ἐκκόπτω (ekkoptō)
ekkoptō
to prevent
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekkoptō carries a vivid physical image: to cut away, prune, or sever completely. In the Gospels, Jesus uses it literally when describing the removal of a hand or foot that causes sin (Matthew 5:30; 18:8), and metaphorically for pruning unfruitful trees (Matthew 3:10; Luke 13:9). This agricultural imagery underscores the seriousness of removing obstacles to spiritual life.
Paul employs the word in a distinct way in Romans 11, speaking of branches being cut off from the olive tree due to unbelief (Romans 11:22). Here, it signifies exclusion or separation. The term also appears in 2 Corinthians 11:12, where Paul speaks of cutting off occasion for those who want an occasion, showing its use in preventing false grounds for accusation.
Its root combines ek ("out") and koptō ("to cut"), emphasizing the finality of the action. Translators often render it as "cut off" or "pruned," depending on context. The word consistently points to decisive removal, whether physical branches or spiritual hindrances.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekkoptō paints a stark picture of decisive removal. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this vivid imagery to warn against allowing sin to take root in our lives. He speaks of cutting off a hand or foot if it causes stumbling, emphasizing that spiritual health requires us to remove whatever leads us away from God. This is not about self-harm, but about the serious commitment needed to prioritize eternal life over temporary comforts.
Paul expands this metaphor in Romans 11, describing how branches are cut from an olive tree due to unbelief. The image reminds us that our connection to God’s goodness requires faithfulness. If we drift into unbelief, that vital link is severed. Yet, the same passage offers hope: those who remain in God’s kindness are preserved. The call is clear—stay connected, stay faithful, and let go of anything that hinders your walk with Him.
This word challenges us to examine our lives honestly. What habits or relationships keep us from bearing good fruit? Ekkoptō urges us to take decisive action, not out of fear, but out of love for the life God offers. By removing what harms us, we make room for the spiritual growth He desires.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- is cut down3×
- do cut off2×
- you will cut down1×
- will be cut off.1×
- were cut off1×
- do cut down1×
- I may cut off1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔκκοψον3×
- ἐκκόπτεται3×
- ἐξεκόπης1×
- ἐκκόψω1×
- ἐκκόψεις1×
- ἐκκοπήσῃ.1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 5:30
If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna.
Jesus uses this word to illustrate the extreme measures needed to avoid sin, prioritizing eternal life over physical wholeness.
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Romans 11:22
See then the goodness and severity of God. Toward those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness; otherwise you also will be cut off.
Paul applies the term to show that continued faithfulness is required to remain connected to God's goodness.
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Luke 13:7
He said to the vine dresser, ‘Behold, these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and found none. Cut it down! Why does it waste the soil?’
The owner commands the vine dresser to cut down a barren fig tree, highlighting the consequence of unfruitfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ekkoptō mean in the Bible?
Why does Jesus talk about cutting off body parts?
How is ekkoptō used in Romans 11?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and…
Matthew 5:30If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 7:19Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Matthew 18:8If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into…