Lexical Summary egkopé: Hindrance, Obstruction Original Word: ἐγκοπή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hinder. From egkopto; a hindrance -- X hinder. see GREEK egkopto HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1464 egkopḗ – properly, an incision (a cutting); (figuratively) an interruption which acts as a hindrance (used only in 1 Cor 9:12). See 1465 (enkoptō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom egkoptó Definition a hindrance NASB Translation hindrance (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1464: ἐγκοπήἐγκοπή (WH ἐνκοπη T ἐκκοπῇ, see ἐν, III. 3), ἐγκοπης, ἡ (ἐγκόπτω, properly, a cutting (made in the road to impede an enemy in pursuit ((?)), hence), a hindrance: 1 Corinthians 9:12. (Diodorus 1, 32; Dionysius Halicarnassus, de comp. verb., p. 157, 15 (22); Longinus, de sublim. 41, 3; (others).) STRONGS NT 1464: ἐκκοπῇἐκκοπῇ, ἐκκοπης, ἡ (Polybius, Plutarch, others), see ἐγκοπή. Topical Lexicon Meaning and ScopeThe term conveys the idea of an interruption, obstacle, or impediment that blocks normal progress. In everyday Greek it could describe a trench dug across a road, a cut-in that broke a pathway, or any interference that breaks the flow of movement. When applied to Christian witness it speaks of anything that damages gospel advance or discredits the message. Single New Testament Occurrence 1 Corinthians 9:12 is the lone occurrence: “If others have this right to your support, do we not have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we endure everything so that we will not hinder the gospel of Christ.” (Berean Standard Bible) Paul is writing to believers shaped by the Greco-Roman patronage system. Philosophers and rhetoricians normally expected fees and public honor, yet Paul refuses financial support from the Corinthians so that no social convention will suggest he is peddling the word of God (compare 2 Corinthians 2:17). His renunciation of legitimate rights removes any “cut-in” that might slow gospel acceptance among a status-conscious audience. Related Passages Using the Cognate Verb Although the noun appears only once, the cognate verb (“to hinder, cut in on”) illuminates the concept: • Galatians 5:7 – Judaizers “cut in” on the Galatians’ race. These texts together highlight three chief sources of hindrance: false teaching, demonic opposition, and providential circumstances. Theological Themes 1. Purity of Motive. Paul’s example shows that motives matter as much as methods. Any trace of greed, manipulation, or exploitation can neutralize witness (see Acts 20:33-35). 2. Freedom Restrained by Love. Christian liberty is gladly curtailed when another’s salvation is at stake (1 Corinthians 8:13; 10:23-33). 3. Spiritual Warfare. Satan actively engineers obstacles (1 Thessalonians 2:18), yet God overrules to spread the gospel (Philippians 1:12-18). 4. Stewardship and Partnership. While Paul declines Corinthian patronage, he freely receives gifts from congregations mature enough to give without strings (Philippians 4:14-18). The principle is not anti-support but anti-obstacle. Historical Background Corinth was a hub of commerce where itinerant speakers made a living by gathering disciples and charging fees. Accepting money from converts easily blurred lines between sincere instruction and sophistic careerism. Paul adopts the trade of tent-making (Acts 18:3) and quietly accepts funds only from churches that understand grace giving (2 Corinthians 11:8-9), thereby separating himself from profiteers and preserving apostolic integrity. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Financial Transparency. Churches and ministries must handle finances in ways that silence suspicion (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). 2. Cultural Sensitivity. Practices allowable in one setting may impede the gospel in another. Mission workers evaluate local expectations of hospitality, status, and reciprocity. 3. Personal Discipline. Lifestyles that mirror worldly ambition create barriers. Servants of Christ willingly limit personal freedoms for the sake of mission. 4. Doctrinal Clarity. False teaching derails gospel progress. Sound doctrine clears the road (Titus 1:9-11). Old Testament Parallels The law warns against placing a stumbling-block before the blind (Leviticus 19:14), and the prophets call for removing obstacles from God’s people (Isaiah 57:14; 62:10). These passages foreshadow the apostolic concern to level every road for the coming King. Pastoral Reflection Paul embraced hardship “so that we will not hinder the gospel of Christ.” The phrase challenges every generation to ask: What attitudes, habits, or structures in our fellowship function as modern trench-cuts across the path of salvation? Love for Christ and neighbor compels believers to fill those trenches, straighten the roadway, and hasten the advance of the gospel to the ends of the earth. Forms and Transliterations εγκοπήν ἐγκοπὴν έγκοποι έγκοπον ενκοπην ἐνκοπὴν enkopen enkopēn en'kopḕnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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