or מִכְשֹׁל; masculine from כָּשַׁל; a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple); caused to fall, offence, [idiom] (no-) thing offered, ruin, stumbling-block.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mikshôwl**, represented by `{{H4383}}`, is a term for a **stumbling-block**. It appears 14 times in 14 unique verses. The word carries both a literal and figurative meaning, denoting an obstacle, an enticement, an offense, or something that causes ruin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4383}}` is used in several contexts. It is used literally in the command not to "put a **stumblingblock** before the blind" [[Leviticus 19:14]]. Figuratively, it can refer to a personal grievance or "offence of heart" [[1 Samuel 25:31]]. God Himself can be described as a "rock of **offence**" to the houses of Israel [[Isaiah 8:14]]. Most frequently, it describes the consequence of sin, where iniquity becomes a "stumblingblock" or "ruin" ([[Ezekiel 18:30]], [[Ezekiel 7:19]]). The Lord also warns that He will lay **stumblingblocks** before people as a form of judgment ([[Jeremiah 6:21]], [[Ezekiel 3:20]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of obstacles and moral failure:
* `{{H1544}}` **gillûwl** (idol): This term is frequently associated with `{{H4383}}`, as the people are described as setting up idols in their hearts, which become "the **stumblingblock** of their iniquity" [[Ezekiel 14:3]].
* `{{H5771}}` **ʻâvôn** (iniquity): Defined as perversity or moral evil, this word is directly tied to `{{H4383}}`. Iniquity can become a person's "ruin" [[Ezekiel 18:30]], and idols are called the "stumblingblock of their **iniquity**" [[Ezekiel 7:19]].
* `{{H5063}}` **negeph** (stumbling): This word is used in parallel with `{{H4383}}` to describe God's role as "a stone of **stumbling** and for a rock of offence" to Israel [[Isaiah 8:14]]. Its definition includes "a trip (of the foot)".
* `{{H4170}}` **môwqêsh** (snare): Meaning a noose or trap, this word appears alongside `{{H4383}}` in [[Isaiah 8:14]], where God is described as a "gin" and a "**snare**" to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4383}}` is significant, highlighting the causes and consequences of spiritual failure.
* **Idolatry as an Internal Stumbling Block:** The book of Ezekiel repeatedly connects `{{H4383}}` to idolatry. The "stumblingblock of their iniquity" is something the people "set up in their heart" and "put before their face," indicating that idolatry is a self-imposed obstacle to a right relationship with God ([[Ezekiel 14:3]], [[Ezekiel 14:7]]).
* **Iniquity as the Cause of Ruin:** The term is used to describe the ultimate consequence of sin. In Ezekiel, the people are commanded to repent from their transgressions so that their iniquity will not become their **ruin** `{{H4383}}` [[Ezekiel 18:30]]. The connection is so strong that money gained through sin is called "the **stumblingblock** of their iniquity" [[Ezekiel 7:19]].
* **God as a Stumbling Block:** In a powerful reversal, God Himself is presented as a "rock of **offence** `{{H4383}}`" to the disobedient houses of Israel [[Isaiah 8:14]]. God also uses **stumblingblocks** as an instrument of divine judgment against the wicked and the unfaithful righteous man ([[Jeremiah 6:21]], [[Ezekiel 3:20]]).
* **Removal of Obstacles:** The term also appears in a positive context. God commands His people to "take up the **stumblingblock** out of the way of my people" [[Isaiah 57:14]]. For those who love God's law, there is a promise of great **peace** `{{H7965}}` and that "nothing shall offend them," or cause them to stumble [[Psalms 119:165]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4383}}` **mikshôwl** is more than a physical impediment. It is a critical theological term that represents any obstacle, spiritual or physical, that causes one to fall. It is used to describe the consequences of iniquity, the enticement of idolatry, and even an instrument of divine judgment. The word illustrates the biblical principle that sin creates its own obstacles, leading ultimately to ruin, while obedience to God removes such stumblingblocks from one's path.
TRV