense of "being without offense" speaks to the believer's personal pursuit of holiness and blamelessness before God. This is an internal disposition of the heart and conscience ([[Acts 24:16]]) that seeks to avoid sin and maintain integrity. It is an aspect of progressive sanctification, the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to conform believers to the image of Christ, leading to a life that is truly "sincere and without offense" until Christ's return ([[Philippians 1:10]]).
* **Effective Witness:** The church's ability to be a compelling witness to the world is directly tied to its "inoffensiveness." When believers live lives that are blameless and do not cause unnecessary offense, the message of the gospel is less hindered by the perceived hypocrisy or unloving conduct of its adherents ([[1 Corinthians 10:32]]). This principle ensures that the focus remains on the transformative power of Christ rather than on human failings.
* **Eschatological Hope and Accountability:** The prayer in [[Philippians 1:10]] links being "without offense" to "the day of Christ." This imbues the concept with eschatological weight, reminding believers that their conduct and character are ultimately evaluated before God. It serves as an encouragement to persevere in purity, knowing that their blamelessness will be affirmed at the Lord's coming.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀπρόσκοπος (apróskopos) `{{G677}}` is a vital term in the New Testament, encompassing a dual meaning: actively, "not causing others to stumble or be offended," and passively, "not stumbling oneself" or "being blameless." This word underscores the Christian's ethical obligation to live in a manner that expresses love and consideration for others, preventing their spiritual harm ([[1 Corinthians 10:32]]). Simultaneously, it calls for a deep personal integrity, a conscience that is clear and pure before both God and humanity ([[Acts 24:16]]). The pursuit of this "inoffensive" and "blameless" state is a continuous journey of sanctification, motivated by love and culminating in the hope of Christ's return ([[Philippians 1:10]]), ensuring that the believer's life and the church's witness remain unblemished.
TRV