κοπάζω (kopazō)
kopazō
to abate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kopazō describes a violent force losing its power and coming to rest. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively for wind or waves that stop raging and become calm. This specific usage appears in three passages where Jesus demonstrates authority over nature: calming the storm in Mark 4:39, walking on water in Matthew 14:32, and stilling the sea after getting into the boat in Mark 6:51.
Its root conveys a sense of weariness or exhaustion. The word suggests that the storm does not simply vanish by magic, but rather that its violent energy is spent and it grows tired of its own fury. Translators typically render this as "calmed" or "ceased," capturing the transition from chaotic motion to peaceful stillness.
This term highlights a distinct theological image: creation responds to the Creator’s command by surrendering its strength. The wind does not resist; it abates. By using a word that implies exhaustion, the texts emphasize that the storm’s power is finite and subject to divine will, leaving the disciples in awe of His authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kopazō paints a picture of exhaustion rather than mere disappearance. It describes a storm that has used up its energy and simply stops raging. When Jesus speaks to the wind, He does not fight it; He commands it to rest. This shows that even the most chaotic forces in creation are subject to His will and cannot sustain their fury against Him.
For your faith, this offers deep comfort. The storms in your life may feel overwhelming, but they do not have infinite power. Jesus’ authority means that turbulence is temporary. You can trust that He brings peace not by ignoring the chaos, but by calming it with a word. His presence turns fear into stillness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ceased2×
- abated1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκόπασεν3×
Key Verses
-
Mark 4:39
He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was a great calm.
This verse shows Jesus rebuking the wind directly, using kopazō to describe how the storm’s violent energy was spent and a great calm followed.
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Matthew 14:32
When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased.
Here the wind ceases immediately after the disciples enter the boat, highlighting Jesus’ protective presence over those who are with Him.
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Mark 6:51
He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled;
The disciples marvel at this event because kopazō reveals that nature itself yields to Jesus’ command without resistance.