πρόσκομμα (proskomma)
proskomma
stumbling block
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun proskomma refers to a physical obstacle that causes someone to trip or stumble, which Scripture extends into a metaphor for spiritual hindrance. It appears six times in the New Testament, primarily in Romans and 1 Peter, describing anything that causes a believer to fall away from faith or sin.
Its root verb means to strike against with the foot. In Romans 9:32-33 and 1 Peter 2:8, it is linked to Isaiah’s prophecy of a "stone of stumbling." Here, the word describes Christ Himself as the obstacle that causes many to fall due to their unbelief, showing how divine truth can become a barrier to those who reject it.
While often translated simply as "stumbling block," proskomma emphasizes the act of tripping over something specific. In Romans 14:13 and 1 Corinthians 8:9, Paul warns against actions that might cause weaker believers to stumble. The focus is on the external trigger that leads to moral failure, urging Christians to avoid becoming an obstacle in another’s path.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word proskomma describes a physical obstacle placed on a path, causing someone to trip and fall. In Scripture, this image expands into spiritual territory, describing anything that hinders faith or leads believers away from God. It reminds us that our actions and attitudes can unintentionally become barriers for others, especially those whose faith is still growing.
Paul uses this term to warn Christians against making their freedom an obstacle to weaker believers. When we act without regard for how our choices affect others, we risk causing them to stumble. This calls for humility and sensitivity in community life, ensuring that our liberty does not become a trap for those who are struggling.
At the same time, proskomma also refers to Christ Himself as a stone of stumbling for those who reject Him. While this may seem paradoxical, it highlights how divine truth can become a barrier to those who refuse to believe. For believers, however, this same stone becomes the foundation of hope and salvation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of stumbling3×
- an occasion of stumbling1×
- a stumbling block1×
- [any] stumbling block1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσκόμματος4×
- πρόσκομμα2×
Key Verses
-
Romans 14:13
Therefore let’s not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother’s way, or an occasion for falling.
Paul urges believers not to judge one another but to avoid placing any obstacle in a brother's path, highlighting the communal responsibility to protect weaker faiths.
-
I Corinthians 8:9
But be careful that by no means does this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to the weak.
This verse warns that personal liberty must never become a stumbling block for those with weaker consciences, emphasizing love over rights.
-
Romans 9:33
even as it is written, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and a rock of offense; and no one who believes in him will be disappointed.”
Paul quotes Isaiah to show that Christ Himself is the stone of stumbling for those who rely on works rather than faith, revealing the danger of unbelief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does proskomma mean in the Bible?
How is proskomma different from skandalon?
Where does proskomma appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)
Romans 4 verses
Why? Because they didn’t seek it by faith, but as it were by works of the law. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,
Romans 9:33even as it is written, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and a rock of offense; and no one who believes in him…
Romans 14:13Therefore let’s not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his…
Romans 14:20Don’t overthrow God’s work for food’s sake. All things indeed are clean, however it is evil for that man who creates a…