Acts 8:2

κοπετός is a noun deriving from κόπτω (“to strike, cut”). Here are the main senses:

1. Physical / literal

1. A blow or strike on oneself — especially the chest or head as a mourning gesture.

2. A heavy strike / smite — e.g., hitting, chopping, pounding (can extend to animals, objects, doors, or tools).

3. Labor or effort — abstract extension from repeated striking or exertion; “toil, fatigue, hard work.”

2. Figurative / idiomatic

4. Grief or lamentation — the action of striking oneself or beating the breast/head in sorrow (human mourning).

5. Exertion / trouble / difficulty — metaphorical “toil” or “hardship” from intensive labor or emotional stress.

(cf. LSJ κοπετός, κομμός, κόπτω)