κοπή (kopē)
kopē
slaughter
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kopē denotes a violent cutting or striking, specifically referring to slaughter or the act of smiting in battle. Derived from the verb kaptō, which means to cut or chop, the word carries the raw physicality of a blade or weapon inflicting a fatal wound. It is not used for gentle separation but for decisive, destructive force.
This term appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 7:1, where it describes the killing of Melchizedek’s opponents. The usage aligns with its presence in the Greek Old Testament, where it translates Hebrew words for striking down enemies in war. This single occurrence anchors the word in a context of military conflict and lethal judgment rather than ritual sacrifice or everyday violence.
Translators typically render kopē as "slaughter" to capture this specific nuance of battle-related killing. The word emphasizes the finality of the act, distinguishing it from mere injury or discipline. Its rarity in Scripture highlights the gravity of the event described, marking a moment of decisive historical judgment within the narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kopē describes a decisive, violent act of killing in battle. It is not used for gentle separation or ritual sacrifice, but for the raw physicality of a blade inflicting a fatal wound. This term appears only once in the New Testament, anchoring us in a moment of historical judgment rather than everyday violence.
In Hebrews 7:1, we see Melchizedek meeting Abraham after he returned from the slaughter of the kings. This single occurrence highlights the gravity of the event. It marks a time of decisive action where lethal force was applied against enemies. The rarity of the word underscores the seriousness of the conflict described in this ancient narrative.
Understanding this term helps us see the stark contrast between war and peace. While kopē represents destruction, the story of Melchizedek points toward a different kind of priesthood—one that brings blessing rather than death. This shift invites us to reflect on how God’s purposes move from conflict to communion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- slaughter1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κοπῆς1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 7:1
For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
This verse uses kopē to describe the specific battle outcome where Abraham defeated the kings, setting the stage for Melchizedek's appearance.