Greek · G2875 · unreviewed

κόπτω

To "chop"; specially, to beat the breast in grief

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κόπτω G2875
Pronunciation kóptō

What does κόπτω (kóptō) mean in the Bible?

κόπτω (kóptō) is a Greek word meaning "to "chop"; specially, to beat the breast in grief". κόπτω [in LXX for כָּרַת, סָפַד, נָכָה hi.

Full entry for κόπτω (G2875) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

to "chop"; specially, to beat the breast in grief
Extended definition

Beats breast in grief; physical gesture of mourning rather than mere lamentation or verbal expression

1to strike, smite.
2to cut off: with accusative of thing(s), before ἀπό, Mat.21:8; ἐκ, Mrk.11:8. Mid., to beat one's breast with grief, to mourn, bewail: Mat.11:17 24:30; with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:52 23:27; before ἐπί, with accusative, Rev.1:7 18:9 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀπο-, ἐκ-, ἐν-, κατα-, προ-, προσ-κόπτω).
Synonymsθρηνέω, q.v
Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith
Grammatical Forms

How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.

Tenses
Future Imperfect Aorist
Voices
Middle Active
Indicative states a fact or reality
Future Middle Matt 24:30 · Rev 1:7 · Rev 18:9
Imperfect Middle Luke 8:52 · Luke 23:27
Aorist Middle Matt 11:17
Imperfect Active Matt 21:8
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality
Aorist Active Mark 11:8
Discourse Aspect

How this verb appears across 5 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).

Aspect
completed 1 prospective 2 background 1 participle 1
Tense
aorist 2 future 2 imperfect 1
Voice
middle 3 active 2
Mood
indicative 4 participle 1

Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.

Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)

Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources