Strong’s G4417: A verb meaning “to stumble, trip, or fail.” Originally referring to physical stumbling, it developed metaphorical meanings of moral failure or offense. Used in the New Testament to describe spiritual stumbling and failure, particularly in contexts of God’s grace and human weakness.

U- Unveiling the Word

πταίω carries both literal and metaphorical significance, evolving from its physical meaning of stumbling or tripping to deeper spiritual applications. In the New Testament, it appears in crucial discussions about moral failure and spiritual stumbling, particularly in James and Romans. The word conveys the reality of human weakness while simultaneously highlighting God’s grace in preventing total falling. Early church fathers used this term extensively in discussions of sin and repentance, emphasizing that stumbling doesn’t necessarily mean permanent failure. Today, it continues to speak to the Christian experience of struggling with sin while trusting in God’s sustaining grace.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πταίω, ptaio, /ptai-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: p-TIE-oh (the initial ‘p’ is pronounced)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root word: πταίω (unknown etymology)
• Possible connection to πίπτω (to fall)
• No prefixes or suffixes
• Basic meaning related to striking against or stumbling

D – Defining Meanings

• To stumble physically
• To fail morally or spiritually
• To offend or make a mistake

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “To stumble” – Best captures both physical and moral aspects
• “To fail” – Appropriate for moral/spiritual contexts
• “To trip up” – Useful for contexts emphasizing temporary nature of the failure

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō) /skan-dal-id-zo/ – “to cause to stumble” – See G4624
• ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō) /ham-ar-tan-o/ – “to sin” – See G264
• προσκόπτω (proskoptō) /pros-kop-to/ – “to strike against” – See G4350

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, πταίω exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Optative, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Examples of morphological changes:

• Present Active Indicative: πταίω (I stumble)
• Future: πταίσω (I will stumble)
• Aorist: ἔπταισα (I stumbled)
• Present Participle: πταίων (stumbling)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses, particularly in moral contexts. Thayer’s notes its development from physical to spiritual applications. LSJ documents its classical usage in both concrete and abstract senses. Vine’s connects it to moral failure without total falling. Strong’s emphasizes its relationship to temporary stumbling. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri showing its common usage in describing failures and mistakes. LEH notes its use in the Septuagint for moral failings.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Romans 11:11 “I say then, Have they stumbled [πταίω] that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.”

Additional References:
James 2:10, James 3:2, 2 Peter 1:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πταίω beautifully illustrates the reality of Christian life – we stumble, but through Christ, we’re kept from falling completely. This word reminds us that God’s grace is greater than our failures. It proclaims the good news that in Christ, our stumbling doesn’t lead to final falling, as God’s faithfulness keeps us secure. This truth encourages believers to press on despite failures, knowing that God’s grace sustains us through our weaknesses.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word is used in ancient athletic texts to describe runners stumbling but not falling completely.
2. Early Christian writers used it to distinguish between temporary stumbling and complete apostasy.
3. The term influenced the development of Christian teaching about the nature of post-baptismal sin.

Strong’s G4417: A verb meaning “to stumble, trip, or fail.” Originally referring to physical stumbling, it developed metaphorical meanings of moral failure or offense. Used in the New Testament to describe spiritual stumbling and failure, particularly in contexts of God’s grace and human weakness.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: stumbling, failure, sin, moral failure, weakness, grace, restoration, temporary setback, spiritual struggle, perseverance, moral weakness, divine preservation