Stumbling
“Something that causes stumbling or falling”
Summary
An object or occasion that causes someone to trip, fall, or be led into sin, error, or spiritual ruin.
☩Literal and Figurative Meaning
The Hebrew word mikhshol and Greek proskomma literally denote any object over which a person may trip. Figuratively, they refer to a cause of ruin or spiritual downfall. The roads in Eastern countries were often mere tracks, and robbers would place stones as stumbling blocks to impede caravans and create confusion for attack.
☩Spiritual Stumbling Blocks
Scripture uses stumbling block imagery extensively. Silver, gold, and idols become stumbling blocks that lead people astray. The Greek skandalon originally meant the trigger stick of a trap to which bait is attached. Things that cause spiritual stumbling include the cross of Christ to unbelievers, another's misused liberty, and worldly attachments.
☩Christ as Stumbling Stone
Most significantly, Christ became a stumbling stone to Israel. His life and character differed so radically from Jewish expectations that many rejected Him. Yet Scripture prophesied this: 'Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.'
Related Verses30 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Stumbling block," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Richard Watson, "Stumbling," in A Biblical and Theological Dictionary (John Mason, 1831).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Stumbling-Block; Stumbling-Stone," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).