σκάνδαλον
skandalon
stumbling block
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word σκάνδαλον (skandalon) is a noun that translates to "stumbling block." It is used 15 times in the Bible, indicating its importance in various contexts. The word σκάνδαλον refers to an obstacle or hindrance that causes someone to trip or fall, often metaphorically. In its range of usage, σκάνδαλον is applied to both literal and figurative situations. It can describe a physical barrier that causes someone to stumble, but it is also used to convey the idea of a moral or spiritual obstacle that leads to sin or spiritual downfall. This word is often used in the context of relationships, where one person's actions or words can become a σκάνδαλον for another, causing them to stumble or sin. The significance of σκάνδαλον lies in its emphasis on the potential for human actions to have a profound impact on others. It highlights the importance of being mindful of our words and actions, as they can either build up or tear down others. In this sense, σκάνδαλον serves as a reminder of the need for empathy, compassion, and self-awareness in our interactions with others.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
15 total occurrences across the text
The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and those who do iniquity,
Matthew 16:23But he turned, and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men.”
Matthew 18:7“Woe to the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must be that the occasions come, but woe to that person through whom the occasion comes!
Matthew 18:7“Woe to the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must be that the occasions come, but woe to that person through whom the occasion comes!
Matthew 18:7“Woe to the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must be that the occasions come, but woe to that person through whom the occasion comes!
Luke 17:1He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no occasions of stumbling should come, but woe to him through whom they come!
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 will be disappointed.”
Romans 11:9David says, “Let their table be made a snare, a trap, a stumbling block, and a retribution to them.
Romans 14:13Therefore 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.
Romans 16:17Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.
1 Corinthians 1:23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks,
Galatians 5:11But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been removed.
1 Peter 2:8and, “a stumbling stone and a rock of offense.” For they stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed.
1 John 2:10He who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in him.
Revelation 2:14But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.