προσκοπή
proskopḗ
G4349 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Stumbling, an obstacle or cause for offense. Refers primarily to a physical or figurative stumbling, including an occasion that leads to spiritual or moral failure; an obstacle or barrier that causes one to falter, especially in ethical or religious adherence. In broader use, denotes something that results in one being offended, tripped up, or led astray.
Semantic Range
stumbling, stumbling-block, cause of moral lapse, occasion of offense, obstacle, trigger for sin or error
Root / Etymology
Derived from the verb προσκόπτω (to strike against, to stumble), with -ή forming an abstract noun indicating the act, result, or condition of stumbling. Cognate with similar Greek roots of motion and obstruction.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, the term is rare, with προσκόπτω being the more commonly attested verb. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, προσκοπή denotes both physical and non-physical stumbling, frequently occurring in moral or religious contexts, especially in early Christian writings. In the Septuagint and New Testament, προσκοπή most often refers to a cause for error or lapse, extending the image from literal tripping to include occasions for sin or moral offense. In Romans 14:13 and 1 Corinthians 8:9, it marks an action or circumstance that could cause a person to err in their faithfulness or violate their conscience. English tradition often translates as 'offense,' but this can miss the more nuanced sense of 'something that causes someone to stumble' in faith or conduct, rather than simply being insulted. Comparable concepts exist in Hebrew (e.g., מכשול, 'stumbling block'), often imported into Greek Jewish and Christian contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from προσκόπτω; a stumbling, i.e. (figuratively and concretely) occasion of sin:--offence.
Root Family
προσκοπή (proskopē) — stumbling, striking against, obstacle, cause of offense
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4349-01 |
προσκοπήν | proskopen | N ACC F SG |
offense | a stumbling obstacle | a stumbling obstacle | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4349-01 |
2 Corinthians 6:3 | προσκοπήν | proskopen | N ACC F SG |
offense | a stumbling obstacle | a stumbling obstacle |