σκάνδαλον

a snare, stumbling-block

Definition

The Greek word σκάνδαλον refers to a 'stumbling-block' or 'trap' that causes someone to trip or fall, both literally and spiritually. In the New Testament, it primarily denotes anything that causes a person to sin, lose faith, or fall away from God, such as Jesus being a stumbling block to those who reject him (Romans 9:33, 1 Corinthians 1:23). It can also refer to an action or teaching that leads others into sin, as when Jesus warns about causing 'little ones' to stumble (Matthew 18:6-7). Additionally, it describes a snare or offense that hinders spiritual progress, like dietary disputes in Romans 14:13.

Biblical Usage

Used 13 times in the New Testament, σκάνδαλον appears across Gospels and Epistles, often in ethical or prophetic contexts. In the Gospels, Jesus uses it to warn against causing others to sin (Matthew 18:7, Luke 17:1) and rebukes Peter as a 'stumbling block' for opposing God's plan (Matthew 16:23). Paul employs it theologically, citing Old Testament prophecy about Christ as a stumbling stone (Romans 9:33, 1 Peter 2:8) and urging believers not to place obstacles before each other (Romans 14:13, 16:17). The usage shifts from personal causes of sin to broader spiritual hindrances.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō, G4624), meaning 'to cause to stumble' or 'to offend,' σκάνδαλον originally referred to the trigger of a trap or a snare. It likely entered Greek from a Semitic root, related to the concept of a stumbling block. In the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), it translates Hebrew terms for 'stumbling' or 'offense,' shaping its New Testament usage around spiritual failure and obstruction.

Semantic Range

Σκάνδαλον is theologically significant as it highlights human responsibility in faith and community. It underscores the seriousness of causing others to sin, emphasizing Jesus' concern for the vulnerable (Matthew 18:6). Theologically, it points to the offense of the cross—how Christ's message can be a stumbling block to those relying on human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:23). Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by revealing the active danger of spiritual obstacles and the call to build up, not hinder, fellow believers (Romans 14:13).

In ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish cultures, a physical stumbling block was a common hazard on rough roads, making the metaphor vivid for listeners. The idea of a 'snare' or 'trap' would resonate in an agrarian society familiar with hunting. Culturally, causing someone to stumble was not just a minor offense but a serious moral failure, reflecting the high value placed on communal harmony and spiritual guidance in Jewish tradition.

πρόσκομμα (proskomma, G4348) — a stumbling or offense, often used interchangeably but sometimes emphasizing the act of striking against an obstacle. σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō, G4624) — the verb form, meaning to cause to stumble or take offense. σκύβαλον (skybalon, G4657) — refuse or dung, used metaphorically for worthless things but distinct in focusing on filth rather than obstruction.

Word Details

Scripture References