κόπτω (koptō)
koptō
to cut/mourn
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb koptō carries the basic meaning of striking or cutting, often describing physical actions like lopping off branches. In the Gospels, it appears in vivid scenes where crowds cut palm branches to lay on the road before Jesus (Matthew 21:8; Mark 11:8). This concrete image of cutting connects to its broader sense of forceful impact.
Beyond physical strikes, koptō describes intense mourning rituals. Ancient Near Eastern customs involved beating one’s chest or head as an outward sign of deep grief. Jesus uses this imagery when criticizing those who reject his ministry by comparing them to children playing games that no one accepts (Matthew 11:17). Later, he weeps over Jerusalem using language that evokes this same ritualistic lamentation (Luke 19:41).
The word also appears in Revelation to depict the profound sorrow of those who witness divine judgment. The kings of the earth and merchants mourn over Babylon’s fall by striking themselves in grief (Revelation 18:9, 11). This usage highlights how koptō bridges physical action and emotional expression, showing how ancient cultures externalized inner pain through bodily gestures.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word koptō captures a striking duality in Scripture: it describes both the joyful cutting of palm branches and the intense physical acts of mourning. In the Gospels, we see crowds cutting foliage to honor Jesus, celebrating his arrival with vibrant homage. Yet the same verb appears in scenes of deep sorrow, where people beat their chests or lament over loss. This range reminds us that our faith engages the whole person—our joy and our grief are both brought before God.
When we encounter this word in passages about mourning, it reflects an ancient cultural practice of externalizing inner pain through bodily gestures. Jesus himself references these rituals, showing that genuine sorrow is seen and acknowledged. Even in moments of judgment or tragedy, the text does not shy away from the reality of grief. Instead, it invites us to bring our honest emotions into the light of God’s presence.
For your daily life, this word offers comfort. It validates that mourning is a real and recognized part of the human experience, even within the community of faith. Whether you are celebrating a victory or walking through a valley of sorrow, your feelings matter to God. He meets us in both the cutting of branches and the beating of hearts, offering peace that transcends our circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you did wail.1×
- will wail1×
- will mourn1×
- were mourning1×
- were cutting down1×
- they will wail1×
- they were mourning for1×
- cutting down1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κόψονται3×
- ἐκόπτοντο2×
- ἔκοπτον1×
- ἐκόψασθε.1×
- κόψαντες1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 21:8
A very great multitude spread their clothes on the road. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
This verse uses koptō to describe the physical act of cutting palm branches, highlighting a moment of joyful celebration and royal honor for Jesus.
-
Luke 8:52
All were weeping and mourning her, but he said, “Don’t weep. She isn’t dead, but sleeping.”
Here the word describes the intense mourning rituals of those gathered around Jairus’ daughter, emphasizing the depth of their grief before Jesus’ intervention.
-
Revelation of John 18:9
The kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived wantonly with her will weep and wail over her, when they look at the smoke of her burning,
The kings of the earth use koptō to depict their wailing and physical lamentation over Babylon’s destruction, showing how the word conveys profound sorrow in judgment contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does koptō mean in the Bible?
Why is koptō used in Matthew 21:8?
How does koptō relate to mourning in the Gospels?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 3 verses
and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you didn’t dance. We mourned for you, and you didn’t lament.’
Matthew 21:8A very great multitude spread their clothes on the road. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
Matthew 24:30and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will…