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ἐγκοπή

enkopḗ

G1464 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A physical or figurative obstruction, interruption, or impediment; something that stands in the way of progress, activity, or continuity. The term refers primarily to an act or state of being cut off or interrupted, extending to any condition that creates a hindrance or break in continuity in speech, action, relationships, or processes.

Semantic Range

an obstacle, a hindrance (in abstract or concrete sense), an interruption, a break or gap (literal or figurative), something that impedes progress or activity

Root / Etymology

From the verb ἐγκόπτω (to cut into, interrupt, hinder), itself from ἐν (in) + κόπτω (to cut). The noun is a derivative formed with the suffix -ή, denoting the result or effect of an action.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Koine Greek, ἐγκοπή occurs rarely, notably in the Pauline Epistles (e.g., Galatians 5:7) where it connotes an interruption of progress or an obstacle to advancement, especially in personal or community development. The literal sense of a cut or incision recedes in favor of the more figurative meaning: anything causing an impediment. In classical sources, cognate forms relate more directly to physical cuts or notches, whereas in the New Testament and later Jewish-Greek and Christian texts, the emphasis is on a figurative break or hindrance (social, moral, or practical). Standard English translations usually render it as "hindrance" or "obstacle," but these may understate the nuance of an interruption or abrupt break in movement or progress. It is less common than related terms such as σκάνδαλον (stumbling block), which carries more of a sense of causing offense. The usage of ἐγκοπή is neutral with respect to intentionality—it notes the effect rather than the agent or the moral frame of the hindrance.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐγκόπτω; a hindrance:--X hinder.

Root Family

ἐγκοπή (enkopē) — obstruction, interruption, hindrance, impediment

Root κοπ- to cut, to interrupt, to hinder

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1464-01 ἐνκοπὴν enkopen N ACC F SG hindrance an interruption hindrance 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1464-01 1 Corinthians 9:12 ἐνκοπὴν enkopen N ACC F SG hindrance an interruption hindrance
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