κοπρία

manure

Definition

κοπρία refers to manure or a dung heap, specifically the collected waste used for fertilizing fields. In the New Testament, it consistently carries this agricultural sense. In Luke 13:8, the gardener pleads to let a barren fig tree stand for one more year while he digs around it and puts on manure (κοπρία), illustrating a final effort at cultivation. In Luke 14:35, Jesus uses it metaphorically, stating that salt that has lost its taste is fit neither for the land nor for the manure pile (κοπρία); it is thrown out. Both uses emphasize something being repurposed for potential productivity or being deemed utterly worthless.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both in the Gospel of Luke. In Luke 13:8, it is used in a literal, agricultural parable about giving a fig tree a final chance to bear fruit. In Luke 14:35, it is used in a metaphorical saying of Jesus about discipleship, where worthless salt is not even fit for the manure pile, highlighting complete uselessness. The pattern shows a movement from a concrete agricultural image to a powerful spiritual analogy.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word κόπρος (kopros, G2873), meaning 'dung' or 'excrement.' Κοπρία is a noun form indicating a place or collection of this material—hence a 'dung heap' or 'manure pile.' Its root meaning is straightforward and directly related to waste and fertilization.

Semantic Range

While a mundane agricultural term, κοπρία gains theological significance through Jesus' teachings. In Luke 13:8, the manure represents grace and patient cultivation, symbolizing God's merciful intervention to foster fruitfulness in a person's life. In Luke 14:35, the manure pile represents the lowest possible utility for a discarded thing; to be unfit even for this is to be utterly worthless for the kingdom. Thus, the word underscores themes of redemption (transforming barrenness) and the severe consequences of spiritual ineffectiveness.

In an agrarian society, a manure pile was a common, necessary feature for fertilizing crops. It was not merely seen as foul waste but as a valuable resource for improving soil and productivity. Understanding this transforms the metaphor in Luke 14:35: Jesus isn't just describing disposal but stating that the salt has lost value for even this basic, repurposing function, emphasizing total worthlessness in the agrarian economy of his day.

κόπρος (kopros, G2873) — the simpler term for 'dung' itself, whereas κοπρία specifies the collected pile or manure used for fertilizing.

Word Details

Scripture References