Brief Overview of εὔκοπος (Strong’s G2123: eúkópos)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential for Biblical studies because it allows for a deeper exploration of the Scriptures and offers insights into the cultural and linguistic context of the early Christian period. The Greek word εὔκοπος (eúkópos) is particularly significant as it conveys the idea of something being “easy to labor” or “without much effort.” This term appears in key contexts where effort, ease, or labor is discussed, providing a nuanced understanding of work, diligence, and effort in both spiritual and secular life. Exploring εὔκοπος enriches our interpretation of the New Testament and connects us to ancient Greek perspectives on work and ease.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: εὔκοπος (eúkópos) [YOO-ko-pos]
• Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “good,” and κόπος (kopos), meaning “labor” or “toil.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective; second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Easy to labor
• Not burdensome
• Effortless

Similar Words: The word εὔκοπος is related to εὔκολον (eúkolon), meaning “easy” or “convenient.” While both words convey ease, εὔκολος focuses more on being easy-going or simple, whereas εὔκοπος emphasizes the lack of effort required for labor or toil. Another related term is ἄκοπος (ákopos), meaning “without labor” or “untiring,” which implies a similar lack of burden but often carries a more passive connotation.

Further Insights:
Morphologically, εὔκοπος is a compound adjective combining εὖ (eu), which signifies “well” or “good,” with κόπος (kopos), meaning “labor” or “toil.” As a second declension adjective, it can appear in masculine, feminine, or neuter forms, depending on its usage in sentences.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon defines εὔκοπος as “easy to work” or “without much labor,” suggesting a lack of strenuous effort required in a given task or activity.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon explains that εὔκοπος denotes something that is “easy to labor” or “not requiring much toil.” It often appears in contexts where work or effort is mentioned, implying ease or simplicity.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary provides insight into εὔκοπος as an adjective conveying the idea of something being “without difficulty” or “manageable.” It often describes actions or situations where effort is minimized.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon offers a classical perspective on εὔκοπος, defining it as “easy to manage” or “not laborious,” often used in secular Greek literature to describe tasks or endeavors that are straightforward or uncomplicated.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists εὔκοπος as meaning “easy” or “light in labor.” It emphasizes the minimal effort required, highlighting the word’s relevance in discussions of work and labor.

Related Scripture References

• James 3:17: “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy (εὔκοπος) to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

Classical Usage

Septuagint Usage

Summary of εὔκοπος (G2123: eúkópos)

The Greek word εὔκοπος (eúkópos) is an adjective meaning “easy to labor” or “without much effort.” It combines εὖ (“well”) with κόπος (“labor”), highlighting the ease or lack of strain involved in a task. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s provide detailed definitions and contexts for the word, emphasizing its role in describing situations that are manageable or less burdensome. In the New Testament and classical Greek literature, εὔκοπος appears in contexts where work, labor, or effort is discussed, offering a perspective on what it means to labor without hardship.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the idea of something being εὔκοπος, or “easy to labor,” reflects the Greek philosophical tradition’s emphasis on moderation and balance? In the works of philosophers like Aristotle, achieving a balanced life meant finding a path that was εὔκοπος, or manageable, avoiding extremes of both excessive hardship and laziness!