κατακόπτω

I beat, wound

Definition

The verb κατακόπτω means to strike or cut down violently, often with the sense of mangling or wounding severely. It carries the idea of beating or cutting something into pieces, implying a destructive and forceful action. In its single New Testament occurrence in Mark 5:5, it describes the self-harming behavior of the Gerasene demoniac, who was 'cutting himself with stones.' The prefix κατά intensifies the root verb, emphasizing a downward or thorough action, so the meaning extends beyond a simple strike to a brutal, repeated wounding.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Mark 5:5. It describes the actions of the man possessed by an unclean spirit in the region of the Gerasenes. The context is one of extreme torment and self-destruction, highlighting the severe physical manifestation of his spiritual bondage. The usage is vivid and specific, painting a graphic picture of the man's condition before his encounter with Jesus.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning 'down' or 'against,' combined with the verb κόπτω (koptō), meaning 'to strike,' 'to cut,' or 'to beat.' The compound form intensifies the action, conveying the sense of striking down or cutting thoroughly. Cognates include κόπτω itself and other compounds like ἀποκόπτω (apokoptō, 'to cut off'). The etymology clearly points to a violent, downward striking motion.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly illustrates the destructive power of demonic oppression and the depth of human suffering apart from Christ. In Mark 5:5, the self-wounding action underscores the total bondage and torment inflicted by the unclean spirit, setting the stage for Jesus' authoritative deliverance. Understanding this intense Greek term enriches the reading by highlighting the severity of the condition from which Jesus saves, emphasizing His power over even the most violent spiritual forces and His compassion in restoring the broken.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, severe self-harm or gashing the body was sometimes associated with certain pagan religious rites of mourning or prophecy (e.g., 1 Kings 18:28). In the context of Mark 5, the behavior would have been seen as a mark of extreme madness or demonic possession, making the man ritually unclean and a social outcast. This cultural understanding amplifies the shocking nature of his condition and the completeness of his restoration by Jesus.

κόπτω (koptō, G2875) — a more general term meaning to strike, cut, or beat, without the intensive 'downward' force. τύπτω (typtō, G5180) — to strike or smite, often used for beating or physical punishment, but not necessarily implying cutting or mangling.

Word Details

Scripture References