ἀπρόσκοπος (aproskopos)
aproskopos
not giving offence
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective aproskopos describes a life that causes no stumbling block to others. Derived from a root meaning "to stumble," it literally suggests a path so smooth that one does not trip. In Scripture, it is used metaphorically to describe conduct that avoids leading anyone into sin or offense. This term appears in passages where believers are urged to prioritize the spiritual well-being of their community above personal freedom.
Its usage spans both active and passive senses. It can mean actively avoiding actions that might cause another person to fall, as seen when Paul instructs Christians not to give offense in 1 Corinthians 10:32. Conversely, it describes a state of being blameless or without offense before God, as Paul expresses his desire for purity in Philippians 1:10 and his clear conscience in Acts 24:16. The word captures a holistic integrity that protects both the individual’s witness and the community’s faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Living as a follower of Christ involves more than personal piety; it requires care for those walking beside us. The word aproskopos describes a life that does not cause others to stumble or take offense. It invites us to consider how our actions might affect the faith and conscience of our neighbors, ensuring that our freedom does not become a barrier to their spiritual growth.
This concept extends inward as well, calling for a clear conscience before God. By aligning our daily choices with what is truly excellent, we cultivate integrity that honors both God and the community. Such a life reflects a deep commitment to love, prioritizing the well-being of others above personal convenience or preference.
When we strive to live without causing offense, we create an environment where faith can flourish. This approach fosters unity and demonstrates the practical nature of Christian love. It is a gentle reminder that our witness is often heard most clearly in how we treat those around us, especially when it matters most.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- without offense1×
- blameless1×
- Without offense1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπρόσκοποι2×
- ἀπρόσκοπον1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 10:32
Give no occasion for stumbling, whether to Jews, to Greeks, or to the assembly of God;
Paul explicitly commands believers to avoid giving any occasion for stumbling to Jews, Greeks, or the church, highlighting the communal responsibility of this conduct.
-
Acts 24:16
In this I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
Paul describes his personal practice of maintaining a conscience void of offense toward both God and men, showing the internal dimension of this integrity.
-
Philippians 1:10
so that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ,
The prayer for believers to be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ links this purity directly to final judgment and approval.