from ἐκ and κόπτω; to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate:--cut down (off, out), hew down, hinder.
Transliteration:ekkóptō
Pronunciation:ek-kop'-to
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1581 (ekkóptō) is a compound word derived from ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and κόπτω (kóptō `{{G2875}}`), meaning "to strike" or "to cut." This etymological foundation reveals its primary, literal meaning: "to cut out," "to cut off," "to cut down," or "to hew down." The prefix ἐκ emphasizes a decisive act of removal, separation, or severance from a source or foundation, often implying force or finality. Figuratively, ekkóptō extends its semantic range to mean "to frustrate" or "to hinder," indicating the prevention of an action, process, or progress by effectively "cutting off" its means of continuation or completion. This dual literal and figurative sense allows the word to convey both physical removal and the obstruction of abstract concepts like purpose or movement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G1581 appears in the New Testament with significant theological weight, primarily in two main contexts:
1. **Divine Judgment and Removal of the Unfruitful:** This is the most common literal usage, often in the context of trees or plants that fail to produce fruit.
* In [[Matthew 3:10]] and [[Luke 3:9]], John the Baptist warns, "And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." Here, ekkóptō signifies the decisive judgment of God upon those who do not bear the fruit of repentance, leading to their removal and destruction.
* The parable of the barren fig tree in [[Luke 13:7]] uses ekkóptō when the owner instructs, "cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?" This illustrates God's patience but also His ultimate expectation of fruitfulness and the consequence of continued barrenness—removal to prevent it from hindering the productivity of others.
2. **Figurative Hindrance or Severance:** Paul employs ekkóptō to describe the obstruction of spiritual progress or relationship.
* In [[Romans 11:22]], Paul speaks of the "severity of God" towards those who fell, stating, "otherwise thou also shalt be cut off." This refers to the potential severance from God's covenant blessings for Gentiles who do not continue in faith, paralleling the cutting off of branches (Israel) due to unbelief. It underscores the conditional nature of remaining in God's favor for both groups.
* Paul uses the word to describe personal hindrance in [[Romans 15:22]]: "For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you." Here, ekkóptō means to be prevented or obstructed from fulfilling his desire to visit Rome.
* Similarly, in [[1 Corinthians 9:12]], Paul states, "Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ." He willingly foregoes his rights lest his actions "cut off" or impede the progress and reception of the gospel message. This highlights the supreme importance of the gospel's unhindered advance.
* Perhaps the most challenging usage is in [[Galatians 5:12]]: "I would they were even cut off which trouble you." This strong expression, directed at those advocating circumcision and troubling the Galatian believers, is debated. It could imply excommunication, being "cut off" from the community, or a hyperbolic wish for self-mutilation (related to their emphasis on cutting the flesh), signifying a desire for their disruptive influence to be decisively removed from the church.
### Related Words & Concepts
G1581 (ekkóptō) shares semantic space with several related terms and concepts:
* **κόπτω (kóptō `{{G2875}}`):** The base verb, meaning "to cut" or "to strike." ekkóptō adds the specific nuance of cutting *out* or *off*.
* **ἀποκόπτω (apokóptō `{{G610}}`):** Also meaning "to cut off," often with a strong sense of severing completely. It is very close in meaning and sometimes interchangeable with ekkóptō in contexts of removal.
* **ἀφαιρέω (aphairéō `{{G851}}`):** "To take away," "to remove."
* **ῥίπτω (rhíptō `{{G4496}}`):** "To cast," "to throw down," which can be a consequence of being cut down.
* **Thematic Connections:** The concept of ekkóptō is intrinsically linked to themes such as divine judgment, spiritual barrenness, the consequences of unbelief, the removal of obstacles to God's work, church discipline, and the unhindered proclamation of the gospel. Its antonyms would include concepts like growth, fruitfulness, inclusion, connection, and progress.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ekkóptō is profound, touching upon divine justice, human responsibility, and the nature of the Christian life and mission:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The imagery of the axe laid to the root and trees being "cut down" underscores God's righteous judgment upon those who fail to bear the fruit of genuine faith and repentance. It speaks to a divine prerogative to remove what is unproductive or harmful, ensuring the purity and purpose of His kingdom. This is not arbitrary but a just response to spiritual barrenness and persistent disobedience.
* **Covenantal Relationship and Warning:** The use in [[Romans 11:22]] highlights the conditional nature of remaining in God's covenant blessings. It serves as a sober warning that while God is gracious, continued unbelief or rejection of His goodness can lead to spiritual severance. This applies to both historical Israel and any individual or group in a relationship with God.
* **Priority of the Gospel:** Paul's self-sacrificial approach in [[1 Corinthians 9:12]] where he avoids anything that might "hinder" the gospel, reveals the supreme importance of the message of Christ. It posits that personal rights or preferences must be subordinated to the unhindered advance of the Good News, demonstrating a profound commitment to evangelism and discipleship.
* **Purity and Protection of the Church:** The strong language in [[Galatians 5:12]] reflects a zealous concern for the spiritual health and doctrinal purity of the church. While the precise meaning is debated, it conveys a fervent desire for the decisive removal of those who cause division and propagate false teaching, thereby protecting the flock from spiritual harm.
### Summary
G1581 (ekkóptō) is a potent Greek verb signifying "to cut out," "to cut down," or "to hinder." Its core meaning conveys a decisive act of removal or severance. In the New Testament, it is most notably employed to depict divine judgment upon spiritual barrenness, as seen in the imagery of unfruitful trees being "hewn down" ([[Matthew 3:10]], [[Luke 13:7]]). This usage underscores God's expectation of fruitfulness and the grave consequences of unrepentance. Furthermore, ekkóptō describes the potential "cutting off" from God's covenant blessings due to unbelief ([[Romans 11:22]]), serving as a stark warning. The Apostle Paul also utilizes the term to describe circumstances or actions that "hinder" or "cut off" the progress of the gospel message ([[Romans 15:22]], [[1 Corinthians 9:12]]), emphasizing the paramount importance of an unhindered proclamation of Christ. Finally, in [[Galatians 5:12]], it expresses a strong desire for the removal of divisive elements that trouble the church. Collectively, ekkóptō illuminates themes of divine justice, human accountability, the critical importance of spiritual fruitfulness, and the necessity of removing obstacles to God's redemptive work.
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