### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κοπετός (kopetós, `{{G2870}}`) is derived from the verb κόπτω (koptō, `{{G2875}}`), which means "to cut," "to strike," or "to beat." Consequently, κοπετός signifies a deep and often demonstrative form of mourning. The base definition "mourning (properly, by beating the breast)" highlights the physical, outward manifestation of intense grief. It is not merely an internal sorrow but an observable, often audible, expression of profound distress, frequently involving a violent, self-afflicting action. The English term "lamentation" captures the audible and expressive nature, while the etymology emphasizes the physical dimension of this deep sorrow.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κοπετός (kopetós) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 8:2]]. This verse states, "And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him." The context is the immediate aftermath of Stephen's martyrdom, the first recorded Christian martyr. The phrase "great lamentation" (κοπετός πολύς) underscores the profound grief and public mourning of the believers. It signifies the immense sorrow felt by the nascent Christian community over Stephen's unjust death and the significant loss it represented. The use of κοπετός here emphasizes the intensity and public nature of their grief, likely involving loud wailing and perhaps the ritualistic beating of the breast, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern mourning customs. This scene highlights the human cost of persecution and the genuine affection and respect held for Stephen by his fellow believers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verbal root κόπτω (koptō, `{{G2875}}`) is crucial for understanding κοπετός. This verb is used elsewhere in the New Testament to describe beating one's breast in grief or repentance (e.g., [[Luke 23:48]] where crowds beat their breasts after witnessing Jesus' crucifixion, or [[Luke 18:13]] where the tax collector beats his breast in penitence). This physical act universally signifies deep anguish, self-reproach, or profound sorrow.
Other Greek terms related to mourning and grief include:
* θρῆνος (thrēnos, `{{G2355}}`): A lament, a dirge, often a more formalized funeral song.
* ὀδύνη (odynē, `{{G3602}}`): Internal pain, grief, or distress.
* στεναγμός (stenagmos, `{{G4621}}`): A groaning or sigh, often from deep, inexpressible sorrow.
* κλαυθμός (klauthmos, `{{G2929}}`): Weeping or crying, typically with audible sounds.
* πένθος (penthos, `{{G3997}}`): General mourning, sorrow, or grief, often referring to a period of mourning.
Unlike some of these terms, κοπετός specifically emphasizes the *physical manifestation* of grief, drawing on the cultural practice of beating the breast.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of κοπετός in [[Acts 8:2]] carries significant theological weight.
1. **Affirmation of Legitimate Grief:** The "great lamentation" over Stephen's death affirms the natural and legitimate human experience of grief, even within a community of faith. Despite their hope in resurrection, the early believers were not immune to profound sorrow at the loss of a beloved brother. This demonstrates that faith does not negate the reality of pain and loss but provides a framework for processing it.
2. **Witness to Suffering:** The public and intense mourning for Stephen serves as a powerful witness to the suffering endured by the early Church for the sake of the Gospel. It underscores the real cost of discipleship and the harsh reality of persecution faced by those who proclaimed Christ.
3. **Community and Solidarity:** The collective lamentation highlights the strong bonds of community and solidarity among the early Christians. Their shared sorrow reflected their mutual love, support, and profound sense of loss for one of their own, demonstrating the deep fellowship that characterized the nascent church.
4. **Tension with Hope:** While κοπετός signifies deep sorrow, it exists within the broader New Testament context of Christian hope. Even amidst such profound mourning, believers possessed a hope in Christ's resurrection, which tempered despair, though it did not negate the immediate pain of loss. This tension reflects the "already-but-not-yet" aspect of Christian eschatology, where present suffering is real, but ultimate victory is assured.
### Summary
The Greek term κοπετός (kopetós, `{{G2870}}`) denotes a profound and often public expression of mourning, specifically characterized by the physical act of beating the breast. Derived from κόπτω (koptō, `{{G2875}}`), "to strike" or "to beat," it conveys a violent, self-afflicting manifestation of intense grief. Its sole occurrence in the New Testament, in [[Acts 8:2]], describes the "great lamentation" made by devout men over the burial of Stephen, the first martyr. This usage underscores the deep sorrow and public nature of their grief, reflecting both the human reality of loss and the profound impact of persecution on the early Christian community. While signifying intense sorrow, κοπετός exists within the broader biblical narrative that acknowledges human suffering while pointing to the ultimate hope found in Christ. It serves as a testament to the genuine bonds of fellowship and the cost of discipleship in the nascent church.
TRV