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G4349 (προσκοπή)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4349
Original Word: προσκοπή
Transliteration: proskopḗ
Pronunciation: pros-kop-ay'
Part of Speech: noun
Root / Etymology: from G4350 (προσκόπτω);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 628

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 a stumbling, i.e. (figuratively and concretely) occasion of sin

offence

from G4350 (προσκόπτω);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4349: A noun derived from proskopto (to strike against), meaning "occasion of stumbling, cause for offense." Used uniquely in 2 Corinthians to describe Paul's commitment to avoid causing any hindrance to the ministry of the gospel through his conduct.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσκοπή represents an occasion for stumbling or cause of offense that might hinder the gospel's advancement. In its sole New Testament appearance, Paul uses it to express his determination to avoid any behavior that might discredit the ministry. The compound structure emphasizes both the action of stumbling and its occasion. Early church fathers frequently used this term when discussing ministerial conduct and its impact on gospel witness. Today, it continues to challenge believers to consider how their actions might affect others' reception of the gospel.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: προσκοπή, proskopē, pros-ko-PAY
Pronunciation: Emphasis on 'PAY', with 'pros' quickly spoken
Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

πρός (pros) - prefix meaning "against"
κόπτω (koptō) - root verb meaning "to strike"
-η (-ē) - suffix forming abstract nouns
The combination forms a noun expressing the concept of striking against or causing offense.

D - Defining Meanings

Occasion of stumbling
Cause for offense
Hindrance to faith

For compound words:
The prefix πρός with κόπτω creates the concept of striking against, while the -η suffix transforms it into an abstract noun describing the occasion or cause.

Translation Options:

"cause for offense" - emphasizes the source
"occasion of stumbling" - reflects the opportunity for failure
"hindrance" - captures the practical effect

E - Exploring Similar Words

πρόσκομμα (proskomma, PROS-kom-ma) - stumbling block
See G4348
σκάνδαλον (skandalon, SKAN-da-lon) - snare, offense
See G4625
ἐμπόδιον (empodion, em-POD-ee-on) - impediment
See G1694

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

As a noun, προσκοπή shows these features:

Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
Number: Singular
Gender: Feminine
Declension: First

Examples of case usage:

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Nominative: προσκοπή
Genitive: προσκοπῆς
Dative: προσκοπῇ
Accusative: προσκοπήν

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in ministry contexts. Thayer's notes its connection to causing offense. LSJ provides evidence of its use in moral contexts. Vine's connects it to ministerial responsibility. Strong's highlights its relation to stumbling. LEH notes its rarity in biblical Greek. Moulton and Milligan cite limited papyri evidence.

T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
We put no [προσκοπήν] obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry. 2 Corinthians 6:3

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Polybius: Histories	Their conduct created [προσκοπή] offense among the citizens
Plutarch: Moralia	He avoided any [προσκοπή] occasion for criticism
Diodorus: Library	The action gave [προσκοπή] cause for complaint

N - Noteworthy Summary

Προσκοπή powerfully reminds us of our responsibility to represent Christ well. Just as Paul was careful to avoid hindering the gospel through his conduct, we too must consider how our lives affect others' view of Christ. The good news is that God empowers us to live in ways that attract rather than repel people from the gospel.

D - Did You Know?

This word appears only once in the New Testament
It's used in Paul's most personal defense of his ministry
Early church writers adopted it as a key term for ministerial ethics

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: offense, stumbling, ministry-conduct, Paul, ethical-behavior, gospel-witness, Christian-testimony, hindrance, ministry-ethics, Christian-conduct, example, influence, responsibility, pastoral-ministry, witness

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