Lexical Summary egkoptó: To hinder, to impede, to cut into Original Word: ἐγκόπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hinder, be tedious unto. From en and kopto; to cut into, i.e. (figuratively) impede, detain -- hinder, be tedious unto. see GREEK en see GREEK kopto HELPS Word-studies 1465 egkóptō (from 1722 /en, "in" and 2875 /kóptō, "cut") – properly, cut into (like blocking off a road); hinder (A-S) by "introducing an obstacle that stands sharply in the way of a moving object" (Souter); (figuratively) sharply impede, by cutting off what is desired or needed; to block (hinder). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom en and koptó Definition to cut into, i.e. fig. impede, detain NASB Translation hindered (3), prevented (1), weary (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1465: ἐγκόπτωἐγκόπτω (in Acts T WH ἐνκόπτω, so T in 1 Pet. where R ἐκκόπτω; see ἐν, III. 3); 1 aorist ἐνεκοψα; passive (present ἐγκόπτομαι; imperfect ἐνεκοπτόμην; to cut into, to impede one's course by cutting off his way; hence, universally, to hinder (Hesychius: ἐμποδίζω, διακωλύω); with the dative of the object, Polybius 24, 1, 12; in the N. T. with the accusative of the object, 1 Thessalonians 2:18; followed by an infinitive, Galatians 5:7 (see ἀνακόπτω); an infinitive preceded by τοῦ, Romans 15:22; εἰς τό μή ἐγκόπτεσθαι τάς προσευχάς ὑμῶν, that ye be not hindered from praying (together), 1 Peter 3:7; equivalent to to detain (A. V. to be tedious unto) one, Acts 24:4 (cf. Valcken. Schol. 1:600f). Topical Lexicon Definition and ConceptDerived from a verb that literally pictures “cutting into” someone’s path, Strong’s Greek 1465 captures any force—human, satanic, or circumstantial—that blocks, interrupts, or slows forward movement ordained by God. In Scripture it consistently portrays a hindrance to obedience, fellowship, prayer, or ministry travel. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Galatians 5:7 – The athletic image of a runner is employed: “You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?” The Galatian believers allowed legalistic teachers to barge into their lane and break their stride. Theological Themes • Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Romans 15:22 shows God’s strategic redirection—hindrance as providential scheduling, not defeat. Paul later arrives in Rome in God’s timing and by God’s route (Acts 28). • Spiritual Warfare In 1 Thessalonians 2:18, the same word exposes Satan’s tangible interference with gospel advance. Though frustrated, Paul neither despairs nor attributes final authority to the adversary; he writes a letter that still blesses the Church. • The Integrity of Christian Relationships 1 Peter 3:7 applies the concept to the household. Prayer life can be “cut off” by unresolved sin. God’s willingness to hear is linked to husbands’ willingness to honor. • Legalistic or False Teaching Galatians 5:7 warns that doctrine contrary to grace operates like someone shoving runners off the track. Hindrance here arises not from persecution but from pseudo-spiritual influencers inside the community. Historical Context First-century travel, politics, and communication were fraught with delays—closed ports, hostile magistrates, or dangerous roads. When Paul speaks of being hindered, readers in Rome or Thessalonica immediately pictured blocked roads or military checkpoints. Luke’s forensic setting in Acts 24 shows how courtroom etiquette invoked the term for procedural delays. Thus the verb resonated with everyday frustrations while pointing to deeper spiritual realities. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Discern the Source Hindrance may be satanic (1 Thessalonians 2:18), providential (Romans 15:22), self-inflicted (1 Peter 3:7), or doctrinal (Galatians 5:7). Prayerful discernment prevents mislabeling discipline as demonic attack—or vice versa. 2. Persevere in Alternate Channels Paul’s thwarted visit to Thessalonica produced two inspired letters. When a path closes, seek the ministry lane God opens. 3. Guard the Home Front Domestic discord can neutralize public ministry. Leaders must ensure their closest relationships do not undercut their intercession. 4. Protect the Gospel Lane Churches must detect and remove legalistic or deceptive teaching before it disrupts the congregation’s “race of faith.” Related Terms and Ideas • “Open door” (1 Corinthians 16:9; Revelation 3:8) stands as the positive counterpart—God creating space for effective service. Application for the Church Today Believers should expect opposition yet refuse paralysis. Hindrance is never final for those in Christ; it invites deeper dependence, strategic creativity, and steadfast holiness. Whether the obstacle emerges from worldly systems, spiritual forces, or personal sin, Scripture calls the Church to confront it with truth, humility, and persevering prayer, confident that the gospel’s course, though sometimes rerouted, can never be ultimately stopped. Forms and Transliterations εγκοπτεσθαι εγκόπτεσθαι ἐγκόπτεσθαι εγκόπτω ἐγκόπτω εγκότημα ενεκοπτομην ενεκοπτόμην ἐνεκοπτόμην ενεκότει ενεκότουν ενεκοψεν ενέκοψεν ἐνέκοψεν ενκοπτω ἐνκόπτω enekopsen enékopsen enekoptomen enekoptomēn enekoptómen enekoptómēn enkoptesthai enkóptesthai enkopto enkoptō en'kópto en'kóptōLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 24:4 V-PSA-1SGRK: πλεῖόν σε ἐνκόπτω παρακαλῶ ἀκοῦσαί NAS: But, that I may not weary you any further, KJV: not further tedious unto thee, I pray INT: any longer you I might be a hindrance I implore to hear Romans 15:22 V-IIM/P-1S Galatians 5:7 V-AIA-3S 1 Thessalonians 2:18 V-AIA-3S 1 Peter 3:7 V-PNM/P Strong's Greek 1465 |
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