Brief Overview of σκάνδαλον (Strong’s G4625: skandalon)

Strong’s G4625: A noun originally referring to the trigger of a trap, evolved to mean a stumbling block or offense. In the New Testament, it describes anything that leads to sin or causes someone to fall away from faith. Used metaphorically for spiritual obstacles and enticements to evil.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σκάνδαλον carries profound theological significance, evolving from its literal meaning of a trap’s trigger stick to represent spiritual impediments to faith. In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles use it to address serious obstacles to spiritual growth and faith. The word appears in crucial teachings about avoiding sin, protecting others’ faith, and the offense of the cross. Early church fathers emphasized its importance in understanding both personal holiness and corporate responsibility. Today, it reminds us to be vigilant about both avoiding and removing stumbling blocks to faith.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκάνδαλον, skandalon, SKAN-da-lon
• Detailed Pronunciation: σκάν (skan) δα (da) λον (lon) – stress on first syllable
• Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter

Etymology:

• From ancient Greek σκάνδαλον
• Related to Indo-European roots meaning “to jump” or “to spring up”
• Originally referred to the stick that triggers a trap

D – Defining Meanings

• Trap trigger
• Stumbling block
• Cause of offense
• Spiritual snare

Translation Options:

• Stumbling block – emphasizing its role as an obstacle
• Offense – highlighting its effect on relationships
• Snare – connecting to its original meaning as a trap

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πρόσκομμα (proskomma, PROS-kom-ma) – See G4348: Something struck against
• παγίς (pagis, pa-GEES) – See G3803: A trap or snare
• πρόσκοψις (proskopsis, PROS-kop-sis) – See G4349: Act of stumbling

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular and Plural (σκάνδαλα)
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:
Nominative/Accusative singular: σκάνδαλον
Genitive singular: σκανδάλου
Dative singular: σκανδάλῳ

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical use in causing spiritual failure. Thayer’s traces its evolution from physical trap to spiritual obstacle. LSJ documents its technical use in trap mechanisms. Vine’s notes its frequent connection to false teaching. Moulton and Milligan highlight its specialized religious usage in early Christian literature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 13:41: “The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil [stumbling blocks] [σκάνδαλον].”

Additional References:
Matthew 16:23, Romans 11:9, Romans 14:13, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 John 2:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σκάνδαλον reminds us that our actions and attitudes can profoundly impact others’ faith journeys. While the cross itself may be a σκάνδαλον to some, we’re called to remove unnecessary obstacles to faith. This promotes the good news by showing how King Jesus cares deeply about both drawing people to faith and protecting them from stumbling.

D – Did You Know?

• The English word “scandal” derives from σκάνδαλον
• Paul uses it to describe how the cross itself can be an offense
• The word appears most frequently in discussions of community life

Strong’s G4625: A noun originally referring to the trigger of a trap, evolved to mean a stumbling block or offense. In the New Testament, it describes anything that leads to sin or causes someone to fall away from faith. Used metaphorically for spiritual obstacles and enticements to evil.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: stumbling-block, offense, trap, sin, temptation, obstacles, spiritual-danger, protection, community-life, cross, false-teaching, responsibility​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​