Brief Overview of ἐκκόπτω (Strong’s G1581: ekkóptō)

Introduction

In Biblical studies, the exploration of Greek words deepens our understanding of the original texts and the cultural context in which they were written. The Greek verb ἐκκόπτω (ekkóptō) holds significant importance in both the New Testament and ancient Greek literature. It conveys the idea of cutting off or cutting down, which can be literal, such as cutting down a tree, or metaphorical, as in cutting off a relationship or a person from a group. Understanding the nuances of this verb provides insight into the various ways it is employed in the Bible, particularly in passages that deal with judgment, discipline, and separation.

Key Information

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• Greek Word: ἐκκόπτω (ekkóptō) [ek-KOP-toh]
• Etymology: Derived from ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and κόπτω (kóptō), meaning “to cut.” Thus, ἐκκόπτω literally means “to cut out” or “to cut off.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (present active indicative)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Cut Off: The most common meaning of ἐκκόπτω is to cut off, typically in reference to cutting off branches, trees, or other growths.
• To Cut Down: It can also mean to cut down, as in cutting down a tree or something that stands tall.
• To Remove or Sever: In a figurative sense, ἐκκόπτω can imply the removal or severance of a person from a group or fellowship, often in the context of judgment or discipline.

Similar Words:

• ἀποκόπτω (apokóptō) [ah-po-KOP-toh]: This verb also means “to cut off,” but with a stronger emphasis on amputation or cutting off a part of something, particularly in a more violent or forceful manner.
• περικόπτω (perikóptō) [peh-ree-KOP-toh]: While similar, this word means “to cut around” or “to cut off around,” often used in more precise cutting or trimming contexts.

Further Insights

• Morphology: The verb ἐκκόπτω is a compound of ἐκ and κόπτω, emphasizing the action of cutting out or off. It is regularly conjugated in the active voice.
• Notable Linguistic Features: The word carries a strong sense of finality, especially when used in metaphorical contexts, implying not just the physical act of cutting but also the severing of relationships or connections.

Verb Conjugation Chart (Present Active Indicative)

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: The BDAG lexicon notes that ἐκκόπτω is used in various contexts, both literal and metaphorical, emphasizing the act of cutting off or severing, often with a connotation of judgment or exclusion.
• Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon highlights its use in the New Testament, where it often relates to the cutting down of unfruitful trees, symbolizing divine judgment.
• Vine’s: Vine’s Expository Dictionary emphasizes the figurative sense of ἐκκόπτω in terms of cutting off relationships or individuals from a community.
• LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides examples from classical literature where ἐκκόπτω is used in both literal and figurative senses, showing its versatility in Greek rhetoric and narrative.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s highlights the verb’s primary meaning of cutting down or off, often used in contexts where something is removed or separated as part of a process of purification or judgment.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 7:19: “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down (ἐκκόπτω) and thrown into the fire.”
• Romans 11:22: “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off (ἐκκόπτω).”

Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, ἐκκόπτω is frequently used in the context of cutting down trees or other vegetation, as well as in military and rhetorical settings where the idea of cutting off or severing plays a role.

Summary of ἐκκόπτω (G1581: ekkóptō)

The Greek verb ἐκκόπτω (ekkóptō) plays a crucial role in both Biblical and classical Greek contexts, signifying the act of cutting off or cutting down. Whether used literally, such as cutting down a tree, or metaphorically, such as severing ties with a person or group, this verb carries a sense of finality and judgment. In the New Testament, it is often associated with divine judgment, where unfruitful or unworthy elements are removed. Understanding ἐκκόπτω enriches our interpretation of passages that deal with judgment, discipline, and the consequences of actions, providing a deeper insight into the text’s original meaning and its application in both religious and cultural contexts.

Did You Know?

The word ἐκκόπτω is used metaphorically in ancient Greek philosophy to describe the removal of false beliefs or harmful practices, showing that the concept of cutting off was not just physical but also intellectual and spiritual.