If you’re a Christian, you may be familiar with the word stumblingblock. However, I wanted to see what the word meant in the original languages. That’s why I decided to look up what the word stumblingblock means in Hebrew and Greek.
All scriptures are taken from NKJV unless otherwise marked.
What Does The Word ‘Stumblingblock’ Mean In Hebrew?
mikshowl- stumbling-block.
What Does The Word ‘Stumblingblock’ Mean In Greek?
proskomma- occasion of the apostasy.
This word signifies an obstacle against which one may dash his foot. Its translated into:
- an offense (Romans 14:20)
- a stumblingblock or a spiritual hindrance to another by the selfish use of one’s liberty. (Romans 14:13)
- a stone of stumbling (1 Peter 2:8)
This term is used of Christ in Romans 9:30-33:
“What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written:
“Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense,
And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.“
Related: What Does The Word ‘Offend’ Mean In Hebrew and Greek?
skandalon- snare.
A skandalon was the name of the part of a trap in which the bait was attached. In other words, it was the trap itself because it enticed the victim to it.
This term is used for anything that causes prejudice to arise or become a hindrance to others and cause them to fall. However, there are times when hinderance is a good thing and is used to stumble the wicked.
“The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.“
– Matthew 13:41-42
Conclusion
In conclusion, a stumblingblock is something that is done by another person that causes one to stumble. It can be used to describe a literal block of stumbling. However, it’s often used to speak of the spiritual stumbling that occurs when someone is lead astray from the truth.
All in all, that’s what the word stumblingblock means in Hebrew and Greek. I pray you found this article helpful. If so, please share this content. Also, feel free to share any thoughts in the comments below. As always, thanks for reading!
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