### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐγκόπτω (enkóptō, `{{G1465}}`) is a compound verb derived from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning "in" or "into," and the verb κόπτω (kóptō, `{{G2875}}`), meaning "to cut," "to strike," or "to beat." Literally, the compound could suggest "to cut into" or "to cut off within." This literal sense forms the basis for its primary figurative meaning in the New Testament: to impede, hinder, obstruct, or detain. It conveys the idea of putting an obstacle in the path, thereby "cutting off" or "breaking" the progress of something or someone. The hindrance can be physical, preventing movement or access, or it can be more abstract, such as impeding spiritual growth, prayer, or even the flow of communication, making it burdensome or tedious. The nuance lies in the disruptive nature of the action—it is an active intervention that brings a process to a halt or makes it difficult to continue.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐγκόπτω (enkóptō, `{{G1465}}`) appears five times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its semantic range:
* **[[Acts 24:4]]**: In this context, Tertullus, the orator prosecuting Paul before Felix, states, "I beg you to hear us with your clemency a few words. For we will not be tedious unto thee." Here, the word is used reflexively, implying "we will not cut off your patience" or "we will not hinder you by being too long." It refers to the act of prolonging a speech to the point of being burdensome or tiresome, thereby impeding the listener's attention or time. This highlights the sense of causing an inconvenience or delay.
* **[[Romans 15:22]]**: Paul writes, "For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you." In this instance, ἐγκόπτω (enkóptō) refers to external circumstances or providential workings that have prevented Paul from fulfilling his desire to visit the Roman believers. The "hindrance" here implies an obstruction to his travel plans, a "cutting off" of his intended journey.
* **[[Galatians 5:7]]**: Paul challenges the Galatians, "Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?" Here, the hindrance is spiritual and doctrinal. False teachers had introduced a different gospel, effectively "cutting off" the Galatians' progress in their obedience to the truth of Christ. This usage points to an impediment to spiritual growth and faithfulness.
* **[[1 Thessalonians 2:18]]**: Paul expresses his earnest desire to visit the Thessalonians, stating, "Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us." This is a profound statement, attributing the obstruction of Paul's missionary travel directly to the activity of Satan. It underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the demonic opposition to the spread of the Gospel, portraying Satan as actively "cutting off" the apostles' path.
* **[[1 Peter 3:7]]**: Peter exhorts husbands, "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered." This verse presents a powerful application of the word. Marital discord, or a lack of understanding and honor between spouses, is presented as an obstacle that can "cut off" or impede the effectiveness and communion of prayer. It highlights the interconnectedness of relational harmony and spiritual vitality.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding ἐγκόπτω (enkóptō, `{{G1465}}`) includes several other Greek terms that convey aspects of obstruction or prevention. κωλύω (kōlyō, `{{G2967}}`) is a broader term meaning "to hinder" or "to forbid," often without the specific imagery of "cutting." ἐμποδίζω (empodizō, `{{G1708}}`) literally means "to entangle the feet" and thus "to impede" or "to hinder progress," sharing a strong conceptual overlap with ἐγκόπτω (enkóptō) in its effect on movement or progress. The root κόπτω (kóptō, `{{G2875}}`) itself can mean "to cut down" or "to strike," providing the foundational imagery for the compound.
Conversely, words expressing progress or unimpeded movement would be antonyms. προκόπτω (prokoptō, `{{G4298}}`), meaning "to advance" or "to make progress," captures the opposite of being hindered. Similarly, εὐοδόω (euodoō, `{{G2137}}`), "to have a good journey" or "to prosper," stands in contrast to the concept of being obstructed. The concepts related to ἐγκόπτω (enkóptō) thus encompass spiritual warfare, the challenges of ministry, the importance of doctrinal purity, and the vital link between interpersonal relationships and one's communion with God.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of ἐγκόπτω (enkóptō, `{{G1465}}`) collectively reveal profound theological insights. Firstly, the hindrance of Satan in [[1 Thessalonians 2:18]] underscores the reality of an active spiritual enemy who seeks to obstruct the work of God and the proclamation of the Gospel. This is not merely an abstract difficulty but a direct, malevolent opposition. Yet, even in such opposition, the sovereignty of God is implicitly affirmed, as Paul's ultimate arrival is often part of a divine plan, albeit one that may involve delay.
Secondly, the "hindering" of the Galatians' obedience ([[Galatians 5:7]]) highlights the critical importance of sound doctrine and the purity of the Gospel. False teaching is not a minor deviation but a severe impediment to true spiritual life and progress in faith. It "cuts off" believers from the source of their spiritual vitality and obedience, emphasizing the need for vigilance and discernment.
Finally, the instruction in [[1 Peter 3:7]] regarding prayer being "hindered" by marital discord is exceptionally significant. It elevates the importance of relational harmony within the Christian home to a spiritual imperative. It suggests that unconfessed sin or unresolved conflict between a husband and wife can create a barrier, "cutting off" the flow of effective prayer and communion with God. This stresses the holistic nature of the Christian life, where personal relationships are inextricably linked to one's walk with God. The word thus illustrates various forms of opposition—demonic, doctrinal, and relational—that can impede the believer's progress and spiritual effectiveness, calling for discernment, perseverance, and purity.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐγκόπτω (enkóptō, `{{G1465}}`), derived from "to cut into," vividly conveys the concept of hindering, impeding, or obstructing. Its usage in the New Testament illustrates a range of applications: from making a speech tedious ([[Acts 24:4]]) to preventing physical travel ([[Romans 15:22]], [[1 Thessalonians 2:18]]), to disrupting spiritual progress ([[Galatians 5:7]]), and even hindering prayer through relational discord ([[1 Peter 3:7]]). The term consistently denotes an active intervention that "cuts off" or "breaks" a desired path or process. Theologically, it highlights the various obstacles faced by believers—whether from spiritual adversaries like Satan, the insidious influence of false teaching, or the detrimental effects of relational disharmony—all of which can impede the work of God, the growth of believers, and the efficacy of their spiritual disciplines. Understanding ἐγκόπτω (enkóptō) enriches our comprehension of the challenges to Christian life and ministry, and the call to overcome them through faithfulness and obedience.
TRV