Brief Overview of κόπος (Strong’s G2873: kopos)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding the Greek word κόπος (kopos) is essential for grasping the nuances of labor, toil, and effort as conveyed in the New Testament. The word is first mentioned in Matthew 26:10 and plays a crucial role in describing the physical and spiritual exertion required in various aspects of life and faith. In biblical studies, kopos provides insight into the culture of work, perseverance, and dedication in both the ancient Greek and Jewish contexts, deepening our comprehension of the biblical text and the lives of those who engaged in these toils.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κόπος, transliterated as kopos [KOH-pos].

Etymology: The word kopos is derived from the Greek verb κόπτω (koptō), which means “to cut” or “to strike.” Over time, it evolved to mean the physical or emotional toll that results from intense labor or struggle, capturing both the act of working and the weariness it brings.

Part of Speech: Noun. Kopos is a masculine noun and follows the second declension pattern in Greek grammar. It can be used in both singular and plural forms to describe the concept of labor or effort, and its grammatical forms change according to the case, number, and syntactical function in a sentence.

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Defining Meanings

1. Labor or Toil: The primary meaning of kopos is labor or toil, referring to physical work or effort, particularly of a strenuous or exhausting nature.
2. Hardship or Trouble: Kopos also denotes hardship or trouble, often implying the difficulties and struggles associated with intense effort or labor.
3. Fatigue or Weariness: In a more figurative sense, kopos can represent the weariness or fatigue that comes from prolonged effort, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μόχθος (mochthos) [MOKH-thos]: While similar in meaning to kopos, mochthos often emphasizes the hardship and suffering aspect of toil, particularly in a more severe or arduous sense.
2. πόνος (ponos) [POH-nos]: This word is also used to describe labor or toil but often with a focus on the pain or suffering involved, distinguishing it from the more general effort implied by kopos.
3. ἀγωνία (agonia) [ah-go-NEE-ah]: Meaning “agony” or “struggle,” agonia conveys the intense effort or struggle in contexts like athletic competitions or battles, where the focus is more on the struggle than the resulting fatigue.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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Case, Number, Gender: Kopos is a masculine noun and can be found in various cases:

• Nominative Singular: κόπος (labor)
• Genitive Singular: κόπου (of labor)
• Dative Singular: κόπῳ (to/for labor)
• Accusative Singular: κόπον (labor as a direct object)
• Nominative Plural: κόποι (labors)
• Genitive Plural: κόπων (of labors)
• Dative Plural: κόποις (to/for labors)
• Accusative Plural: κόπους (labors as a direct object)

Declension: Kopos follows the standard pattern of the second declension for masculine nouns in Greek.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word kopos is richly discussed in Greek lexicons, reflecting both its literal and figurative meanings. In the New Testament, kopos often signifies the intense labor or effort, not just in a physical sense but also in terms of spiritual endeavors and ministry work. It underscores the tireless effort of the apostles and early Christians who labored for the Gospel. In classical Greek, kopos could also refer to general hardship or suffering, providing a broader cultural context of toil in both work and life. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 26:10: “But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, ‘Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me.'”
2. 1 Corinthians 3:8: “Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor [κόπον].”
3. 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor [κόπος] is not in vain in the Lord.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word kopos serves as a significant term in both biblical and classical contexts, conveying the concepts of labor, effort, and perseverance. In the New Testament, it is used to express the tireless work and dedication required in the spiritual journey. Classical literature also uses kopos to describe the physical and mental toil involved in various endeavors, offering a comprehensive view of its use in ancient Greek culture.

Did You Know?

1. The word kopos appears over 20 times in the New Testament, often in contexts that emphasize the spiritual labor of the apostles and early Christian workers.
2. Kopos is used in both literal and metaphorical senses, illustrating not only physical labor but also spiritual struggles and efforts.
3. In classical Greek literature, kopos is frequently used to describe the labor of heroes and warriors, reflecting the cultural appreciation of hard work and perseverance.