In the context of the Revised Version (R.V.) of the Bible, the concept of "stumbling" is often associated with spiritual or moral failure, a hindrance in one's faith journey, or an obstacle that causes one to fall away from the path of righteousness. The term is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures to describe various scenarios where individuals or groups falter in their walk with God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of stumbling is frequently linked to the consequences of sin and disobedience. For instance, in Leviticus 26:37 , it is written, "They will stumble over one another as before the sword, though no one is pursuing them." This passage highlights the chaos and confusion that result from turning away from God's commandments.

The Psalms also address the theme of stumbling, often in the context of seeking divine protection and guidance. Psalm 56:13 states, "For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life." Here, the psalmist acknowledges God's role in preventing spiritual and moral failure, emphasizing reliance on divine strength.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of stumbling is further developed, particularly in relation to faith in Christ. Jesus Himself warns against causing others to stumble in their faith. In Matthew 18:6 , He declares, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." This severe warning underscores the gravity of leading others into sin or doubt.

The Apostle Paul also addresses stumbling in his epistles, often in the context of Christian liberty and the responsibility believers have toward one another. In Romans 14:13 , Paul advises, "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." This instruction calls for sensitivity and love within the Christian community, urging believers to act in ways that edify rather than hinder others.

Theological Implications

Theologically, stumbling is seen as a significant concern for believers, as it can lead to spiritual regression or separation from God. The Bible encourages vigilance and perseverance in faith to avoid stumbling. In Jude 1:24 , the assurance is given: "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy." This doxology highlights God's power to sustain believers and prevent them from falling away.

Practical Application

In practical terms, Christians are called to be mindful of their actions and their impact on others. The call to avoid causing others to stumble is a reminder of the communal nature of the faith journey, where individual actions can have broader implications for the body of Christ. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance, immerse themselves in Scripture, and rely on the Holy Spirit to navigate the challenges that may lead to stumbling.

Overall, the concept of stumbling in the R.V. serves as a poignant reminder of the need for spiritual vigilance, mutual edification, and reliance on God's sustaining grace in the Christian life.Isaiah 57:14
And shall say, Cast you up, cast you up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling block out of the way of my people.
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Jeremiah 6:21
Therefore thus said the LORD, Behold, I will lay stumbling blocks before this people, and the fathers and the sons together shall fall on them; the neighbor and his friend shall perish.
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Ezekiel 3:20
Again, When a righteous man does turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die: because you have not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at your hand.
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Ezekiel 7:19
They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumbling block of their iniquity.
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Ezekiel 14:3,4,7
Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?
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Zephaniah 1:3
I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked: and I will cut off man from off the land, said the LORD.
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Luke 11:52
Woe to you, lawyers! for you have taken away the key of knowledge: you entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in you hindered.
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Romans 11:9
And David said, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a recompense to them:
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Romans 14:13
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
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1 Corinthians 1:23
But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block, and to the Greeks foolishness;
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1 Corinthians 8:9-13
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumbling block to them that are weak.
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Revelation 2:14
But I have a few things against you, because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.
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Love and Discernment.
... ver.10, RV). This has to do with conduct. Not only are we to be inwardly true, but
outwardly sure. Our lives must not hinder others, or put a stumbling-block ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/ix love and discernment.htm

Self-Mutilation for Self-Preservation
... 8, RV No person or thing can do our characters as much harm as we ourselves can
do. Indeed, none can do them any harm but ourselves. For men may put stumbling- ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture b/self-mutilation for self-preservation.htm

Matt. xi. 1
... [1523] Luke 7:21. [1524] Matthew 4:5. [1525] Matthew 11:6. [RV, "shall find none
occasion of stumbling in me."]. [1526] John 8:13. [RV, "witness."]. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxvi matt xi 1.htm

Contents
... THE VINEYARD AND ITS KEEPERS (Matthew 21:33-46). THE STONE OF STUMBLING (Matthew
21:44). ... TWO FORMS OF ONE SAYING (Matthew 24:13, RV; Luke 21:19). ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/contents 2.htm

Imprisonment and Death of John
... bade them go and tell John what they had witnessed, adding, "Blessed is he, whosoever
shall find none occasion of stumbling in Me." Luke 7:23, RV The evidence ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 22 imprisonment and death.htm

Matt. xviii. 7
... Amen. Footnotes: [2288] [RV, "occasions of stumbling," skandlon; see the comment
below.]. [2289] [RV, "through."]. [2290] 2 Corinthians 7:5. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lix matt xviii 7.htm

Since These Things are So, Suffer Me Awhile...
... works, that ye should cut off from them occasion of a foul trafficking, by which
your estimation is hurt, and a stumbling-block put ... [2594] Psalm 39:3. [See RV]. ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 36 since these things.htm

67689:67697 the Rebuke of Peter
... death, till they see the kingdom of God come with power." Mark 8:32-9:1 (RV) ... For
He tells us in so many words that Peter was a stumbling-block to Him, although ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 8 32 - 9 1 the.htm

Rejected in his Own Country
... He cometh into His own country; and His disciples follow Him." Mark 6:1-6 (RV) ... The
perfect and lowly humanity of Jesus is a stumbling block to some who will ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 6 1-6 rejected in his.htm

The Sop
... good were it for that man if he had not been born." Mark 14:17-21 (RV) ... He then is
not walking in the dark and stumbling, though men shall think Him falling. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 17-21 the sop.htm

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