Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H4383 מִכְשׁוֹל (mikshol): A stumbling block, an obstacle.
• H5063 נָגַף (nagaph): To strike, to smite, often used in the context of causing to stumble or fall.
• H3782 כָּשַׁל (kashal): To stumble, to stagger, often used metaphorically for failing or falling into sin.

These Hebrew entries provide a deeper understanding of the concept of stumbling as it appears in the Old Testament, offering a foundation for the New Testament usage of προσκόπτω. The imagery of stumbling serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual challenges and the necessity of divine guidance and faith in overcoming obstacles.

Usage: The verb προσκόπτω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of stumbling or striking against something, often metaphorically referring to taking offense or encountering an obstacle.

Context: The Greek verb προσκόπτω appears in several New Testament passages, illustrating both physical and metaphorical stumbling. In the physical sense, it can refer to the literal act of tripping over an object. Metaphorically, it is used to describe a spiritual or moral stumbling, often in the context of taking offense or encountering a hindrance in one's faith journey.

In Matthew 4:6, during the temptation of Jesus, Satan quotes Psalm 91:11-12, suggesting that angels will prevent Jesus from striking His foot against a stone, using the concept of stumbling to test divine protection. This highlights the protective care promised to those who trust in God.

In John 11:9-10, Jesus uses the imagery of stumbling in the context of walking in the light versus darkness, teaching that those who walk in the light of His guidance will not stumble, whereas those who walk in darkness are prone to fall.

Romans 9:32-33 discusses Israel's stumbling over the "stumbling stone," which is Christ. This passage emphasizes the spiritual offense taken by those who reject Jesus as the Messiah, illustrating how He becomes a stumbling block to those who do not believe.

1 Peter 2:8 further elaborates on this theme, describing Jesus as "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense" to those who disobey the word, underscoring the division between belief and unbelief.

The concept of stumbling is significant in understanding the challenges and obstacles faced in the Christian faith, both in terms of personal spiritual growth and the broader acceptance of the gospel message.