κοπιάω (kopiaō)
kopiaō
to labor
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kopiaoō describes labor that is intense enough to cause exhaustion. It goes beyond simple work to imply toil, strain, or weariness, whether from physical effort, emotional burden, or grief. In the New Testament, it captures the reality of hard work that leaves one tired, as when Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28).
Its root connects to a sense of fatigue, yet Scripture often uses it positively for ministerial effort. Paul frequently applies it to his own preaching and leadership, describing his labor as strenuous work poured out for the sake of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:10). This usage highlights that Christian service is not passive; it involves significant energy and endurance.
Translators typically render kopiaoō as "labor," "toil," or "be weary." The word appears in contexts ranging from agricultural work to spiritual leadership, emphasizing that meaningful effort often comes with a cost. It reminds readers that faithful service is demanding, yet it is undertaken with purpose and perseverance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word kopiaoō describes a deep, physical exhaustion that goes beyond simple tiredness. It captures the feeling of muscles aching after heavy work or the soul feeling drained by constant worry. When Jesus invites us to come to Him in Matthew 11:28, He is speaking directly to those who feel this weight. He does not ask for more effort; He offers rest for the weary.
In the New Testament, this word also describes the intense labor of apostles like Paul. He worked until he was spent, yet he viewed this toil as a privilege. This shows that our efforts in faith are seen and valued, even when we feel empty. It reminds us that serving others is real work, often costly, but never meaningless.
We do not have to carry the burden of exhaustion alone. Whether you are tired from daily chores or spiritual leadership, your labor matters. You can bring your weariness to Jesus, knowing He understands the cost of faithful living and offers true peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- toiling3×
- we toil2×
- toiled2×
- straining2×
- do they labor2×
- toil.1×
- laboring.1×
- he should toil1×
- having toiled1×
- have toiled,1×
- have toiled for;1×
- have laboured1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκοπίασεν2×
- κοπιῶντες2×
- κοπιῶντας2×
- κοπιῶμεν2×
- ἐκοπίασα.1×
- ἐκοπίασα,1×
- κοπιῶσιν1×
- κοπιῶντι.¶1×
- κοπιῶντα1×
- κοπιῶ1×
- κοπιᾷ1×
- κοπιώσας1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
Jesus uses this word to identify those who are spiritually and physically exhausted, offering Himself as the source of their rest.
-
I Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am. His grace which was given to me was not futile, but I worked more than all of them; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Paul describes his apostolic ministry using this term to show that his strenuous efforts were empowered by divine grace rather than human strength.
-
John 4:6
Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
This verse applies the word to Jesus’ physical fatigue after travel, highlighting His genuine humanity and shared experience of human limitation.
-
I Thessalonians 5:12
But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
Paul asks believers to respect leaders who labor among them, acknowledging the exhausting nature of pastoral care and teaching.
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Romans 16:12
Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Greet Persis, the beloved, who labored much in the Lord.
This greeting highlights women who worked hard in the Lord, showing that this intense labor was a recognized part of early church ministry.