The term "stumbleth" is an archaic form of the verb "stumble," which appears in various passages of the Bible, particularly in the King James Version (KJV) and other older translations. In the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of stumbling is often used metaphorically to describe a spiritual or moral failing, a lapse in faith, or a deviation from the path of righteousness.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Moral and Spiritual Failing: The idea of stumbling is frequently used to illustrate a believer's struggle with sin or temptation. In James 3:2 , it is written, "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body." This passage highlights the universal nature of human imperfection and the challenges of maintaining moral integrity.

2. Causing Others to Stumble: The Bible also warns against actions that might lead others into sin. In Romans 14:21 , Paul advises, "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble." This reflects the Christian responsibility to act with consideration for the spiritual well-being of others, avoiding behaviors that might lead them away from their faith.

3. Stumbling as a Test of Faith: Stumbling can also be seen as a test or trial that believers must overcome. Proverbs 24:16 states, "For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up, but the wicked stumble in bad times." This verse emphasizes resilience and the importance of perseverance in the face of spiritual challenges.

4. Christ as a Stumbling Block: In some contexts, Christ Himself is referred to as a "stumbling block" to those who reject Him. In 1 Peter 2:8 , it is written, "and, 'A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.' They stumble because they disobey the message—and to this they were appointed." This indicates that the message of the Gospel, while a source of salvation for believers, can be a point of contention and rejection for those who do not accept it.

5. Guidance and Protection from Stumbling: The Bible assures believers of God's guidance and protection to prevent them from stumbling. Psalm 121:3 promises, "He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber." This assurance is a source of comfort, emphasizing God's constant vigilance and care over His people.

Theological Implications

The concept of stumbling in the Bible serves as a reminder of human frailty and the need for divine grace. It underscores the importance of vigilance in one's spiritual walk and the necessity of supporting fellow believers in their journey. The metaphor of stumbling also highlights the transformative power of faith, which enables believers to rise after falling and continue on the path of righteousness. Through Christ, believers are empowered to overcome obstacles and grow in spiritual maturity, reflecting the redemptive nature of the Christian faith.

Man's Working Day
... JOHN, xi.9, 10. "Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man
walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xix mans working day.htm

Jesus the Resurrection and Life.
... Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day,
he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. ...
/.../xxiii jesus the resurrection and.htm

Per??a to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
... If a man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this
world.10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because the light is not ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xciii peraea to bethany raising.htm

The Raising of Lazarus.
... Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day,
he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the raising of lazarus.htm

The Death of Lazarus; Christ's Conversation with the Disciples in ...
... If any man walk in the day he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this
world." So the disciples, so long as they had the Sun of the spiritual world to ...
/.../section 231 the death of.htm

Three Good Reasons for Abstaining from Certain Kinds of Food.
... the words, "It is good, brethren, neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine," without
adding what follows, "nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is ...
/.../chapter 14 name good reasons.htm

The Resurrection of Lazarus
... If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of the
world; but if any man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the resurrection of lazarus.htm

And Jesus Said, to Judge the World am I Come...
... [54, 55] [2587] Jesus said unto them, Is not the day of twelve hours? If then a
man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of the world. ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxxvii and jesus said.htm

"Lazarus, Come Forth"
... "If any man walk in the day," He continued, "he stumbleth not, because he seeth
the light of this world." He who does the will of God, who walks in the path ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 58 lazarus come forth.htm

John Chapter xi. Jan-54
... if any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this
world: but if he walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xlix john chapter xi.htm

Stumbleth (11 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Stumbleth (11 Occurrences). ... If any man walk in the day,
he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/s/stumbleth.htm - 9k

Walketh (62 Occurrences)
... John 11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walketh
in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. ...
/w/walketh.htm - 24k

Offend (24 Occurrences)
... master's "little ones who believe"; Romans 14:21, "It is good not to eat flesh,
nor to drink wine, nor to do anything whereby thy brother stumbleth," ie "is ...
/o/offend.htm - 23k

Offence (27 Occurrences)
... master's "little ones who believe"; Romans 14:21, "It is good not to eat flesh,
nor to drink wine, nor to do anything whereby thy brother stumbleth," ie "is ...
/o/offence.htm - 25k

Stumbling (51 Occurrences)

/s/stumbling.htm - 21k

Whereby (46 Occurrences)
... (ASV DBY). Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor
any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. ...
/w/whereby.htm - 20k

Thong (5 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 5:27 None among them is weary, none stumbleth; they slumber not, nor sleep;
none hath the girdle of his loins loosed, nor the thong of his sandals broken ...
/t/thong.htm - 8k

Endureth (63 Occurrences)
... 13:21 yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation
or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth. ...
/e/endureth.htm - 23k

Stumbles (8 Occurrences)
... (WEY YLT). Proverbs 24:17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let
not thy heart be glad when he stumbleth; (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/stumbles.htm - 8k

Stumblest (1 Occurrence)

/s/stumblest.htm - 6k

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