προσκόπτω
proskóptō
G4350 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To strike against, to collide with, especially to bump or trip over an obstacle. In extended usage, to be offended or caused to falter or fail as a result of some hindrance, both literally (e.g. tripping physically) and metaphorically (e.g. facing a spiritual or moral obstacle). In some contexts, also to strike with force (as of water or blows).
Semantic Range
to strike against, to collide, to bump into, to trip over, to stumble (literally), to be caused to falter or fail, to be offended, to encounter an obstacle (literally or figuratively), to be dashed against (as with waves)
Root / Etymology
From πρός (toward, against) and κόπτω (to strike, cut). The verb originally described the act of striking against something, either by movement toward or colliding with an object.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, προσκόπτω most commonly refers to physically striking or bumping against something. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, the verb extends metaphorically to include stumbling over an obstacle, and, by further extension, to being hindered or caused to fail in moral, spiritual, or relational matters (commonly used in the Septuagint and New Testament). In biblical texts, it often refers to stumbling against or over a figurative 'stumbling stone' or obstacle, denoting either a cause of offense or a hindrance to belief or moral conduct (e.g. Romans 9:32–33). The nuance of 'taking offense' or 'being caused to sin' develops from the primary sense of stumbling or failing due to an impediment. Standard English translations such as 'stumble', 'take offense', or 'fall' do not always capture the contextual richness, especially the linkage between physical stumbling and ethical or spiritual failure. Contrasts with σκανδαλίζω (to cause to stumble, to give offense) in emphasizing the act of stumbling rather than the causing.
Translation Consistency
“Stumble” naturally covers the primary literal sense (trip or bump against an obstacle) and the common figurative senses (to falter, be offended, or be caused to fail). It is idiomatic, frequent in English Bible translations, and more versatile than more narrow options like “strike” or “trip.”
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πρός and κόπτω; to strike at, i.e. surge against (as water); specially, to stub on, i.e. trip up (literally or figuratively):--beat upon, dash, stumble (at).
Root Family
προσκόπτω (proskoptō) — to strike against, to bump, to stumble
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4350-03 |
προσκόπτει | proskoptei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
stumbles | he/she/it strikes against | he/she/it stumbles | 3 |
G4350-02 |
προσκόψῃς | proskopses | V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG |
you strike | you might stumble | you might stumble | 2 |
G4350-01 |
προσέκοψαν | prosekopsan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
beat | they struck against | struck against | 2 |
G4350-04 |
προσκόπτουσιν | proskoptousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
stumble | they are stumbling against | are stumbling against | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
8 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4350-02 |
Matthew 4:6 | προσκόψῃς | proskopses | V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG |
you strike | you might stumble | you might stumble |
G4350-01 |
Matthew 7:27 | προσέκοψαν | prosekopsan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
beat | they struck against | struck against |
G4350-02 |
Luke 4:11 | προσκόψῃς | proskopses | V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG |
you strike | you might stumble | you might stumble |
G4350-03 |
John 11:9 | προσκόπτει | proskoptei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
stumbles | he/she/it strikes against | he/she/it stumbles |
G4350-03 |
John 11:10 | προσκόπτει | proskoptei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
he stumbles | he/she/it strikes against | he/she/it stumbles |
G4350-01 |
Romans 9:32 | προσέκοψαν | prosekopsan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
they stumbled | they struck against | they stumbled against |
G4350-03 |
Romans 14:21 | προσκόπτει | proskoptei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
stumbles | he/she/it strikes against | he/she/it stumbles |
G4350-04 |
1 Peter 2:8 | προσκόπτουσιν | proskoptousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
stumble | they are stumbling against | are stumbling against |