ἀποκόπτω (apokoptō)
apokoptō
to cut off
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apokoptō means to cut off or amputate something physically. It appears in the New Testament with stark literal force, describing violent acts such as cutting off a limb (Mark 9:43) or severing an ear (John 18:10). In Acts 27:32, it describes soldiers cutting away a ship’s boat to prevent prisoners from escaping. The word conveys decisive, physical removal without metaphorical softening.
In Galatians 5:12, Paul uses the middle voice form to address a shocking proposal by his opponents. He wishes those who are troubling the churches would go even further and emasculate themselves. This usage highlights the extreme nature of the dispute, suggesting that their radical ideas about circumcision have crossed into self-mutilation rather than true spiritual freedom.
The word combines apo ("away") and kopē ("cutting"), emphasizing complete separation from what is removed. Its rarity in Scripture—appearing only six times—underscores the gravity of its occurrences. Each instance involves a decisive, irreversible action that alters the physical state of a person or object permanently.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apokoptō carries a sharp, physical weight in Scripture. It describes actions that are final and irreversible, whether soldiers cutting away a boat to save lives or Peter severing an ear in the garden. These moments show us that some decisions require immediate, decisive action to prevent greater harm or chaos.
Jesus uses this stark language in Mark 9 to describe the seriousness of sin. He does not suggest literal self-mutilation but rather urges believers to take radical measures against habits that lead them away from God. The point is not about physical loss but about spiritual preservation. We are called to remove anything that permanently damages our relationship with Him.
This word reminds us that true freedom often requires letting go of what holds us back. It invites us to examine our lives with honesty and courage, choosing life over destruction. May you find strength in the clarity of Scripture as you navigate your own journey of faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do cut off2×
- cut off2×
- will emasculate themselves1×
- cut away1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπόκοψον2×
- ἀπέκοψεν2×
- ἀπέκοψαν1×
- ἀποκόψονται1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 9:43
If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having your two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire,
Jesus uses this command to emphasize that removing sin is more valuable than keeping a limb, highlighting the extreme cost of discipleship.
-
John 18:10
Simon Peter therefore, having a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
Peter physically cuts off Malchus's ear, showing the word's literal use in a moment of violent conflict during Jesus' arrest.
-
Galatians 5:12
I wish that those who disturb you would cut themselves off.
Paul wishes his opponents would go further and emasculate themselves, using the middle voice to express his frustration with their radical circumcision teachings.