### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κοπή (kopḗ, `{{G2871}}`) is derived from the verb κόπτω (koptō, `{{G2875}}`), which fundamentally means "to cut," "to strike," or "to beat." From this root, κοπή specifically denotes the *act* or *result* of cutting, particularly in a violent and destructive manner. Its base definition encompasses "cutting, i.e., carnage" and "slaughter." This semantic range points to a severe, often indiscriminate, felling or cutting down, leading to mass death or widespread destruction. It is distinct from more general terms for killing in its emphasis on the forceful, often repeated, action of cutting or striking that results in a large-scale demise. The word inherently carries a sense of brutality and devastation, focusing on the violent act that brings about the end of many lives.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While κοπή (kopḗ, `{{G2871}}`) with the specific meaning of "slaughter" or "carnage" does not appear in the Greek New Testament, its usage is prominent in the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Old Testament. In the LXX, κοπή frequently translates various Hebrew terms (e.g., חֶרֶב, *ḥereḇ*, "sword"; מַכָּה, *makkāh*, "blow, defeat") that describe military defeats, massacres, or widespread destruction.
For example, in [[1 Samuel 4:17]] (LXX), it is used to describe the "great slaughter" (κοπὴ μεγάλη) that befell Israel at the hands of the Philistines. Similarly, [[Isaiah 10:25]] (LXX) speaks of the Lord's indignation ceasing and His wrath turning to their "destruction" or "slaughter" (κοπή). These contexts consistently depict κοπή as a term for the devastating outcome of battle, divine judgment, or human violence, resulting in significant loss of life. It emphasizes the totality and severity of the destruction, often implying a decisive and overwhelming defeat. The word is thus deeply embedded in the Old Testament narratives of warfare, judgment, and the consequences of rebellion against God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic root of κοπή (kopḗ, `{{G2871}}`) is κόπτω (koptō, `{{G2875}}`), the verb "to cut, strike, beat." This connection highlights that κοπή is the substantive outcome or action derived from κόπτω. Other related Greek words that involve "cutting" but carry different nuances include:
* ἀποκοπή (apokopē, `{{G609}}`): "a cutting off, mutilation." This term is used in the New Testament (e.g., [[Galatians 5:12]]) often in the context of circumcision or spiritual separation, implying a more specific or metaphorical "cutting off" rather than general carnage.
* ἐκκόπτω (ekkopto, `{{G1602}}`): "to cut out, cut off, cut down." This verb is frequently used for cutting down trees or branches, and metaphorically for removing or destroying something (e.g., [[Matthew 3:10]]).
In terms of concepts related to widespread death or violence, κοπή stands alongside:
* φόνος (phonos, `{{G5408}}`): "murder, slaughter," often implying individual or smaller-scale killing, though it can also refer to a massacre.
* σφαγή (sphagē, `{{G4967}}`): "slaughter, sacrifice," often specifically referring to the act of slitting a throat, particularly in the context of animal sacrifice or violent death. While σφαγή can denote carnage, κοπή emphasizes the *act of cutting* leading to the extensive loss, whereas σφαγή focuses on the *act of slitting* or the sacrificial aspect.
* θάνατος (thanatos, `{{G2288}}`): "death" in its most general sense.
The concept of κοπή is intrinsically linked to biblical themes of divine judgment, warfare, vengeance, and the severe consequences of human sin and disobedience.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κοπή (kopḗ, `{{G2871}}`), primarily understood through its robust usage in the Septuagint, lies in its vivid portrayal of the devastating consequences of God's righteous judgment and the realities of human conflict. It serves as a stark reminder of:
* **Divine Justice and Wrath:** In the Old Testament, κοπή often describes the outcome of God's wrath against rebellious nations or disobedient Israel. It underscores God's sovereignty over history and His capacity to bring about widespread destruction as a form of righteous retribution for sin and idolatry.
* **The Gravity of Sin:** The prevalence of "slaughter" in the biblical narrative, whether divinely ordained or human-initiated, highlights the profound and destructive nature of sin. It demonstrates that sin not only separates humanity from God but also leads to tangible, often horrific, consequences in the physical world.
* **The Reality of Warfare:** κοπή reflects the brutal reality of ancient warfare, where battles often resulted in immense casualties and the utter defeat of one party. This serves as a backdrop for understanding the frequent biblical metaphors of spiritual warfare, where the stakes are equally high.
* **Contrast with New Covenant:** The absence of κοπή in the New Testament with this meaning, especially compared to its frequent use in the LXX, subtly underscores a shift in the primary mode of God's interaction with humanity under the New Covenant. While divine judgment remains a future reality, the immediate focus is on spiritual redemption and transformation through Christ's sacrifice, rather than widespread physical "slaughter" as a direct form of judgment. Nevertheless, the Old Testament understanding of κοπή provides a crucial historical and theological context for appreciating the depth of salvation offered in Christ, who delivers from ultimate spiritual death.
### Summary
κοπή (kopḗ, `{{G2871}}`) signifies "cutting, carnage, or slaughter," deriving from the verb κόπτω (koptō, `{{G2875}}`) meaning "to cut or strike." While not found in the Greek New Testament with this specific meaning, its biblical significance is profoundly established in the Septuagint. There, κοπή consistently denotes the extensive and violent loss of life, typically in the context of military defeat, massacres, or divine judgment. It portrays the severe consequences of sin and rebellion, emphasizing God's righteous wrath and the devastating realities of human conflict. The word serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of sin and the ultimate sovereignty of God, providing a crucial Old Testament backdrop for understanding the New Testament's message of salvation and spiritual warfare.
TRV