from κατά and κόπτω; to chop down, i.e. mangle:--cut.
Transliteration:katakóptō
Pronunciation:kat-ak-op'-to
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2629}}` κατακόπτω (katakóptō) is a compound word formed from the preposition `{{G2596}}` κατά (katá), which can denote downward motion, intensity, or completion, and the verb `{{G2875}}` κόπτω (kóptō), meaning "to strike," "to cut," or "to beat." The combination of these elements yields a robust semantic range centered on a forceful and often destructive cutting action.
Literally, κατακόπτω signifies "to cut down," "to chop thoroughly," or "to strike down with force." The intensifying prefix κατά elevates the action of κόπτω from a simple cut to one that is severe, decisive, or even mutilating. Thus, its extended meaning encompasses "to mangle," "to gash severely," or "to wound extensively." The core idea conveyed is one of violent, destructive cutting, often resulting in disfigurement or deep injury.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G2629}}` κατακόπτω appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence is profoundly impactful and illustrative of its intense meaning.
* **[[Mark 5:5]]**: "And always, night and day, among the tombs and in the mountains, he was crying out and cutting himself with stones." (καὶ διαπαντὸς νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ἐν τοῖς μνήμασιν καὶ ἐν τοῖς ὄρεσιν ἦν κράζων καὶ **κατακόπτων** ἑαυτὸν λίθοις.)
This verse describes the wretched condition of the Gerasene demoniac, a man afflicted by a legion of demons. The use of κατακόπτων to describe his self-harm is critical. It is not merely scratching or superficial wounding, but a severe, mangling action, implying deep gashes and mutilation inflicted upon himself with stones. This vivid depiction underscores the extreme torment and self-destructive nature of his demonic possession. The continuous action, indicated by the present participle, emphasizes the relentless and horrific suffering he endured. The context highlights the utter desperation and physical degradation brought about by the demonic influence, setting the stage for the dramatic and complete liberation wrought by Jesus Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{G2629}}` κατακόπτω is enhanced by examining its etymological roots and related terms within the Greek lexicon:
* **`{{G2875}}` κόπτω (kóptō)**: The base verb, meaning "to strike," "to cut," "to beat," or even "to lament" (by beating the breast). This root establishes the fundamental action of striking or cutting.
* **`{{G2596}}` κατά (katá)**: The intensive preposition, which in this compound amplifies the action of κόπτω, suggesting a forceful, downward, or complete cutting.
Other Greek words that share a semantic field of cutting, striking, or harming include:
* **`{{G5114}}` τέμνω (témnō)**: To cut (a more general term).
* **`{{G4977}}` σχίζω (schízō)**: To split, to tear.
* **`{{G5180}}` τύπτω (týptō)**: To strike, to beat.
* **`{{G3146}}` μαστιγόω (mastigóō)**: To scourge, to flog.
* **`{{G4141}}` πλήσσω (plēssō)**: To strike, to wound.
The concept of self-mutilation, as portrayed by κατακόπτω, also connects to Old Testament prohibitions against such practices, often associated with pagan mourning rites or idolatrous worship (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 14:1]], [[Leviticus 19:28]], and the priests of Baal in [[1 Kings 18:28]]). While the demoniac's actions stem from demonic oppression rather than ritual, they reflect a profound state of spiritual brokenness and alienation from God's created order.
### Theological Significance
The single, powerful use of `{{G2629}}` κατακόπτω in [[Mark 5:5]] carries significant theological weight:
1. **Depiction of Demonic Power and Human Suffering**: The word vividly portrays the destructive and self-harming nature of demonic oppression. It illustrates that evil forces do not merely cause mental anguish but can inflict profound physical torment and mutilation. This underscores the desperate and dehumanizing condition of humanity under the sway of evil. The man's actions, cutting himself with stones, are a horrifying manifestation of spiritual bondage.
2. **Highlighting the Need for Divine Intervention**: The severity of the self-mutilation, implied by κατακόπτω, serves as a stark backdrop against which Jesus's immediate and complete healing of the Gerasene demoniac shines even brighter. It emphasizes the absolute inability of human efforts or even chains to restrain such a powerful spiritual force, thus highlighting the essential and sovereign power of Christ.
3. **Christ's Authority and Compassion**: The word κατακόπτω underscores the profound brokenness that Jesus encounters and decisively overcomes. His authority over the "legion" of demons, leading to the man's complete restoration and sanity (cf. [[Mark 5:15]]), demonstrates His unparalleled power over all forces of evil. The transformation from a mangled, tormented individual to one who is clothed and in his right mind exemplifies Christ's capacity to bring wholeness, liberation, and dignity where there was fragmentation and destruction. It is a powerful testament to the Gospel's message of radical redemption.
### Summary
`{{G2629}}` κατακόπτω is a Greek verb meaning "to cut down," "to chop thoroughly," or "to mangle severely." Its sole appearance in the New Testament, in [[Mark 5:5]], powerfully describes the Gerasene demoniac's self-mutilation with stones, conveying the extreme torment and destructive nature of his demonic possession. This vivid depiction of suffering underscores the profound dehumanization caused by evil forces and serves to highlight the urgent need for divine intervention. The word's context in the narrative of the Gerasene demoniac ultimately magnifies the unparalleled authority and compassionate power of Jesus Christ, who brings complete healing and liberation from the most severe forms of spiritual bondage, transforming a mangled existence into one of wholeness and sanity.
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