ἐγκοπή (egkopē)
egkopē
hindrance
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun egkopē refers to a physical cut or incision, specifically one made in a road to create a barrier or obstacle. In ancient military contexts, this described digging trenches or cutting through terrain to impede an enemy’s pursuit. The word captures the idea of a deliberate interruption designed to slow down or stop movement.
In the New Testament, Paul uses this term metaphorically in 1 Corinthians 9:12 to describe financial support for ministers. He notes that while he has the right to receive material support, he chooses not to use it so as not to place an egkopē—a hindrance or stumbling block—in the way of the gospel message. The image suggests that accepting payment might create a perceived obligation or distraction that could obstruct the free spread of the good news.
This usage highlights how Paul prioritized the unimpeded progress of the gospel over his personal rights. By removing any potential obstacle, he ensured that the message remained accessible and untainted by commercial motives. The word thus carries significant weight in discussions about ministry ethics and the removal of barriers to faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word egkopē originally described a physical cut in the earth, like a trench or ditch dug to block an enemy’s path. In ancient warfare, this was a deliberate obstacle meant to slow down pursuit. When the Apostle Paul used this term in 1 Corinthians, he shifted the image from a military barrier to a spiritual consideration regarding ministry and support.
Paul explains that while he had every right to receive financial support for his work, he chose not to exercise it. He did this so that no one would view his preaching as motivated by profit. By removing any potential hindrance, he ensured the message of Christ remained pure and freely available. This choice highlights a deep commitment to letting the gospel stand on its own merit, without any perceived strings attached.
For your faith life, this word invites you to consider what might be slowing down the spread of truth in your own context. It encourages a posture of self-sacrifice where personal rights are set aside for the sake of others. May you find freedom in prioritizing clarity and love over convenience, allowing the message of grace to flow without obstruction.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- hindrance1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐγκοπὴν1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 9:12
If others partake of this right over you, don’t we yet more? Nevertheless we didn’t use this right, but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the Good News of Christ.
Paul uses this specific term to explain his decision to forgo financial rights so that no one would perceive his preaching as commercially motivated.