Unveiling the Word

Understanding the Greek word κόπτω (koptō) provides valuable insight into the emotional and cultural context of the New Testament and ancient Greek culture. This word, appearing in Matthew 11:17, involves expressions of intense grief, sorrow, or even physical actions like beating or cutting. Its usage highlights the deep emotional reactions that are common in ancient mourning customs and serves as a metaphor for profound spiritual and emotional experiences. By studying koptō, readers can appreciate the vividness and intensity conveyed in biblical narratives and how ancient Greeks and Jews expressed their emotions.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κόπτω, transliterated as koptō [KOP-toh].

Etymology: The term koptō comes from a primary verb meaning “to strike” or “to cut.” The root κόπτω is connected to various forms that describe the action of beating or lamenting, often with violent physical expressions.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, koptō encompasses different tenses, voices, and moods, capturing both literal actions (like cutting or striking) and metaphorical expressions (such as lamenting or wailing).

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Defining Meanings

1. To Cut or Strike: The primary meaning of koptō is to cut or strike, typically referring to a physical action such as cutting down trees or striking objects.
2. To Mourn or Lament: In a more figurative sense, koptō is used to describe acts of mourning or lamenting, especially in cultural contexts where people would beat their breasts or bodies as expressions of deep grief.
3. To Beat or Smite One’s Breast in Grief: This meaning emphasizes the traditional Jewish and Greek mourning practice, where people would beat their chests as an outward manifestation of internal sorrow.

Exploring Similar Words

1. θρηνέω (thrēneō) [thray-NEH-oh]: This word means “to wail” or “to lament,” often associated with singing dirges or expressing grief loudly. Unlike koptō, which implies a physical action, thrēneō focuses on vocal expressions of mourning.
2. κλαίω (klaiō) [KLY-oh]: Meaning “to weep” or “to cry,” this word denotes tears and quieter forms of grief. It is softer compared to koptō, which involves more intense and demonstrative mourning.
3. κόπτωμαι (koptomai) [KOP-toh-my]: A middle/passive form of koptō, which can indicate being “cut off” or separated. It is related but carries a different nuance of being affected by the action rather than performing it.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: As a verb, koptō appears in various tenses and moods, conveying different aspects of action. Some forms include:

• Present Indicative Active: κόπτω (I cut, I mourn)
• Aorist Indicative Active: ἔκοψα (I cut, I mourned)
• Perfect Indicative Active: κέκοφα (I have cut)
• Present Imperative Active: κόπτε (Cut! Mourn!)

Person and Number:

• 1st Person Singular: κόπτω (I cut/mourn)
• 2nd Person Singular: κόπτεις (You cut/mourn)
• 3rd Person Singular: κόπτει (He/She/It cuts/mourns)

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word koptō holds a rich variety of meanings across different Greek lexicons. In the New Testament context, it typically conveys a sense of mourning or grief. For example, in Matthew 11:17, koptō is used metaphorically to describe the lament of those who do not heed the call for repentance, akin to children calling out in the marketplace. In classical Greek literature, the word is often used more literally, describing actions such as chopping wood or striking. However, in theological texts, the term’s metaphorical sense is more dominant, expressing intense mourning or penitence. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 11:17: “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn [κόψασθε].”
2. Revelation 1:7: “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn [κόψονται] over Him.”
3. Luke 23:27: “And following Him was a large crowd of the people, and of women who were mourning [ἐκόπτοντο] and lamenting Him.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb koptō serves as a powerful word in biblical and classical texts, emphasizing both physical actions like cutting and metaphorical expressions of grief and mourning. Its range of meanings provides insight into ancient practices and emotions, reflecting the depth of human experience and spiritual expression. The study of koptō enhances our understanding of how mourning and repentance were perceived in both Jewish and Greek traditions, adding layers of meaning to New Testament teachings.

Did You Know?

1. In the New Testament, koptō is often used to depict acts of mourning in response to divine judgment or sorrow over sin.
2. Ancient Greeks and Jews commonly used the act of beating one’s chest as a public display of grief, which is captured by the verb koptō.
3. The expression “to cut a covenant” also uses the verb koptō, showing its versatility in meaning across different contexts.