Brief Overview of σκανδαλίζω (Strong’s G4624: skandalizō)

Strong’s G4624: A verb derived from the concept of a trap or snare, meaning to cause to stumble or fall away spiritually. Used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe causing offense, leading into sin, or creating an obstacle to faith. Central to Jesus’ teachings on discipleship and spiritual care.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σκανδαλίζω originated from the literal idea of a trap’s trigger mechanism but developed profound theological significance in the New Testament. Jesus and the apostles used it to address the serious spiritual danger of causing others to sin or lose faith. The word appears in crucial teachings about personal holiness, communal responsibility, and the cost of discipleship. Early church fathers emphasized its implications for leadership and community life, warning against becoming stumbling blocks to others’ faith. Today, it continues to challenge believers to consider how their actions affect others’ spiritual journeys.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκανδαλίζω, skandalizō, skan-da-LID-zo
• Detailed Pronunciation: σκαν (skan) δα (da) λί (LID) ζω (zo) – stress on third syllable
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From σκάνδαλον (skandalon, “trap stick” or “stumbling block”)
• -ίζω suffix indicating causative action
• Root related to ancient trap mechanisms

D – Defining Meanings

• To cause to stumble
• To give offense
• To cause to sin
• To cause to fall away

Translation Options:

• To cause to stumble – emphasizing spiritual impediment
• To offend – highlighting relational aspect
• To entrap – connecting to original meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προσκόπτω (proskoptō, pros-KOP-to) – See G4350: To strike against or stumble
• πταίω (ptaiō, ptai-O) – See G4417: To stumble or fall
• παγιδεύω (pagideuō, pa-gi-DEU-o) – See G3802: To entrap

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person and Number: All forms possible

Examples:
Present active: σκανδαλίζω (I cause to stumble)
Passive: σκανδαλίζομαι (I am caused to stumble)
Future: σκανδαλίσω (I will cause to stumble)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical usage in causing spiritual failure. Thayer’s notes its evolution from physical to spiritual meaning. LSJ documents its development in religious contexts. Vine’s highlights its frequent use in Matthew’s gospel. Moulton and Milligan show its specialized religious usage in early Christian literature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 5:29: “If your right eye [causes you to stumble] [σκανδαλίζω], gouge it out and throw it away.”

Additional References:
Matthew 11:6, Matthew 13:21, Matthew 18:6, Mark 4:17, John 6:61

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σκανδαλίζω powerfully reminds us of our responsibility to build up rather than tear down faith. Jesus’ strong warnings about causing others to stumble reveal His heart for protecting His people’s faith. This promotes the good news by showing how King Jesus calls us to care deeply about others’ spiritual well-being, even at great personal cost.

D – Did You Know?

• The word originally referred to the trigger of an animal trap
• It appears most frequently in Matthew’s gospel
• Jesus used this term more than any other New Testament figure

Strong’s G4624: A verb derived from the concept of a trap or snare, meaning to cause to stumble or fall away spiritually. Used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe causing offense, leading into sin, or creating an obstacle to faith. Central to Jesus’ teachings on discipleship and spiritual care.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: stumbling-block, offense, sin, temptation, discipleship, spiritual-care, responsibility, consequences, faith, community, protection, warning​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​