προσκοπή (proskopē)
proskopē
stumbling
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun proskopē refers to an occasion of stumbling or a cause of offense. Derived from the verb meaning to strike against with the foot, it describes something that trips up another person, leading them into error or sin rather than simply causing physical injury.
In Scripture, this term carries significant weight regarding Christian witness. Paul uses it in 2 Corinthians 6:3 to explain his ministry strategy, stating that he gives no occasion of stumbling so that no one may find fault with his service. The focus is on protecting the faith of others from unnecessary barriers.
Translators often render this word as "offense" or "stumbling block." The concept highlights the responsibility of believers to ensure their actions do not inadvertently hinder others from following Christ, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of the community over personal liberty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word προσκοπὴ describes a specific kind of obstacle—a trip hazard for someone else’s faith. It is not merely about personal preference or minor annoyance, but something that causes another believer to stumble spiritually. Paul uses this term in 2 Corinthians 6:3 to describe his approach to ministry. He deliberately avoids actions that might become a stumbling block, ensuring his service remains blameless and clear.
This concept invites us to examine our own lives with care. It reminds us that our freedom is not absolute when it affects others. By considering how our choices impact those around us, we protect the spiritual well-being of the community. This is not about living in fear, but about exercising love through thoughtful restraint.
When we prioritize the faith of others over our own convenience, we reflect Christ’s self-giving nature. It is a practical way to live out our call to unity and peace. May your actions always build up rather than trip up those walking beside you in this journey of faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- an obstacle,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσκοπήν,1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 6:3
We give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed,
Paul explicitly states he gives no occasion of stumbling to ensure his ministry service remains blameless and credible.