Brief Overview of πρόσκομμα (Strong’s G4348: proskomma)

Strong’s G4348: A noun derived from proskopto (to strike against), meaning “stumbling block, obstacle that causes offense.” Used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe what causes spiritual stumbling, particularly in contexts of Christ as a stone of stumbling and matters of Christian conscience.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πρόσκομμα represents both physical obstacles and spiritual stumbling blocks. In the New Testament, it appears in two significant contexts: Christ as the stone of stumbling for unbelieving Israel, and matters of Christian conscience that might cause others to stumble. The word carries both literal and metaphorical weight. Early church fathers frequently used this term to discuss both the offense of the cross and the importance of not causing fellow believers to stumble. Today, it continues to challenge believers regarding both the scandal of the gospel and our responsibility toward others’ faith.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρόσκομμα, proskomma, PROS-kom-ma
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘PROS’, with ‘kom’ quick, ‘ma’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “against”
• κόπτω (koptō) – root verb meaning “to strike”
• -μα (-ma) – suffix forming noun from verbal action
  The combination indicates something struck against, causing stumbling.

D – Defining Meanings

• Stumbling block
• Obstacle causing offense
• Cause of spiritual failure

For compound words:
The prefix πρός with κόπτω creates the concept of striking against something, while the -μα suffix makes it a concrete noun representing the obstacle itself.

Translation Options:

• “stumbling block” – emphasizes causing others to fall
• “obstacle” – captures physical imagery
• “offense” – reflects spiritual/moral aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σκάνδαλον (skandalon, SKAN-da-lon) – trap, snare
  See G4625
• πρόσκοψις (proskopsis, PROS-kop-sis) – act of stumbling
  See G4349
• λίθος (lithos, LEE-thos) – stone (often used with proskomma)
  See G3037

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, πρόσκομμα shows these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third

Examples of usage:

• Nominative: πρόσκομμα (the stumbling block)
• Genitive: προσκόμματος (of the stumbling block)
• Dative: προσκόμματι (by/with the stumbling block)
• Accusative: πρόσκομμα (the stumbling block)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes its connection to spiritual failure. LSJ provides evidence of its use in physical obstacles. Vine’s connects it to moral impediments. Strong’s highlights its derivation from striking against. LEH notes its use in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of both literal and figurative usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the [πρόσκομμα] stumbling stone. Romans 9:32

Additional References:
Romans 14:13
1 Corinthians 8:9
1 Peter 2:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πρόσκομμα powerfully illustrates both the offense of the cross and our call to love others in Christ. While Christ remains a stumbling stone for unbelief, the good news is that this same stone becomes the cornerstone of salvation for those who believe. We are called to neither stumble over Christ nor cause others to stumble.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in both Christological and ethical contexts in the New Testament
2. Often appears with “stone” (lithos) in biblical imagery
3. Early church writers used it to explain why some rejected the gospel

Strong’s G4348: A noun derived from proskopto (to strike against), meaning “stumbling block, obstacle that causes offense.” Used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe what causes spiritual stumbling, particularly in contexts of Christ as a stone of stumbling and matters of Christian conscience.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: stumbling-block, offense, obstacle, Christ-as-stone, Christian-conscience, spiritual-stumbling, Romans, ethical-concerns, Christian-liberty, scandal-of-cross, Paul’s-teaching, Christian-responsibility, spiritual-impediment, faith-obstacles, Christian-ethics​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​