The concept of being "offended" in the Bible often relates to causing someone to stumble in their faith or leading them into sin. The term can also refer to personal affronts or insults, but the biblical emphasis is frequently on spiritual implications.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "offend" is "mikshol," which means a stumbling block or an obstacle. This concept is illustrated in Leviticus 19:14, where the Israelites are commanded, "You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD." Here, the idea is not merely about physical stumbling but also about moral and spiritual integrity.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "skandalon" is frequently used, which can mean a trap or a snare. Jesus uses this term in Matthew 18:6 : "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 passage underscores the seriousness of leading others into sin or causing them to lose faith.

Jesus and Offense

Jesus Himself was often a source of offense to others, not because He sinned, but because His teachings and actions challenged the established religious norms. In Matthew 13:57 , it is recorded, "And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.'" Here, the offense is rooted in unbelief and familiarity that breeds contempt.

Pauline Epistles

The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of offense in the context of Christian liberty and conscience. In 1 Corinthians 8:9 , Paul advises, "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." Paul emphasizes the importance of considering the spiritual well-being of others, even if it means limiting one's own freedoms.

Practical Implications

Believers are called to live in a way that does not cause others to stumble. Romans 14:13 states, "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 involves a conscious effort to act in love and consideration for the spiritual growth of others.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

When offenses occur, the Bible encourages forgiveness and reconciliation. In Matthew 18:15 , Jesus instructs, "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." This process highlights the importance of addressing offenses directly and seeking to restore relationships.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching on being offended and causing offense is deeply rooted in the call to love, humility, and the pursuit of holiness. Believers are encouraged to be mindful of their actions and words, ensuring they build up rather than tear down the faith of others.(imp. & p. p.) of Offend.4624. skandalizo -- to put a snare (in the way), hence to cause to ...
... to stumble (2), causes (2), causes...to stumble (6), fall away (7), falls away
(1), led into sin (1), makes...stumble (2), offend (1), offended (1), stumble (3 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4624.htm - 8k

91. adikeo -- to do wrong, act wickedly
... 1), do harm (1), do wrong (1), does wrong (2), doing...wrong (1), done...wrong
(2), harm (4), hurt (3), injure (2), injuring (1), offended (1), offender (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/91.htm - 8k

4360. prosochthizo -- to be angry with
... Verb Transliteration: prosochthizo Phonetic Spelling: (pros-okh-thid'-zo) Short
Definition: I am displeased with Definition: I am displeased or offended with. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4360.htm - 6k

6586. pasha -- to rebel, transgress
... root Definition to rebel, transgress NASB Word Usage been in rebellion (1), committed
(1), offended (1), rebel (1), rebelled (6), rebellion (1), revolted (7 ...
/hebrew/6586.htm - 6k

2398. chata -- to miss, go wrong, sin
... commit (2), commits sin (1), committed (21), done wrong (1), errs (1), fault (1),
fear...loss (1), forfeits (1), indicted (1), miss (1), offended (1), offered ...
/hebrew/2398.htm - 6k

And Men are Easily Offended in a Matter of this Kind...
... Book 2 Chapter 20. And men are easily offended in a matter of this kind?
20. And men are easily offended in a matter of this kind ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 20 and men are.htm

God Being Offended by These Things, and Especially by the ...
... The Sacred History Of Sulpitius Severus. Book I. Chapter III. God being offended
by these things, and especially by the wickedness of mankind? ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter iii god being offended.htm

Theognostus, Moreover, Himself Adds Words to this Effect: He who ...
... From His Seven Books of Hypotyposes or Outlines. II. Theognostus, moreover, himself
adds words to this effect: He who has offended against the first? ...
/.../ii theognostus moreover himself adds.htm

Ep. cxliv. Verianus, a Citizen of Nazianzus, had Been Offended by ...
... Division III. Miscellaneous Letters. Ep. CXLIV. Verianus, a citizen of
Nazianzus, had been offended by his son-in-law? (Verianus ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep cxliv verianus a citizen.htm

Ah, Holy Jesus, How Hast Thou Offended
... II. THE CHRISTIAN YEAR Holy Week 155. Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended.
11.11.11.5 ... Tr. Robert Bridges, 1899. Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended,. ...
/.../holy week 155 ah holy.htm

Against those who Say that Demons Govern Human Affairs, and who ...
... Homily I. Against those who say that demons govern human affairs, and who are
displeased at the chastisement of God, and are offended at the prosperity of the ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i against those who.htm

That the Gods could not be Offended by the Adultery of Paris, this ...
... Book III. Chapter 3."That the Gods Could Not Be Offended by the Adultery
of Paris, This Crime Being So Common Among Themselves. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 3 that the gods could.htm

That the Theatrical Exhibitions Publishing the Shameful Actions of ...
... Book II. Chapter 8."That the Theatrical Exhibitions Publishing the Shameful
Actions of the Gods, Propitiated Rather Than Offended Them. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 8 that the theatrical exhibitions.htm

Egg-Shell Christians
... Some people are super-sensitive: you have to be very careful what you do or say,
or they will be hurt or offended; you can never be sure how they are going to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk seven egg-shell christians.htm

On Contrition
... A. Contrition or sorrow for sin is a hatred of sin and a true grief of the soul
for having offended God, with a firm purpose of sinning no more. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 18 on contrition.htm

Offended (26 Occurrences)
...Offended (26 Occurrences). Matthew 11:6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be
offended in me. (KJV DBY). ... Matthew 13:57 They were offended by him. ...
/o/offended.htm - 14k

Offence (27 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The state of being offended or displeased; anger; displeasure. 4. (n.) A
cause or occasion of stumbling or of sin. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/o/offence.htm - 25k

Offend (24 Occurrences)
... British and American) "shall be held guilty"; 50:7, the Revised Version (British
and American) "not guilty"; Ezekiel 25:12, "hath greatly offended"; Hosea 4:15 ...
/o/offend.htm - 23k

Offense (44 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:57 They were offended by him. But ... Simon? Aren't his sisters here
with us?" They were offended at him. (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/o/offense.htm - 18k

Though (623 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Matthew 26:33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended
because of thee, yet will I never be offended. (KJV BBE WBS NAS RSV). ...
/t/though.htm - 36k

Forgiveness (124 Occurrences)
... apoluein charizesthai, aphesis paresis): 1. Etymology 2. Pagan and Jewish Ideas
3. The Teaching of Christ 4. Conditions of Forgiveness 5. The Offended Party 6 ...
/f/forgiveness.htm - 68k

Account (460 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:21 but has no root in himself, but is for a time only; and when tribulation
or persecution happens on account of the word, he is immediately offended...
/a/account.htm - 35k

Propitiation (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) The act of appeasing the wrath and conciliating
the favor of an offended person; the act of making propitious. ...
/p/propitiation.htm - 15k

Abroad (120 Occurrences)
... Matthew 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me
this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the ...
/a/abroad.htm - 39k

Ariseth (20 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when
tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended...
/a/ariseth.htm - 12k

Since God withholds forgiveness, can we? | GotQuestions.org

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Offended: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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