ἐγκόπτω (egkoptō)
egkoptō
to impede
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb egkoptō describes a physical act of cutting into or obstructing a path, which carries over into its spiritual usage to mean hindering or impeding progress. It appears five times in the New Testament, primarily in Paul’s letters and 1 Peter, where it often refers to obstacles that stop someone from advancing in their mission or faith.
Its literal sense involves breaking up a road or cutting off a way, suggesting a tangible blockage rather than mere disagreement. For instance, Paul mentions being hindered from visiting the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:18), and Peter notes that husbands may be hindered in prayer if they do not treat their wives with respect (1 Peter 3:7). In Galatians 5:7, it describes how false teachings interrupt the forward movement of believers.
This word highlights the reality that spiritual progress can face real interruptions. Whether from external opposition or internal relational issues, egkoptō reminds readers that obstacles are part of the Christian journey. Paul’s own experience of being hindered shows that even apostles faced barriers, yet these did not stop God’s work from continuing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word egkoptō paints a vivid picture of someone stepping into the path ahead and placing an obstacle there. It is not merely a suggestion to slow down; it is a physical blocking of progress. In the New Testament, this term appears when believers face real interruptions in their spiritual journey or ministry. Whether it is external opposition or internal relational friction, these moments can feel like dead ends.
Yet, encountering such hindrances does not mean God has abandoned His work. Paul experienced being blocked by Satan himself, yet he continued to serve. Peter warns husbands that unresolved conflict can obstruct their prayers, highlighting how our relationships directly impact our spiritual vitality. These passages remind us that obstacles are part of the Christian experience, but they are not final stops.
When you feel stuck or blocked in your faith, remember that even the apostles faced significant barriers. The presence of an obstacle does not indicate a lack of God’s favor. Instead, it invites us to examine our relationships and trust in God’s sovereignty over the path ahead. His grace is sufficient for every interruption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- impeded1×
- hindered1×
- [cause to] be impeded1×
- I was being hindered1×
- I may be a hindrance,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐνέκοψεν2×
- ἐνεκοπτόμην1×
- ἐγκόπτω,1×
- ἐγκόπτεσθαι1×
Key Verses
-
I Thessalonians 2:18
because we wanted to come to you—indeed, I, Paul, once and again—but Satan hindered us.
This verse identifies Satan as the active force behind Paul's inability to visit the church, showing that spiritual opposition can physically block ministry efforts.
-
Galatians 5:7
You were running well! Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth?
Here the word describes how false teaching disrupted the believers' obedience to the truth, illustrating how doctrinal errors can stall spiritual growth.
-
I Peter 3:7
You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman as to the weaker vessel, as also being joint heirs of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
Peter links disrespectful treatment of wives directly to hindered prayers, indicating that relational sin creates a tangible barrier between the believer and God.