← G608 G610 →

ἀποκόπτω

apokóptō

G609 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To cut off, sever, or amputate (something) from a whole. The verb primarily refers to the action of removing or excising by cutting, often with the implication of physical separation. In certain contexts, especially in figurative or ironic usage, it may refer specifically to mutilation, including the removal of bodily members. The primary meaning is to cut away or separate by cutting, but it may also acquire metaphorical extensions in some contexts.

Semantic Range

to cut off, amputate, sever, prune, mutilate (bodily), exclude (figuratively), remove by cutting

Root / Etymology

From the preposition ἀπό (from, away from) and the verb κόπτω (to strike, cut), forming a compound meaning to cut off or sever. Both elements are of Greek origin and common in classical and Koine vocabulary.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀποκόπτω is attested with the meaning to cut off or to prune, closely tied to physical actions such as the cutting of branches, limbs, or other objects from a whole. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, including the Septuagint and New Testament, it most often refers literally to the cutting off of a bodily part, sometimes with the connotation of amputation or mutilation (e.g., the hand, foot, or even the male genitalia—see the ironic use in Galatians 5:12). The verb also appears in contexts of excommunication or social exclusion by metaphorical extension (as in the 'cutting off' of a person from a community), though this is less common and more context dependent; alternative terms, such as ἐκκόπτω, are sometimes similarly used. In certain New Testament contexts, translators have rendered ἀποκόπτω with "cut off", but its full irony or severity (especially in connections to bodily mutilation) is not always reflected in traditional translations. Its association with κατατομή ('incision, mutilation') in Paul's writings is significant for understanding its rhetorical force.

Translation Consistency

primary "cut" 6 occurrences

“Cut” is the most natural, concise verb that captures the primary sense of ἀποκόπτω — to remove or separate by cutting. It easily covers physical actions (sever, amputate, prune, mutilate) and the common figurative uses (exclude, cut off). It also matches attested renderings (6× “cut”) and will provide consistent, natural English across all forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀπό and κόπτω; to amputate; reflexively (by irony) to mutilate (the privy parts):--cut off. Compare κατατομή.

Root Family

ἀποκόπτω (apokoptō) — to cut, to strike, to sever

Root κοπτ- to cut, to strike, to sever

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G609-02 ἀπέκοψεν apekopsen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG cut off he cut off he cut off 2
G609-03 ἀπόκοψον apokopson V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG cut it off Cut off cut off 2
G609-01 ἀπέκοψαν apekopsan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL cut off they cut off they cut off 1
G609-04 ἀποκόψονται apokopsontai V FUT MID IND 3P PL they would cut themselves off they will cut themselves off they would cut themselves off 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G609-03 Mark 9:43 ἀπόκοψον apokopson V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG cut it off Cut off cut off
G609-03 Mark 9:45 ἀπόκοψον apokopson V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG cut...off Cut off cut off
G609-02 John 18:10 ἀπέκοψεν apekopsen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG cut off he cut off he cut off
G609-02 John 18:26 ἀπέκοψεν apekopsen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG cut off he cut off he cut off
G609-01 Acts 27:32 ἀπέκοψαν apekopsan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL cut off they cut off they cut off
G609-04 Galatians 5:12 ἀποκόψονται apokopsontai V FUT MID IND 3P PL they would cut themselves off they will cut themselves off they would cut themselves off
← G608 Greek Lexicon G610 →