Berean Strong's Lexicon katakoptó: To cut down, to mutilate, to gash Original Word: κατακόπτω Word Origin: From the Greek words κατά (kata, meaning "down" or "against") and κόπτω (koptó, meaning "to cut" or "to strike"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often involves terms like גָּדַע (gada, meaning "to cut down") or חָתַךְ (chathak, meaning "to cut" or "to hew"). These terms are used in the Old Testament to describe the cutting down of trees, idols, or enemies, symbolizing the removal of obstacles to God's purposes. Usage: The verb κατακόπτω (katakoptó) is used to describe the act of cutting down or mutilating. It often conveys a sense of violence or destruction, whether literal or metaphorical. In the New Testament, it can refer to physical acts of cutting or to more figurative actions, such as the destruction of pride or false beliefs. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, the act of cutting or mutilating was sometimes associated with mourning rituals or pagan religious practices, where individuals would cut themselves as a sign of devotion or grief. This practice was explicitly forbidden in Jewish law, as seen in Leviticus 19:28, which prohibited self-mutilation. The cultural context of κατακόπτω would have been understood by early Christians as a contrast to the wholeness and healing offered through faith in Christ. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and koptó Definition to cut up NASB Translation gashing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2629: κατακόπτωκατακόπτω; 1. to cut up, cut to pieces (see κατά, III. 4); to slay: Isaiah 27:9; 2 Chronicles 34:7, etc.; Herodotus and following 2. to beat, bruise: ἑαυτόν λίθοις, Mark 5:5; (others retain here the primary meaning, to cut, gash, mangle). From kata and kopto; to chop down, i.e. Mangle -- cut. see GREEK kata see GREEK kopto |
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