### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **eukopṓteros**, represented by `{{G2123}}`, is a comparative term that means **easier**. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used consistently to create a powerful contrast, comparing a seemingly impossible physical feat to a more profound spiritual reality to emphasize its certainty or difficulty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G2123}}` appears in two primary rhetorical contexts. First, Jesus uses it to assert His divine authority when healing a paralytic, asking which is **easier**, to say "Thy **sins** `{{G266}}` be forgiven thee" or to say "Arise, and **walk** `{{G4043}}`" ([[Matthew 9:5]], [[Mark 2:9]], [[Luke 5:23]]). Second, it is used to illustrate the extreme difficulty for a **rich man** `{{G4145}}` to enter the kingdom of God, stating it is **easier** for a **camel** `{{G2574}}` to go through the eye of a **needle** `{{G4476}}` ([[Matthew 19:24]], [[Mark 10:25]], [[Luke 18:25]]). A third use emphasizes the immutability of God's Word, declaring it is **easier** for **heaven** `{{G3772}}` and **earth** `{{G1093}}` to pass away than for the smallest part of the **law** `{{G3551}}` to fail [[Luke 16:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the comparisons made using `{{G2123}}`:
* `{{G2574}}` **kámēlos** (camel): A "camel," used in the famous illustration to describe something physically impossible that is still **easier** than a rich man entering God's kingdom [[Matthew 19:24]].
* `{{G4145}}` **ploúsios** (rich): This word for a wealthy person is central to the teaching that trust in earthly wealth makes entering the **kingdom** `{{G932}}` of **God** `{{G2316}}` profoundly difficult [[Mark 10:25]].
* `{{G932}}` **basileía** (kingdom): This refers to the realm or rule of God. It is the ultimate goal that is contrasted with earthly difficulties, whether it be for a **rich man** `{{G4145}}` to **enter** `{{G1525}}` or for the poor in spirit to inherit [[Luke 18:25]].
* `{{G3551}}` **nómos** (law): The divine law, whose permanence is so absolute that it is considered **easier** for the physical universe to cease to exist than for one **tittle** `{{G2762}}` of the law to fail [[Luke 16:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2123}}` is demonstrated through the powerful contrasts it creates.
* **Divine Authority over Sin and Sickness:** By asking which is **easier**, Jesus links the forgiveness of **sins** `{{G266}}` to physical healing. This question establishes His authority as being from **God** `{{G2316}}`, capable of acting in both the spiritual and physical realms [[Mark 2:9]].
* **The Spiritual Hazard of Riches:** The statement about the **camel** `{{G2574}}` and the needle's eye is not a literal instruction but a stark warning about how wealth can impede entry into the **kingdom** `{{G932}}` of God. It highlights that what is impossible for man is possible for God [[Matthew 19:24]].
* **The Unfailing Nature of God's Word:** The comparison of the **law** `{{G3551}}` to the passing of **heaven** `{{G3772}}` and **earth** `{{G1093}}` provides one of the strongest affirmations of Scripture's endurance and reliability. It asserts that God's Word is more permanent than creation itself [[Luke 16:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2123}}` **eukopṓteros** is a critical comparative adjective used for theological emphasis. While simply meaning **easier**, it functions as a rhetorical device to contrast earthly impossibilities with spiritual truths. Through its use, scripture reveals the depth of Jesus's authority, the serious spiritual challenge posed by wealth, and the absolute and eternal permanence of the Word of God.
TRV