comparative of a compound of εὖ and κόπος; better for toil, i.e. more facile:--easier.
Transliteration:eukopṓteros
Pronunciation:yoo-kop-o'-ter-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word εὐκοπώτερος (eukopṓteros, `{{G2123}}`) is a comparative adjective derived from εὖ (eu, `{{G2095}}`), meaning "well" or "good," and κόπος (kopos, `{{G2873}}`), meaning "toil," "labor," or "trouble." The suffix -τερος denotes a comparative degree. Thus, the literal etymological meaning is "more well-toiling" or "more easily-toiled." In common usage, it translates to "easier," "more facile," or "less difficult." Its inherent comparative nature means it always implies a contrast with something that is *more* difficult or requires *more* toil. The word does not suggest inherent simplicity, but rather a relative reduction in the effort or struggle required for a particular action or outcome, often in a hyperbolic or ironic sense within its biblical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὐκοπώτερος occurs exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically within the context of Jesus' teaching on wealth and entry into the Kingdom of God, immediately following the encounter with the rich young ruler.
* **Matthew 19:24**: "Again I tell you, it is εὐκοπώτερος (easier) for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."
* **Mark 10:25**: "It is εὐκοπώτερος (easier) for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."
* **Luke 18:25**: "For it is εὐκοπώτερος (easier) for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."
In all three instances, εὐκοπώτερος is employed in a hyperbolic statement designed to underscore the extreme difficulty, if not human impossibility, of a rich person entering the Kingdom of God. The image of a camel passing through the eye of a needle is a powerful oriental idiom for an utterly impossible feat. The "easier" here is deeply ironic; it does not suggest that such an act is genuinely simple, but rather that the alternative (a rich person entering the Kingdom through their own means) is even *more* impossible. The disciples' astonished reaction ("Who then can be saved?") confirms their understanding of the statement's implication of impossibility. Jesus' subsequent clarification, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible," reveals that the "ease" or "difficulty" is ultimately relative to human capability versus divine omnipotence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of εὐκοπώτερος intersects with several key concepts and terms:
* **εὖ (eu, `{{G2095}}`):** The root for "well" or "good," highlighting the positive aspect of "ease" or "facility."
* **κόπος (kopos, `{{G2873}}`):** The root for "toil," "labor," or "trouble," representing the difficulty that εὐκοπώτερος contrasts with.
* **δύσκολος (dyskolos, `{{G1422}}`):** The antonym, meaning "difficult" or "hard," which is implicitly the state from which εὐκοπώτερος offers a comparative relief.
* **ἀδύνατος (adynatos, `{{G102}}`):** "Impossible," a word used by Jesus in response to the disciples' question, directly addressing the perceived impossibility conveyed by the "easier" statement.
* **πλούσιος (plousios, `{{G4145}}`):** "Rich," the specific category of individuals whose entry into the Kingdom is described as extraordinarily difficult.
* **βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ (basileia tou Theou):** "Kingdom of God," the ultimate spiritual goal, access to which is the subject of the profound difficulty.
* **Salvation (σωτηρία, sōtēria, `{{G4991}}`):** The broader concept of being saved, which the disciples immediately connect to Jesus' statement about the rich.
### Theological Significance
The use of εὐκοπώτερος in the Synoptics carries profound theological weight:
1. **The Paradox of Human Impossibility:** By stating that it is "easier" for a camel to pass through a needle's eye, Jesus uses hyperbole to underscore the absolute human impossibility of salvation, particularly for those who place their trust in worldly possessions. Wealth, far from being an advantage, often fosters self-reliance and hinders a humble dependence on God, making the spiritual journey more arduous.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Grace:** The immediate follow-up to the "easier" statement—"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" [[Matthew 19:26]]—is crucial. εὐκοπώτερος serves to highlight the chasm between human capability and divine power. Salvation is not a matter of human effort, wealth, or merit, but solely a work of God's sovereign grace. What is utterly impossible for humanity becomes possible through divine intervention.
3. **Critique of Materialism:** The teaching implicitly critiques the spiritual dangers of wealth. Riches can breed a false sense of security, making individuals less likely to recognize their spiritual poverty and need for God. The "easier" statement thus functions as a stark warning against the entanglement of the heart with earthly treasures, which can impede one's pursuit of eternal life.
4. **Call to Radical Discipleship:** The difficulty implied by εὐκοπώτερος reinforces the radical nature of discipleship, which demands detachment from worldly attachments and complete reliance on God. It calls all, rich or poor, to recognize their utter dependence on divine mercy for salvation.
### Summary
εὐκοπώτερος (eukopṓteros, `{{G2123}}`) means "easier" or "more facile," deriving from "well" and "toil," and always implying a comparative reduction in difficulty. Its sole occurrences in the New Testament are in the Synoptic Gospels, where Jesus uses it in the hyperbolic statement that it is "easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." This seemingly counterintuitive use emphasizes the profound human impossibility of salvation, particularly for those hindered by reliance on wealth. The theological significance of εὐκοπώτερος thus lies in its role of highlighting the absolute necessity of divine grace for salvation, contrasting human inability with God's omnipotence, and serving as a powerful warning against the spiritual perils of materialism. It ultimately points to salvation as a gift of God, entirely independent of human merit or worldly advantage.
TRV