Original Word: מִכְשׁוֹל
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mikshowl
Pronunciation: mik-SHOHL
Phonetic Spelling: (mik-shole')
Definition: Stumbling block, obstacle, offense
Meaning: a stumbling-block, scruple)

caused to fall, offence, nothing offered, ruin, stumbling-block

Or mikshol {mik-shole'}; masculine from kashal; a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple) -- caused to fall, offence, X (no-)thing offered, ruin, stumbling-block.

see HEBREW kashal

Word Origin
from kashal
Definition
a stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, a stumbling block
NASB Translation
fall (1), obstacle (2), occasion of stumbling (1), stumble (2), stumbling block (6), stumbling blocks (1), troubled (1).

מִכְשׁוֺל noun masculine^{Jeremiah 6:21} a stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, stumbling-block; — ׳מ absolute Isaiah 8:14 3t., מִכְשֹׁל Leviticus 19:14; construct מִכְשׁוֺל 1 Samuel 25:31 6t. Ezekiel; plural מִכְשֹׁלִים Jeremiah 6:21 + Ezekiel 21:20 ᵑ0 (Co and others מֻכְשָׁלִים, see below); —

1 stumbling, ׳צוּר מ Isaiah 8:14 (fig) a rock of stumbling (i.e. over which one stumbles); literal הַרְבֵּה הַמִּכְשֹׁלִים Ezekiel 21:20 an abundance of stumblings, falls (si vera lectio; ᵐ5. οἱ ἀσθενοῦντες, apparently reading participle, compare Sm; so Co Da (as a possibility), i.e. מֻכְשָׁלִים

Hoph`al Participle of כשׁל = those who have stumbled or been overthrown).

2 means, or occasion of stumbling, stumbling-block; a literal Leviticus 19:14.

b. figurative of misfortune, calamity Paslm Lev 119:165; in divine judgment Jeremiah 6:21; Ezekiel 3:20, as a hindrance to restoration of people Isaiah 57:14.

c. in ethical sense עֲוֺנָם ׳מ Ezekiel 7:19 a stumbling-block of (i.e. occasioning) their iniquity, so Ezekiel 14:3,4,7; Ezekiel 18:30; Ezekiel 44:12 (mostly with reference to idols.).

d. לֵב ׳מ 1 Samuel 25:31 a stumbling-block of heart i.e. ground for remorse.

Word Origin: Derived from the root verb כָּשַׁל (kashal), meaning "to stumble" or "to cause to stumble."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G931 (βάσις, basis): While not a direct equivalent, this term refers to a "step" or "footing," which can metaphorically relate to stability or stumbling.
• G2851 (κώλυμα, kōlyma): Meaning "hindrance" or "obstacle," this term captures the essence of a stumbling block in a more general sense.
• G4625 (σκανδαλον, skandalon): This is the most direct Greek equivalent, often translated as "stumbling block" or "offense." It is used in the New Testament to describe anything that leads to sin or causes someone to fall away from faith.

The concept of מִכְשׁוֹל as a stumbling block is a powerful metaphor in biblical literature, illustrating the various ways individuals can be led astray or hindered in their spiritual journey. It serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and moral integrity in the pursuit of a righteous life.

Usage: The term מִכְשׁוֹל is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe physical or metaphorical obstacles that cause individuals to stumble or fall, both literally and spiritually. It often conveys the idea of hindrance or temptation that leads to sin or error.

Context: • The term מִכְשׁוֹל appears in various contexts within the Hebrew Scriptures, often symbolizing a barrier to righteous living or a challenge to faithfulness. It is used to describe both literal stumbling blocks, such as physical obstacles in one's path, and metaphorical ones, such as temptations or false teachings that lead individuals away from God's commandments.
• In Leviticus 19:14, the term is used in a moral context: "You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you are to fear your God. I am the LORD." Here, מִכְשׁוֹל is a literal object that could cause harm, emphasizing the ethical responsibility to care for others.
• In Ezekiel 7:19, it is used metaphorically: "They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will be like refuse. Their silver and gold cannot save them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They will not satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs, for it has become the stumbling block of their iniquity." This passage highlights how wealth can become a spiritual stumbling block, leading to idolatry and moral failure.
• The concept of מִכְשׁוֹל is significant in understanding the moral and spiritual challenges faced by individuals and communities in the biblical narrative. It serves as a warning against allowing anything to hinder one's relationship with God or obedience to His laws.

הַמִּכְשֹׁלִ֔ים המכשלים וּלְמִכְשׁ֨וֹל וּמִכְשׁ֣וֹל וּמִכְשׁ֤וֹל ולמכשול ומכשול לְמִכְשׁ֖וֹל לְמִכְשׁ֣וֹל למכשול מִכְשֹׁ֑ל מִכְשֹׁלִ֑ים מִכְשֽׁוֹל׃ מִכְשׁ֖וֹל מִכְשׁ֛וֹל מִכְשׁ֜וֹל מִכְשׁ֥וֹל מכשול מכשול׃ מכשל מכשלים ham·miḵ·šō·lîm hammichshoLim hammiḵšōlîm lə·miḵ·šō·wl lemichShol ləmiḵšōwl michShol michshoLim miḵ·šō·lîm miḵ·šō·wl miḵ·šōl miḵšōl miḵšōlîm miḵšōwl ū·lə·miḵ·šō·wl ū·miḵ·šō·wl ulemichShol ūləmiḵšōwl umichShol ūmiḵšōwlInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts