The Hebrew word mikshol means a stumbling block, obstacle, or cause of ruin. It derives from the root kashal (H3782, to stumble, totter, fall) and refers to anything that causes someone to trip and fall — literally or figuratively. It appears approximately 14 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in the prophets.
Theologically, mikshol is one of the most important words for understanding idolatry and sin in the Old Testament. Ezekiel repeatedly describes idols as a mikshol of iniquity — the thing that causes Israel to stumble into sin and ruin. Leviticus 19:14 prohibits placing a mikshol before the blind, establishing the ethical principle of not exploiting the vulnerable. The concept flows directly into the New Testament where Paul discusses stumbling blocks for weaker believers, and where Jesus warns that causing others to stumble brings severe judgment.