UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: trap

Semantic entry: 6.25

Semantic domains: Artifacts

Subdomains: Traps, Snares

Definition: a trap, probably of the type which has a stick which when touched by an animal causes the trap to shut

Notes: In RV ROM 11:9 · LV ROM 11:9 · Read together ROM 11:9 παγίς (6.23: παγίς), θήρα (6.24: θήρα), and σκάνδαλον would all seem to be completely parallel in structure and meaning. As a result, in a number of languages the three terms are reduced often to two, for example, ‘snare’ and ‘trap.’ If there are three different kinds of traps, then, of course, three terms can be used. In some cases, however, it may be preferable to use verbs to express the catching and trapping, and thus one may translate γενηθήτω ἡ τράπεζα αὐτῶν εἰς παγίδα καὶ εἰς θήραν καὶ εἰς σκάνδαλον as in TEV, “may they be caught and trapped at their feasts; may they fall.”

Sense 2: that which causes someone to sin, one who causes someone to sin

Semantic entry: 88.306

Semantic domains: Moral and Ethical Qualities and Related Behavior

Subdomains: Sin, Wrongdoing, Guilt

Definition: (a figurative extension of meaning of σκάνδαλον[a] ‘trap,’ 6.25: σκάνδαλον) that which or one who causes someone to sin

Sense 3: what causes offense, offense

Semantic entry: 25.181

Semantic domains: Attitudes and Emotions

Subdomains: Offend, Be Offended

Definition: that which causes offense and thus arouses opposition