Original Word: מַכְשֵׁלָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: makshelah
Pronunciation: mak-sheh-lah
Phonetic Spelling: (mak-shay-law')
Definition: Stumbling block, downfall, obstacle
Meaning: a stumbling-block, )

ruin, stumbling-block

Feminine from kashal; a stumbling-block, but only figuratively (fall, enticement (idol)) -- ruin, stumbling-block.

see HEBREW kashal

Word Origin
from kashal
Definition
something overthrown, a stumbling block
NASB Translation
ruins (2).

מַכְשֵׁלָה noun feminine 1. overthrown mass.

2 stumbling-block; —

1 figurative of kingdom Isaiah 3:6.

2 plural הַמַּכְשֵׁלוֺת Zephaniah 1:3 stumbling-blocks = idols (compare מִכְשׁוֺל 2c), but rather dubious; We thinks a gloss. Schw^{ZAW x. (1890), 169} reads וְכִשַּׁלְתִּי and I will cause the wicked to stumble.

I. כשׁף (√ of following; compare Arabic cut off, cut up, Syriac to pray (literally probably to cut oneself, see 1 Kings 18:28): so Rs^{J Phil. xiv. 125, 126} Nö^{ZMG 1886, 723}; according to RS כֶּשֶׁף is properly herbs etc. shredded into a magic brew).

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

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Greek Number 4625: σκάνδαλον (skandalon) • This Greek term is often translated as "stumbling block" or "offense" in the New Testament. It carries a similar connotation of something that causes one to fall into sin or error. For example, in Romans 14:13, Paul writes, "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way."

The concept of a stumbling block is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and faithfulness in one's spiritual journey.

Usage: The word מַכְשֵׁלָה is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe physical obstacles that cause stumbling, as well as metaphorical stumbling-blocks that lead to moral or spiritual failure. It is often used in prophetic literature to illustrate the consequences of sin and disobedience.

Context: מַכְשֵׁלָה appears in several key passages within the Hebrew Scriptures, often in the context of divine judgment or warning. For example, in Ezekiel 7:19, the term is used to describe the idols of silver and gold as a "stumbling block" to the people, leading them away from God: "They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will be treated as a thing unclean. Their silver and gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They will not satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs, for it has caused them to stumble into sin."

In Isaiah 57:14, the term is used in a call to remove obstacles from the path of the righteous: "And it will be said: 'Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.'"

The concept of a מַכְשֵׁלָה is significant in understanding the moral and spiritual challenges faced by the people of Israel. It serves as a metaphor for anything that leads individuals away from righteousness and obedience to God. The prophets often used this imagery to call the people to repentance and to warn them of the consequences of their idolatry and disobedience.

וְהַמַּכְשֵׁל֖וֹת וְהַמַּכְשֵׁלָ֥ה והמכשלה והמכשלות vehammachsheLah vehammachsheLot wə·ham·maḵ·šê·lāh wə·ham·maḵ·šê·lō·wṯ wəhammaḵšêlāh wəhammaḵšêlōwṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts