ἐγκόπτω
I interrupt, hinder
Definition
The verb ἐγκόπτω means to hinder, impede, or cut off a path or progress. It carries the literal sense of breaking up a road to make passage difficult, which is applied figuratively to describe obstructing plans, journeys, or spiritual work. In Acts 24:4, it describes not hindering someone with a lengthy speech. In Romans 15:22, Paul uses it to explain how he has been 'hindered' from visiting Rome. In 1 Thessalonians 2:18, it conveys a stronger, more active sense of being thwarted or prevented, as Paul says Satan 'hindered' him.
Biblical Usage
ἐγκόπτω is used three times in the New Testament, always in contexts describing the obstruction of personal plans or ministry. In Acts 24:4, it appears in a secular, polite request ("not to detain you"). In Romans 15:22 and 1 Thessalonians 2:18, Paul uses it for spiritual or ministerial hindrances. The usage in 1 Thessalonians is particularly intense, attributing the active hindrance to Satan's opposition.
Etymology
Derived from ἐν (en, 'in') and κόπτω (koptō, 'to cut, strike'). It literally means 'to cut into' or 'to break up,' originally referring to making a road impassable by cutting trenches or placing obstacles. This vivid physical image was then applied metaphorically to any kind of hindrance or impediment.
Semantic Range
This word highlights the reality of spiritual opposition in Christian life and mission. Paul's use in 1 Thessalonians 2:18 explicitly identifies Satan as a source of hindrance, reminding believers that obstacles to gospel work are not merely logistical but can be spiritual warfare. Understanding this term enriches reading by revealing that delays or obstacles in God's work are often portrayed as active, intentional blockades, not just passive circumstances.
In a world dependent on foot travel and rudimentary roads, the image of 'cutting up a road' to hinder an army or messenger was a powerful and concrete metaphor for obstruction. This cultural reality makes Paul's usage immediately understandable to his original audience—hindrance was not a minor inconvenience but a serious, deliberate act that stopped progress completely.
κωλύω (kōlyō, G2967) — a more general term for 'to forbid, prevent, hinder,' often used in legal or authoritative contexts. διεκωλύθην (diekōlythēn, G1254) — a compound form meaning 'to hinder thoroughly' or 'to be utterly prevented.'
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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