Understanding ἀνακόπτω (anakoptō) Strong’s G348: The Spiritual Force that Hinders Progress in Truth

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-KOP-tō

Basic Definition

Strong’s G348: ἀνακόπτω (anakoptō) fundamentally means to force back, hinder, or impede forward motion. In biblical usage, it specifically refers to a force or influence that prevents someone from continuing on their current path or pursuing their intended course. The word carries a strong sense of active opposition or interference rather than mere passive obstruction.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound word from ἀνά (ana, “up/back”) + κόπτω (koptō, “to cut/strike”)
• Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Classical Greek origin
• Used metaphorically in NT context

ἀνακόπτω Morphology:

• ἀνακόπτω (present active indicative) – I hinder/impede
• ἀνέκοψα (aorist active indicative) – I hindered/impeded
• ἀνακόψαι (aorist active infinitive) – to hinder/impede
• ἀνακόπτων (present active participle) – hindering/impeding

Origin & History

The word ἀνακόπτω emerged from classical Greek military terminology, where it described the action of forcing back an advancing army or halting a cavalry charge. Xenophon uses it in his “Anabasis” (3.4.47) to describe forcing back enemy troops. In the Hellenistic period, the word broadened to include any forceful interruption of progress.

In the Septuagint, though rare, it appears in contexts of military impediment and divine intervention preventing harmful actions. The early church father John Chrysostom, in his homilies on Galatians, employs ἀνακόπτω to describe spiritual opposition to the gospel’s advancement.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To forcibly interrupt progress or momentum
• To cut off or block advancement
• To prevent continuation in a course of action
• To impede or obstruct movement

ἀνακόπτω Translation Options:

• “Hinder” – Emphasizes the obstruction of progress
• “Cut off” – Highlights the forceful nature of the interruption
• “Block” – Stresses the prevention of forward movement
• “Impede” – Focuses on the interference with progress
• “Hold back” – Captures the restraining aspect

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀνακόπτω appears most prominently in Galatians 5:7, where Paul uses it to describe interference with the Galatians’ spiritual progress. The metaphor draws from athletic imagery, particularly the ancient racing stadium, where competitors might be cut off or impeded in their race.

The word’s singular New Testament usage makes it particularly significant, as Paul chose this strong term to emphasize the serious nature of the opposition facing the Galatian believers. The athletic metaphor would have resonated strongly with his audience, familiar with the Greek games and racing terminology.

Cross Reference:

• “Who did hinder [ἀνακόπτω] you that ye should not obey the truth?” Galatians 5:7

Cultural Insights

In ancient Greek athletic contests, particularly the stadium races, there were strict rules against impeding other runners. The act of ἀνακόπτω – cutting off or hindering another runner – was grounds for immediate disqualification. This context adds depth to Paul’s usage, suggesting that those hindering the Galatians’ spiritual progress were not just creating obstacles but were committing a serious violation of spiritual “athletic rules.”

The word also carried military connotations that would have been familiar to Paul’s readers. In military contexts, ἀνακόπτω described the tactical maneuver of cutting off an army’s supply lines or blocking their path of advance – a devastating strategy that could lead to defeat without direct combat.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀνακόπτω in Galatians reveals profound theological truths about spiritual warfare and discipleship. It demonstrates that opposition to truth isn’t merely passive but often involves active interference with believers’ spiritual progress. This understanding highlights the reality of spiritual battle and the enemy’s tactical attempts to impede believers’ growth in faith.

The word’s military and athletic background emphasizes that the Christian life is both a race to be run and a battle to be fought. Just as ancient armies needed to guard against being cut off from their supplies, believers must maintain their connection to spiritual resources – prayer, Scripture, and fellowship – to prevent being hindered in their faith journey.

Personal Application

When we encounter hindrances in our spiritual journey, understanding ἀνακόπτω reminds us to examine what forces might be attempting to cut off our progress in faith. Like ancient athletes who trained to overcome interference in their race, we too must develop spiritual disciplines and awareness to recognize and overcome obstacles to our spiritual growth.

This word challenges us to consider: What is hindering our obedience to truth? Are we allowing ourselves to be cut off from the spiritual resources we need? The call is to identify these impediments and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, press forward in our race of faith.

Related Words

• ἐγκόπτω (egkoptō) – to interrupt, prevent: Similar but emphasizes internal obstacles rather than external force See G1465
• κωλύω (kōlyō) – to prevent, forbid: Less forceful, implies restraint rather than active opposition See G2967
• ἐμποδίζω (empodizō) – to impede: Focuses on placing obstacles in one’s path See G1696
• διακωλύω (diakōlyō) – to completely prevent: Emphasizes total prevention rather than interference See G1254

Did you Know?

• The word ἀνακόπτω was used in ancient Greek maritime contexts to describe winds that forced ships to change course or return to port, illustrating how external forces can dramatically alter one’s intended journey.
• In ancient Greek military documents, ἀνακόπτω described the practice of destroying bridges to prevent enemy advancement, showing how the word conveyed intentional strategic interference.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of ἀνακόπτω in traffic terminology, where ανακοπή ταχύτητας (anakopē tachytētas) means “speed bump” – a deliberate impediment to slow progress.

Remember This

ἀνακόπτω stands as a powerful reminder that our spiritual journey will face opposition, but identifying these hindrances is the first step to overcoming them through the power of the Holy Spirit.