Brief Overview of ἐγκόπτω (Strong’s G1465: enkopto)

Introduction:

The study of Greek words in the New Testament provides invaluable insights into the text’s original meaning and the cultural context in which it was written. One such word, ἐγκόπτω (Strong’s G1465: enkopto), holds particular significance due to its association with the concept of hindrance or obstruction. This verb is used in the New Testament to describe situations where progress is impeded, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. Understanding ἐγκόπτω not only helps us grasp the practical challenges faced by early Christians but also enriches our comprehension of spiritual hindrances that can disrupt one’s walk with God.

Key Information:

Greek Word: ἐγκόπτω (enkopto) [en-kop’-to]
Etymology: Derived from the combination of ἐν (en), meaning “in,” and κόπτω (kopto), meaning “to cut.” Thus, ἐγκόπτω literally means “to cut into,” often implying an action that hinders or obstructs.
Part of Speech: Verb (Middle/Passive Voice)
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

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To Hinder: The primary meaning of ἐγκόπτω is “to hinder” or “to impede.” It is used in contexts where someone or something actively prevents progress or causes a delay.
To Interrupt: It can also mean “to interrupt,” emphasizing the idea of something cutting into or disrupting an ongoing process or activity.

Similar Words:

ἐμποδίζω (empodizo) [em-pod-id’-zo]: A verb meaning “to hinder” or “to prevent,” similar to ἐγκόπτω but often with a more physical or direct connotation, such as placing obstacles in someone’s path.
διακόπτω (diakopto) [dee-ak-op’-to]: This verb means “to interrupt” or “to cut off,” sharing a similar sense of disruption but often in a more decisive or final manner compared to ἐγκόπτω.

Further Insights:

Morphological Insights:
ἐγκόπτω is a verb that can appear in both the middle and passive voices, indicating an action that either involves the subject acting upon itself or being acted upon by an external force.
The verb’s structure suggests an action that is ongoing, emphasizing the continuous nature of the hindrance or interruption it describes.

Tense	First Person Singular	Second Person Singular	Third Person Singular
Present	ἐγκόπτω	ἐγκόπτεις	ἐγκόπτει
Imperfect	ἐγκόπτον	ἐγκόπτες	ἐγκόπτε
Future	ἐγκόψω	ἐγκόψεις	ἐγκόψει

Lexicon Insights:

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BDAG: ἐγκόπτω is defined as “to hinder” or “to impede,” particularly in reference to something that causes a delay or interruption. The lexicon highlights its usage in contexts where spiritual or physical progress is obstructed.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐγκόπτω as a verb meaning “to hinder” or “to cut into,” emphasizing its use in the New Testament to depict obstacles that believers might face in their spiritual journey or ministry efforts.

Vine’s: ἐγκόπτω is noted as a verb that signifies “hindrance” or “interruption,” particularly in the sense of something that disrupts a course of action. Vine’s notes its metaphorical application in Christian life, where it represents the spiritual or practical challenges that interrupt one’s walk with God.

LSJ: In classical Greek, ἐγκόπτω is recognized as a term used to describe an action that interrupts or hinders, especially in contexts that involve stopping an action or delaying progress. The lexicon also notes its broader usage in legal and military contexts, where it could refer to objections or strategies that delay proceedings.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: ἐγκόπτω is listed as “to hinder” or “to impede,” with a focus on its Biblical usage in contexts where obstacles disrupt progress or cause delays.

Scripture References:

1 Thessalonians 2:18: “Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered (ἐγκόπτω) us.”
Galatians 5:7: “You were running well; who hindered (ἐγκόπτω) you from obeying the truth?”

Classical Usage:

Text Source	Example
Xenophon, Anabasis	“The advance of the troops was hindered (ἐγκόπτω) by the rugged terrain, making progress slow and difficult.”
Plutarch, Lives	“The council’s decision was hindered (ἐγκόπτω) by numerous interruptions, delaying the final verdict.”
Herodotus, Histories	“The march was hindered (ἐγκόπτω) by the sudden storm, forcing the army to take shelter until it passed.”

Summary of ἐγκόπτω (G1465: enkopto):

The verb ἐγκόπτω (G1465: enkopto) carries the essential meaning of “to hinder” or “to interrupt,” describing actions that obstruct or delay progress. In the New Testament, it is used to illustrate the various obstacles, both spiritual and physical, that can impede a believer’s journey or mission. The term is particularly relevant in Paul’s writings, where it illustrates the challenges and opposition faced in ministry. By understanding ἐγκόπτω, we gain insight into the trials and hindrances that were common in the early Christian experience, as well as the broader cultural context of obstacles and interruptions in ancient life.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? The concept of ἐγκόπτω was not only relevant in spiritual contexts but also had practical applications in everyday life in the ancient world. In military strategies, for example, the deliberate hindrance of an enemy’s progress—whether by cutting off supply lines, creating physical obstacles, or using psychological tactics—was a common practice. Understanding ἐγκόπτω helps us see how the New Testament writers used everyday experiences and struggles to convey deeper spiritual truths, making their teachings more relatable to their audience.