Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "stumbling" often refers to a spiritual or moral failing, a hindrance in one's faith journey, or an obstacle that causes one to sin or fall away from God's path. The concept is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a metaphor for spiritual pitfalls and the challenges believers face in maintaining their faith.Old Testament References The Old Testament frequently uses the imagery of stumbling to describe the consequences of sin and disobedience. In Leviticus 26:37, the Israelites are warned of the repercussions of turning away from God: "They will stumble over one another as if fleeing from the sword, though no one is pursuing them." This passage highlights the chaos and fear that result from abandoning God's commandments. In Psalm 119:165, the psalmist declares, "Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction; nothing can make them stumble." Here, the love for God's law is portrayed as a safeguard against spiritual stumbling, emphasizing the importance of adherence to divine instruction. New Testament References The New Testament expands on the theme of stumbling, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself warns against causing others to stumble in their faith. In Matthew 18:6, He states, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." This severe warning underscores the gravity of leading others into sin or doubt. The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of stumbling in the context of Christian liberty and community life. In Romans 14:13, he advises, "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." Paul emphasizes the responsibility of believers to act in love and consideration, ensuring that their actions do not lead others into sin or confusion. In 1 Corinthians 8:9, Paul further cautions, "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." This passage highlights the balance between exercising personal freedom and maintaining sensitivity to the spiritual well-being of others within the Christian community. Theological Implications Theologically, stumbling is often associated with the human propensity to sin and the need for divine grace and guidance. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual vigilance required to navigate the Christian life. Believers are called to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and to seek wisdom through prayer and Scripture to avoid spiritual pitfalls. The concept of stumbling also points to the communal aspect of faith, where believers are encouraged to support one another in their spiritual journeys. The New Testament's emphasis on avoiding actions that cause others to stumble reflects the interconnectedness of the body of Christ and the call to live in harmony and love. Practical Application In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to examine their lives for potential stumbling blocks, whether in personal habits, relationships, or attitudes. This self-examination is vital for personal spiritual growth and for fostering a supportive and nurturing community of faith. By being mindful of their actions and their impact on others, believers can help create an environment where all can grow in their relationship with God without fear of stumbling. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Stumble.Greek 4348. proskomma -- a stumbling, an occasion of stumbling ... a stumbling, an occasion of stumbling. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: proskomma Phonetic Spelling: (pros'-kom-mah) Short Definition: a stumbling ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4348.htm - 6k 4625. skandalon -- a stick for bait (of a trap), generally a snare ... 679. aptaistos -- without stumbling 4349. proskope -- an occasion of stumbling 677. aproskopos -- not causing to stumble, not stumbling 3037. lithos -- a stone 4624. skandalizo -- to put a snare (in the way), hence to cause to ... 858. aphelotes -- simplicity 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 1762. dechi -- a stumbling 3783. kishshalon -- a stumbling 6761. tsela -- limping, stumbling 4072. midcheh -- means or occasion of stumbling 5063. negeph -- a blow, a striking 1848. dophi -- a blemish, fault 6330. puqah -- tottering, staggering 5186. natah -- to stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend Library The Stone of Stumbling What the "Occasions of Stumbling" Are. Peter as a Stumbling-Block to Jesus. The Little Ones and their Stumbling-Blocks. Stumbling-Stones, or Stepping-Stones? Where There is Only one Woman, the Father Does not Make a Stay ... January 7. "Now unto Him that is Able to Keep You from Stumbling" ... 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 ... Thesaurus Stumbling (51 Occurrences)... & vb. n.) of Stumble. Multi-Version Concordance Stumbling (51 Occurrences). Matthew 11:6 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me." (WEB ASV). ... /s/stumbling.htm - 21k Stumbling-blocks (8 Occurrences) Stumbling-block (20 Occurrences) Stumbling-stone (3 Occurrences) Block (22 Occurrences) Blocks (9 Occurrences) Offend (24 Occurrences) Stumblingblock (14 Occurrences) Offence (27 Occurrences) Stumblingstone (2 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to be a stumbling block to someone else? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is Jesus called the stumbling stone in Matthew 21:43-44? | GotQuestions.org Could Calvinism be a stumbling block to the spread of the gospel of Christ? | GotQuestions.org Stumbling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Stumbling (51 Occurrences)Matthew 11:6 Matthew 13:41 Matthew 16:23 Matthew 18:7 Luke 7:23 Luke 17:1 John 16:1 Romans 9:32 Romans 9:33 Romans 11:9 Romans 14:13 Romans 14:20 Romans 16:17 1 Corinthians 1:23 1 Corinthians 8:9 1 Corinthians 10:32 2 Corinthians 6:3 Galatians 5:11 1 Peter 2:8 1 John 2:10 Jude 1:24 Revelation 2:14 Leviticus 19:14 1 Samuel 2:4 Job 4:4 Job 18:12 Psalms 35:15 Psalms 56:13 Psalms 64:8 Psalms 73:2 Psalms 116:8 Psalms 119:165 Proverbs 16:18 Proverbs 24:11 Proverbs 24:17 Isaiah 5:27 Isaiah 8:14 Isaiah 35:3 Isaiah 63:13 Jeremiah 6:21 Jeremiah 46:16 Ezekiel 3:20 Ezekiel 7:19 Ezekiel 14:3 Ezekiel 14:4 Ezekiel 14:7 Ezekiel 18:30 Ezekiel 44:12 Daniel 11:34 Nahum 3:3 Zechariah 12:8 Subtopics Related Terms Stumbling-blocks (8 Occurrences) Stumbling-block (20 Occurrences) Stumbling-stone (3 Occurrences) Stumblingblock (14 Occurrences) Stumblingstone (2 Occurrences) Uncircumcision (19 Occurrences) |
    |