Word Study for G1465 (ἐγκόπτω)

enkóptō /eng-kop'-to/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom ἐν and κόπτω

Meaningto cut into, i.e. (figuratively) impede, detain

KJV usagehinder, be tedious unto.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of enkóptō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word enkóptō, represented by G1465, is derived from terms meaning "to cut into." Figuratively, it describes the act of impeding or detaining. It appears 5 times across 4 unique verses in scripture, where it is primarily translated as to hinder and, in one instance, to be tedious unto.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G1465 is used to describe various forms of obstruction. Paul speaks of being "much hindered" from visiting the believers in Rome Romans 15:22. He explicitly identifies the source of another obstruction, stating "Satan hindered us" from coming to the Thessalonians 1 Thessalonians 2:18. The word is also used metaphorically when questioning the Galatian believers, who had been running the race of faith well, "who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?" Galatians 5:7. A different sense of the word is used when Paul, speaking to Felix, wishes not to be "further tedious" Acts 24:4.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of G1465:

G348 anakóptō (to beat back, i.e. check:--hinder): This term is used alongside G1465 in the same verse, reinforcing the idea of a forceful check or hindrance to the Galatians' spiritual progress Galatians 5:7.
G4567 Satanâs (the accuser, i.e. the devil:--Satan): This word identifies the specific agent of the hindrance Paul experienced, showing that the opposition was spiritual in nature 1 Thessalonians 2:18.
G5143 tréchō (to run or walk hastily): This word provides the powerful metaphor of the Christian life as a race. The Galatians "did run well" before something cut in and hindered their progress Galatians 5:7.

Theological Significance

The conceptual weight of G1465 centers on the theme of opposition and obstruction in the Christian walk.

Spiritual Warfare: The word is explicitly tied to the work of the adversary. Paul identifies Satan as the one who actively hinders the mission and movement of the apostles 1 Thessalonians 2:18.
Impediment to Sanctification: It is used to describe the force that stops believers from continuing in obedience to the truth. The Galatians were "running well," but were cut off or impeded by a negative influence Galatians 5:7.
Obstruction of Ministry: On a practical level, the term is used to describe the repeated circumstances that prevented Paul from ministering to the church in Rome, highlighting how ministry plans can be delayed Romans 15:22.

Summary

In summary, G1465 is a vivid term for being cut into or blocked. It illustrates that obstacles—whether from direct spiritual opposition by Satan, influences that halt spiritual growth, or practical impediments to ministry—are a recognized part of the biblical narrative. While primarily meaning to hinder, its use as "to be tedious" shows a secondary application related to imposing upon or detaining someone.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 5 occurrences, inflected in 4 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
Imperfect Passive Indicative 1st Singular 1×
Present Active Subjunctive 1st Singular 1×
Present Passive Infinitive 1×

Singular: One.
1st: First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect: Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive: Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive: The verb as a noun — "to do".

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 4 verses across 4 of the 27 books. 4 books tie for most frequent (1 verse each); never once in the other 23.

Acts

Romans

Galatians

1 Thessalonians

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.