### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κόπος (kópos - `{{G2873}}`) originates from the verb κόπτω (koptō), which means "to cut," "to strike," or "to beat." This etymological root suggests an initial sense of impact, strenuous exertion, or even a blow that diminishes strength. From this foundational meaning, κόπος develops a rich semantic range in the New Testament:
* **Toil/Labor:** Its primary usage refers to intense, strenuous "toil," "labor," or "hard work." This is not merely activity, but effort that demands significant energy and often leads to exhaustion. It implies a sense of struggle or difficulty inherent in the task.
* **Weariness/Exhaustion:** As a direct consequence of intense labor, κόπος can denote the resulting "weariness" or "fatigue." The base definition "as reducing the strength" highlights this aspect, emphasizing the depleting effect of the effort.
* **Trouble/Pains:** By extension and implication, κόπος can also signify the "trouble," "bother," or "pains" experienced by the one exerting the effort, or even the inconvenience caused to others. This moves beyond the effort itself to its burdensome or distressing outcome.
The word can be applied both literally to physical exertion and figuratively to mental, emotional, or spiritual strenuousness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κόπος appears approximately 20 times in the New Testament, most notably in the Pauline epistles, where it frequently describes the demanding nature of apostolic ministry and Christian service.
* **Strenuous Labor in Ministry:** Paul often uses κόπος to characterize his own tireless efforts in spreading the gospel and building up the churches. In [[1 Corinthians 15:10]], he declares, "by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I toiled (κόπος) more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me." This verse powerfully links human exertion with divine empowerment. Similarly, in [[2 Corinthians 6:5]], Paul lists κόπος among the hardships endured by apostles, alongside afflictions and imprisonments, emphasizing the physical and mental strain of ministry. In [[1 Thessalonians 2:9]], he reminds the Thessalonians of his and his companions' "toil (κόπος) and labor night and day" to avoid burdening them, illustrating self-sacrificial vocational work alongside spiritual labor. The church in Ephesus is commended in [[Revelation 2:2]] for its "toil" (κόπος) and perseverance, indicating diligent effort in upholding truth against challenges.
* **Causing Trouble or Inconvenience:** In some contexts, κόπος refers to the act of causing trouble or inconvenience to others. When a woman anoints Jesus, he asks, "Why do you trouble (κόπος) the woman?" in [[Matthew 26:10]] (cf. [[Mark 14:6]]), indicating that her action, though unconventional, should not be a source of bother or criticism. In [[Luke 11:7]], the neighbor's refusal to help is expressed with "Do not trouble (κόπος) me," highlighting the desire to avoid inconvenience. In [[Galatians 6:17]], Paul declares, "From now on let no one trouble (κόπος) me," likely referring to the ongoing harassment or pressure from Judaizers, which caused him distress and demanded effort to counter.
* **Labor of Love:** The phrase "labor of love" (κόπος τῆς ἀγάπης) appears in [[1 Thessalonians 1:3]] and [[Hebrews 6:10]]. This expression dignifies the strenuous effort undertaken out of genuine affection and care, signifying that the difficulty of the task is overcome by the motivation of love.
### Related Words & Concepts
κόπος exists within a semantic field of words related to work, effort, and struggle:
* **ἔργον (ergon - `{{G2041}}`):** While ἔργον denotes "work" or "deed" as an activity or its result, κόπος specifically highlights the *strenuousness*, *difficulty*, and *effort* involved in that work. One can perform ἔργον without necessarily experiencing κόπος.
* **μοχθέω (mochtheō - `{{G3421}}`):** This verb, meaning "to toil and labor with difficulty," is very closely related to κόπος and often appears alongside it (e.g., [[2 Thessalonians 3:8]], "toiled and labored"). μοχθέω emphasizes the painful, arduous, and burdensome nature of the labor.
* **πονέω (poneō - `{{G4192}}`):** Meaning "to toil, labor, work hard," πονέω is another verb that overlaps significantly with the sense of strenuous effort conveyed by κόπος.
* **ἀγών (agōn - `{{G73}}`):** "Struggle, contest, fight." While κόπος describes the toil itself, ἀγών often describes the intense spiritual or physical conflict that necessitates such toil. Ministry is frequently presented as an ἀγών that requires κόπος.
* **ὑπομονή (hypomonē - `{{G5281}}`):** "Endurance, perseverance." The strenuous nature of κόπος often demands ὑπομονή, as faithful labor in God's service requires patient endurance through difficulties and weariness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κόπος is multifaceted and profound:
* **Dignity of Self-Sacrificial Labor:** In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's writings, κόπος elevates strenuous labor beyond a mere consequence of the fall to a virtuous and necessary aspect of Christian life and ministry. It is presented as a means by which God's redemptive purposes are advanced. The willingness to expend oneself fully, often to the point of exhaustion, for the sake of the gospel and the edification of believers, exemplifies true devotion.
* **Divine Empowerment in Weakness:** A significant paradox emerges in the use of κόπος: while it speaks of human effort and strength being depleted, Paul consistently links his arduous labor to God's empowering grace (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 15:10]]). This suggests that true κόπος in God's service is not merely human exertion, but Spirit-energized effort, where divine strength is made perfect in human weakness.
* **Evidence of Authentic Faith and Love:** The "labor of love" (κόπος τῆς ἀγάπης) in [[1 Thessalonians 1:3]] and [[Hebrews 6:10]] underscores that genuine faith and love are not passive sentiments but are demonstrated through active, often difficult, service. This κόπος serves as tangible evidence of a living and active faith.
* **Basis for Divine Recognition and Reward:** The concept of κόπος is often connected to the promise of divine recognition and reward. The commendation to the Ephesian church for their κόπος in [[Revelation 2:2]] implies God's attentive awareness and approval of their diligent efforts. This truth encourages believers to persevere in demanding service, knowing that their toil for the Lord "is not in vain" ([[1 Corinthians 15:58]]).
* **Burden to be Relieved:** In contexts where κόπος refers to "trouble" or "bother," it highlights a human desire for relief from burdens. Jesus' question in [[Matthew 26:10]] subtly contrasts human judgment with divine acceptance, showing that not all "trouble" is negative in God's eyes when it serves a higher purpose.
### Summary
The Greek word κόπος (kópos - `{{G2873}}`), stemming from κόπτω ("to cut" or "to strike"), primarily signifies strenuous "toil" or "labor," often implying a reduction of strength and leading to "weariness." By extension, it can also denote "trouble" or "pains." In the New Testament, κόπος frequently describes the demanding, self-sacrificial efforts of apostles and believers in ministry and witness, such as Paul's extensive "labor" in spreading the gospel ([[1 Corinthians 15:10]]). Theologically, κόπος underscores the dignity of divinely empowered labor, the necessity of perseverance in service, and the promise of divine recognition for faithful, often arduous, Christian commitment. It emphasizes the *effort* and *strain* involved in work, distinguishing it from mere activity, and is often linked with concepts of endurance (ὑπομονή - `{{G5281}}`) and arduous struggle (μοχθέω - `{{G3421}}`).
TRV