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σκανδαλίζω

skandalízō

G4624 verb

SILEX Entry

Root σκανδαλ- to set a snare, to cause to stumble, to offend, to lead into error

Definition

To cause to stumble or fall, to put a snare in someone's way; by extension, to cause someone to falter in faith, to offend, to lead into error, or to create a circumstance that could result in moral failure or loss of faith. In figurative contexts, especially in Hellenistic and early Christian writings, often refers to causing another person to act contrary to their moral or communal convictions.

Semantic Range

to cause to stumble (literally or figuratively), to hinder, to entrap, to cause to fall away (from faith), to cause offense, to lead into moral error or apostasy, to induce to sin

Root / Etymology

From the noun σκάνδαλον (skándalon, 'snare', 'stumbling block'), itself likely of uncertain etymology, possibly related to an ancient hunting term for a bent stick or trap. σκανδαλίζω is a denominative verb formation from this noun.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, the root σκάνδαλον referred to a physical trap or snare, specifically the trigger mechanism in hunting. By the Hellenistic era, its figurative use—to describe circumstances or actions that cause someone to fail morally or spiritually—became common. The verb σκανδαλίζω, rare in earlier periods, becomes prominent in the Septuagint and New Testament, where it commonly means 'to cause someone to stumble' metaphorically, especially in matters of faith or community boundary. In the Septuagint, it often translates Hebrew terms rendered as 'stumble', 'ensnare', or 'offend.' In New Testament usage, σκανδαλίζω frequently refers to causing someone else to lose faith, to fall into error, or to be morally compromised. English translations have often rendered the term as 'offend,' which can obscure the full sense of 'to cause someone to stumble (spiritually or morally).' The sense of enticing to apostasy or leading into sin is often contextually determined by surrounding content. Not synonymous with general verbal insult or mild displeasure, but indicates a meaningful spiritual or ethical stumbling block.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from σκάνδαλον; to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure):--(make to) offend.

Root Family

σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō) — to set a snare, to cause to stumble, to offend, to lead into error

Word Forms

14 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G4624-12 σκανδαλίζει skandalizei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG causes to stumble causes to stumble 6
G4624-03 σκανδαλίσῃ skandalise V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG causes to stumble might cause to stumble 4
G4624-09 σκανδαλισθήσονται skandalisthesontai V FUT PASS IND 3P PL will be offended they will be made to stumble 3
G4624-13 σκανδαλίζεται skandalizetai V PRS PASS IND 3P SG is offended is being caused to stumble 3
G4624-06 σκανδαλισθῇ skandalisthe V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P SG is offended may be caused to stumble 2
G4624-07 σκανδαλισθήσεσθε skandalisthesesthe V FUT PASS IND 2P PL you will fall away you will be caused to stumble 2
G4624-02 ἐσκανδαλίζοντο eskandalizonto V IMPF PASS IND 3P PL they were offended they were being made to stumble 2
G4624-11 σκανδαλίζῃ skandalize V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P SG causes...to stumble may cause to stumble 2
G4624-14 σκανδαλίζονται skandalizontai V PRS PASS IND 3P PL they are offended they are being caused to stumble 1
G4624-05 σκανδαλίσωμεν skandalisomen V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P PL we might cause to stumble 1

Occurrences in Scripture

30 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G4624-12 Matthew 5:29 σκανδαλίζει skandalizei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG causes to stumble
G4624-12 Matthew 5:30 σκανδαλίζει skandalizei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG causes to stumble
G4624-06 Matthew 11:6 σκανδαλισθῇ skandalisthe V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P SG may be caused to stumble
G4624-13 Matthew 13:21 σκανδαλίζεται skandalizetai V PRS PASS IND 3P SG is being caused to stumble
G4624-02 Matthew 13:57 ἐσκανδαλίζοντο eskandalizonto V IMPF PASS IND 3P PL they were being made to stumble
G4624-01 Matthew 15:12 ἐσκανδαλίσθησαν eskandalisthesan V AOR PASS IND 3P PL they were caused to stumble
G4624-05 Matthew 17:27 σκανδαλίσωμεν skandalisomen V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P PL we might cause to stumble
G4624-03 Matthew 18:6 σκανδαλίσῃ skandalise V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG might cause to stumble
G4624-12 Matthew 18:8 σκανδαλίζει skandalizei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG causes to stumble
G4624-12 Matthew 18:9 σκανδαλίζει skandalizei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG causes to stumble
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