Stumbling (4348) (proskomma from prós = to, against + kopto = cut, strike) can describe literal or figurative stumbling. It is something a person trips over. Thus proskomma can be an obstacle in the way which if one strikes his foot against he stumbles or falls or figuratively it can describe that over which a soul stumbles i.e. by which is caused to sin or which causes an occasion of apostasy. It is also used figuratively, to describe a cause of falling or an occasion of sinning (Ro 14:13, 20; 1Cor. 8:9; Septuagint: Ex 23:33; 34:12). Proskomma - 4x Translated: obstacle, 1; offense, 1; stumbling, 3; stumbling block, 1 Romans 9:32 (note) - [Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, Romans 9:33 (note) - just as it is written, "BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE (skandalon), AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED " Romans 14:13 (note) Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this --not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block (skandalon) in a brother's way. Romans 14:20 (note) - Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. 1 Cor 8:9 -But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Peter 2:8 (note) - and, "A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE "; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed. Barclay writes that... proskomma, means 'a barrier', 'a hindrance', 'a road-block'. It is the word that would be used for a tree that has been felled and laid across a road to block it. We must never do or allow anything which would be a road-block on the way to goodness. (William Barclay. New Testament Words) The TDNT summarizes the meanings of proskomma... 1. This noun may denote the result of falling, hence “damage,” “wound,” “bump,” or more generally “hurt,” “destruction,” “ruin,” and morally “fall,” “sin.” 2. It may also denote a quality as in the phrase “stone of stumbling.” 3. Finally, it may indicate a cause of hurt, e.g., an “obstacle,” or more generally a cause of ruin, e.g., a “hindrance” to faith, a “temptation” that causes a fall into sin. (Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Page 946. Grand Rapids, Mich.: W. B. Eerdmans) A Rock of offense - In this context the Rock metaphor clearly symbolizes Christ. This picture of Christ as a Stone or Rock is intimately woven by the Spirit throughout both the Old and New Testaments and makes for a fascinating and encouraging study Suggestion: This study would make an edifying series in a Sunday School class and would be very enlightening to those who are not that familiar with the Old Testament. Remember to carefully observe the context to arrive at the most accurate interpretation, interrogating each each "base" verse with questions such as... When does this take place? Where does this take place? What are the circumstances surrounding the use of this metaphor? Who are the "cast of characters"? Who used the name Rock? What attributes do you discover about the Rock or Stone? How should we apply this truth to our life today -- not Can we? - it is God's Word of Truth and it is ALWAYS applicable to our life. The more relevant question is "Will we allow the Spirit to speak the Word of Truth to our innermost being and respond with unhesitating obedience"?)...here are the Scriptures... Genesis 49:24 > Exodus 17:6 > Exodus 33:21 > Numbers 20:11 > Deut 32:4 > 2Samuel 23:3 > Psalm 18:2 > Psalm 18:31 > Psalm 18:46 > Psalm 19:14 > Psalm 27:5 > Psalm 28:1 > Psalm 31:2-3 > Psalm 40:2 > Psalm 42:9 > Psalm 61:2 >Psalm >Psalm 62:2 >Psalm 62:6-7 >Psalm 71:3 >Psalm 78:16 > Psalm 78:20 > Psalm 78:35 > Psalm 81:16 > Psalm 89:26 > Psalm 92:15 > Psalm 94:22 >Psalm 95:1 >Psalm 105:41 >Psalm 114:8 >Psalm 118:22 >Psalm 144:1 >Isaiah 8:14 > Isaiah 17:10 > Isaiah 26:4 >Isaiah 28:16 >Isaiah 30:29 >Isaiah 32:2 >Isaiah 33:16 >Isaiah 44:8 >Isaiah 48:21 >Isaiah 51:1 > Da 2:34 > Da 2:35, 44-46 > Hab 1:12 > Zech 4:7 > Mt 7:24,25> Mt 16:18 >Mt 21:42 >Mk 12:10 >Luke 20:17 > Acts 4:11 >Ro 9:32-33 > Acts 4:11 >1Cor 1:23>1Cor 10:4 >Ephesians 2:20 >1Pe 2:4-8 (Suggestion: Download InstaVerse which makes this study a breeze - see description below) (Which book of the Bible has the most allusions to Rock? Why might that be the case?) CHRIST THE ROCK THE CORNERSTONE (1) To God Jesus is... Smitten Stone Exodus 17:6, 1Cor 10:4, cp John 4:13, John 4:14 (2) To Israel Messiah is... Stumbling Stone 1Pe 2:8 (note), Ro 9:32 (note) Ro 9:33 (note); 1Cor 1:23 (3) To the Church the Lord Jesus is... Cornerstone 1Pe 2:6 (note), Ep 2:20 (note), 1Cor 3:10, 11, 12 (foundation) (4) To all the Gentile world powers Jesus the King of kings is the... Stone cut without hands Da 2:34 Stone that grows and fills the earth Da 2:35, cf Da 2:44 2:45 (5) To Israel at Second coming Messiah is... Capstone of the corner Zech 4:7 (6) To unbelievers the Lord Jesus Christ is the... Crushing Stone of judgment Mt 21:44 "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/romans_929-33.htm#stumbling