Topical Encyclopedia In biblical contexts, the term "block" can refer to various objects or concepts, often symbolizing obstruction, hindrance, or a physical object used in construction or idol-making. The use of "block" in Scripture is not frequent, but its implications are significant in understanding certain passages and themes.1. Idolatry and False Worship: One of the primary uses of "block" in the Bible is in reference to idols. In the ancient Near East, idols were often carved from blocks of wood or stone. The prophet Isaiah mocks the absurdity of idol worship by describing how a craftsman takes a block of wood, uses part of it to warm himself, and with the rest, he makes a god to worship (Isaiah 44:14-17). This passage highlights the futility and deception of idolatry, contrasting the living God with lifeless blocks of material. 2. Stumbling Block: The concept of a "stumbling block" is prevalent in both the Old and New Testaments. It refers to anything that causes someone to sin or fall away from faith. In Leviticus 19:14, the law instructs, "You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD." This command underscores the importance of compassion and integrity in the community. In the New Testament, Jesus warns against causing others to stumble, particularly the "little ones" who believe in Him (Matthew 18:6). The Apostle Paul also addresses this issue, urging believers not to let their freedom in Christ become a stumbling block to others (1 Corinthians 8:9). 3. Cornerstone and Foundation: While not directly referred to as a "block," the imagery of a cornerstone or foundation stone is significant in biblical architecture and metaphor. Jesus is described as the "chief cornerstone" in Ephesians 2:20, indicating His foundational role in the Church. The cornerstone is the first block set in the construction of a building, ensuring the structure's alignment and stability. This metaphor emphasizes Christ's essential role in the faith and unity of believers. 4. Symbol of Hardness or Resistance: In some contexts, a block can symbolize hardness or resistance, particularly in the human heart. The Bible often speaks of a "hard heart" as being resistant to God's will and truth. While the term "block" is not explicitly used in this context, the imagery of something solid and unyielding is akin to the spiritual condition described in passages like Ezekiel 36:26, where God promises to remove the heart of stone and give a heart of flesh. 5. Construction and Craftsmanship: In the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, blocks of stone and wood were essential materials. The detailed descriptions of these sacred spaces in Exodus and 1 Kings highlight the skill and artistry involved in their creation. The use of blocks in these contexts underscores the importance of order, beauty, and reverence in worship. In summary, while the term "block" itself is not extensively used in the Bible, its related concepts and imagery play a significant role in conveying spiritual truths and moral teachings. Whether as a symbol of idolatry, a metaphor for spiritual hindrance, or a component of sacred architecture, the notion of a block invites reflection on the nature of faith, worship, and community. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A piece of wood more or less bulky; a solid mass of wood, stone, etc., usually with one or more plane, or approximately plane, faces; as, a block on which a butcher chops his meat; a block by which to mount a horse; children's playing blocks, etc.2. (n.) The solid piece of wood on which condemned persons lay their necks when they are beheaded. 3. (n.) The wooden mold on which hats, bonnets, etc., are shaped. 4. (n.) The pattern or shape of a hat. 5. (n.) A large or long building divided into separate houses or shops, or a number of houses or shops built in contact with each other so as to form one building; a row of houses or shops. 6. (n.) A square, or portion of a city enclosed by streets, whether occupied by buildings or not. 7. (n.) A grooved pulley or sheave incased in a frame or shell which is provided with a hook, eye, or strap, by which it may be attached to an object. It is used to change the direction of motion, as in raising a heavy object that can not be conveniently reached, and also, when two or more such sheaves are compounded, to change the rate of motion, or to exert increased force; -- used especially in the rigging of ships, and in tackles. 8. (n.) The perch on which a bird of prey is kept. 9. (v. t.) Any obstruction, or cause of obstruction; a stop; a hindrance; an obstacle; as, a block in the way. 10. (n.) A piece of box or other wood for engravers' work. 11. (n.) A piece of hard wood (as mahogany or cherry) on which a stereotype or electrotype plate is mounted to make it type high. 12. (n.) A blockhead; a stupid fellow; a dolt. 13. (n.) A section of a railroad where the block system is used. See Block system, below. 14. (n.) To obstruct so as to prevent passage or progress; to prevent passage from, through, or into, by obstructing the way; -- used both of persons and things; -- often followed by up; as, to block up a road or harbor. 15. (n.) To secure or support by means of blocks; to secure, as two boards at their angles of intersection, by pieces of wood glued to each. 16. (n.) To shape on, or stamp with, a block; as, to block a hat. Greek 4625. skandalon -- a stick for bait (of a trap), generally a snare ... ... a stick for bait (of a trap), generally a snare, a stumbling block, an offense. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: skandalon Phonetic Spelling: (skan ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4625.htm - 8k 4348. proskomma -- a stumbling, an occasion of stumbling 1798. enupnion -- a dream 296. amphodon -- a road around 5420. phrasso -- to fence in, to stop 1465. egkopto -- to cut into, ie fig. impede, detain 4351. proskulio -- to roll to 4026. periistemi -- to stand around, turn around (to avoid) Strong's Hebrew 4383. mikshol -- a stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, a ...... a stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, a stumbling block. Transliteration: mikshol or mikshol Phonetic Spelling: (mik-shole') Short Definition: block. ... /hebrew/4383.htm - 6k 4384. makshelah -- something overthrown, a stumbling block 944. bul -- produce, outgrowth 1848. dophi -- a blemish, fault 6330. puqah -- tottering, staggering 2629. chasam -- to stop up, muzzle Library Peter as a Stumbling-Block to Jesus. My Spirit Bows in Adoration to the Cross, which is a Stumbling ... How Brother Conrad of Offida Converted a Young Brother, who was a ... The Very Simplicity of God's Means of Working, a Stumbling-Block ... Where There is Only one Woman, the Father Does not Make a Stay ... When Confessing the Divinity of Christ we Ought not to Pass Over ... Christ Crucified is an Offence and Foolishness to those who ... The Offending Hand, or Foot, or Eye. The Sculptor's Work That He who is the Pre-Eminent Cause of Everything Intelligibly ... Thesaurus Block (22 Occurrences)... n.) A piece of wood more or less bulky; a solid mass of wood, stone, etc., usually with one or more plane, or approximately plane, faces; as, a block on which ... /b/block.htm - 16k Stumbling-block (20 Occurrences) Offence (27 Occurrences) Stumbling (51 Occurrences) Offend (24 Occurrences) Stock (16 Occurrences) Stumblingblock (14 Occurrences) Obstacle (6 Occurrences) Tackle (1 Occurrence) Pillow (8 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to be a stumbling block to someone else? | GotQuestions.orgCould Calvinism be a stumbling block to the spread of the gospel of Christ? | GotQuestions.org What is the Job's Daughters program? | GotQuestions.org Block: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Block (22 Occurrences)Matthew 16:23 Matthew 18:7 Luke 7:23 Romans 11:9 Romans 14:13 Romans 14:20 1 Corinthians 1:23 1 Corinthians 8:9 2 Corinthians 6:3 Galatians 5:11 Revelation 2:14 Leviticus 19:14 Psalms 35:3 Isaiah 44:19 Ezekiel 3:20 Ezekiel 7:19 Ezekiel 14:3 Ezekiel 14:4 Ezekiel 14:7 Ezekiel 18:30 Ezekiel 39:11 Ezekiel 44:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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