σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō)
skandalizō
to cause to stumble
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 28 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb skandalizō describes causing someone to stumble or fall away from faith and right conduct. Its root image comes from a snare or trap set in a path, rather than merely a loose stone that causes a physical trip. In the New Testament, it refers to any action, teaching, or attitude that becomes an obstacle leading another person into sin or discouragement.
This word carries significant weight in Jesus’ teachings, particularly regarding how believers treat the vulnerable. In Matthew 18:6 and Mark 9:42, Jesus warns that causing even one of his followers to stumble is a grave offense, likening it to being drowned with a millstone around the neck. The active voice emphasizes the responsibility of the stronger believer not to become a trap for the weaker.
The term also appears in the passive voice, describing the experience of those who are offended or caused to doubt. In John 6:61 and Matthew 13:21, it captures the reaction of people who encounter difficult teachings and choose to turn away rather than persevere. Translators often render this as "offend," but the Greek implies a more serious spiritual tripping that leads to apostasy or loss of trust.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word skandalizō carries a heavy weight in Scripture, rooted in the image of a hidden trap or snare set along a path. It describes actions, words, or attitudes that cause another person to fall away from faith or stumble into sin. This is not merely about causing offense; it is about creating an obstacle that leads someone into spiritual danger. Jesus speaks with stark seriousness about this responsibility, warning that leading even one believer astray carries grave consequences.
For your daily life, this word invites careful reflection on how you interact with others. Are there habits, criticisms, or compromises in your behavior that might trip up a fellow Christian? The call is not to perfection, but to awareness and love. We are invited to remove any stumbling blocks from our paths and to support those who are struggling, ensuring our presence strengthens rather than weakens their trust in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 28 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will fall away4×
- shall cause to stumble4×
- they were offended2×
- causes to stumble2×
- causes to sin2×
- you will fall away1×
- you may fall away.1×
- will fall away.1×
- were offended?1×
- we may offend1×
- they fall away.1×
- snares1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σκανδαλίζει5×
- σκανδαλίσῃ3×
- σκανδαλίζῃ3×
- σκανδαλισθήσονται3×
- ἐσκανδαλίζοντο2×
- σκανδαλισθῇ2×
- σκανδαλισθήσεσθε2×
- ἐσκανδαλίσθησαν;¶1×
- σκανδαλίσωμεν1×
- σκανδαλίσω.¶1×
- σκανδαλίζονται.1×
- σκανδαλίζεται.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 18:6
but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a huge millstone were hung around his neck and that he were sunk in the depths of the sea.
Jesus uses the strongest possible language here, comparing the gravity of causing a believer to stumble to drowning with a millstone, highlighting the severe spiritual danger such actions pose.
-
Mark 9:42
“Whoever will cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if he were thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around his neck.
This parallel account reinforces Jesus’ warning against exploiting the faith of vulnerable believers, emphasizing that our influence carries significant responsibility.
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John 6:61
But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble?
Here Jesus addresses the disciples' struggle with his difficult teaching, showing that skandalizō can also describe the internal reaction to challenging truth rather than external sin.
-
Matthew 24:10
Then many will stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another.
In this eschatological context, the word describes the widespread falling away and betrayal among believers during times of great tribulation and testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between being offended and being caused to stumble?
Does this word apply only to leaders?
How should I respond if I realize I have caused someone to stumble?
Every Occurrence (28 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 13 verses
If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 5:30If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 11:6Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.”
Matthew 13:21yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word,…
Matthew 13:57They were offended by him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country and in…
Matthew 15:12Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”
Matthew 17:27But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have…
Matthew 18:6but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a huge…
Matthew 18:8If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into…
Matthew 18:9If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one…
Matthew 24:10Then many will stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another.
Matthew 26:31Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike…
Matthew 26:33But Peter answered him, “Even if all will be made to stumble because of you, I will never be made to stumble.”