Brief Overview of προσκόπτω (Strong’s G4350: proskoptō)

Strong’s G4350: A compound verb combining pros (against) with koptō (to strike), meaning “to strike against, stumble.” Used both literally for physical stumbling and metaphorically for spiritual stumbling, particularly in contexts of faith obstacles and Christ as the stone of stumbling.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσκόπτω represents both physical and spiritual stumbling. It appears in Satan’s temptation of Jesus, warning about foot-strikes against stones, and in discussions of spiritual stumbling over Christ. The compound structure emphasizes the impact of collision or striking against something. Early church fathers used this term to discuss both the offense of the gospel and the dangers of causing others to stumble. Today, it continues to illustrate both the reality of Christ as a stumbling stone for unbelief and our responsibility to avoid causing others to stumble.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσκόπτω, proskoptō, pros-KOP-toh
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘KOP’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘toh’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “against”
• κόπτω (koptō) – root verb meaning “to strike”
  The combination indicates striking against something.

D – Defining Meanings

• To stumble against
• To strike against
• To take offense at

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional focus to κόπτω, creating the concept of striking directly against something, whether physically or metaphorically.

Translation Options:

• “to stumble” – emphasizes the result
• “to strike against” – captures the physical action
• “to take offense” – reflects metaphorical usage

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō, skan-da-LID-zo) – to cause to stumble
  See G4624
• πταίω (ptaiō, p-TAI-oh) – to stumble, fall
  See G4417
• προσπίπτω (prospiptō, pros-PIP-toh) – to fall upon
  See G4363

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσκόπτω shows these morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Subjunctive, Indicative
• Person: 2nd, 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Punctiliar

The active voice emphasizes the subject’s action of stumbling, while various tenses indicate timing and nature of the stumbling.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes its connection to spiritual offense. LSJ provides evidence of its use in physical collisions. Vine’s connects it to both types of stumbling. Strong’s highlights the forceful nature of the collision. LEH notes its use in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of both uses.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“On their hands they will bear you up, lest you [προσκόψῃς] strike your foot against a stone.” Matthew 4:6

Additional References:
Matthew 7:27
John 11:9
Romans 9:32
1 Peter 2:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσκόπτω powerfully illustrates both physical and spiritual stumbling. While Christ remains a stone of stumbling for those who reject Him, He becomes the cornerstone for those who believe. The good news is that though many stumble over Christ, He becomes the foundation of salvation for all who trust in Him.

D – Did You Know?

1. First appears in Satan’s temptation of Jesus
2. Used both literally and figuratively in the same verse in some passages
3. Often appears with “stone” imagery in New Testament theology

Strong’s G4350: A compound verb combining pros (against) with koptō (to strike), meaning “to strike against, stumble.” Used both literally for physical stumbling and metaphorically for spiritual stumbling, particularly in contexts of faith obstacles and Christ as the stone of stumbling.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: stumbling, offense, collision, Christ-as-stone, spiritual-stumbling, compound-verb, obstacles, faith-challenges, temptation, spiritual-warfare, literal-stumbling, metaphorical-stumbling, Christian-life, faith-journey, spiritual-impediments​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​