Lexical Summary opisthen: Behind, after, from the rear Original Word: ὄπισθεν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance after, backside, behind. From opis (regard; from optanomai) with enclitic of source; from the rear (as a secure aspect), i.e. At the back (adverb and preposition of place or time) -- after, backside, behind. see GREEK optanomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from opis (back) Definition behind, after NASB Translation back (1), behind (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3693: ὄπισθενὄπισθεν (see ὀπίσω), adverb of place, from behind, on the back, behind, after: Matthew 9:20; Mark 5:21; Luke 8:44; Revelation 4:6; Revelation 5:1 (on which see γράφω, 3). As a preposition it is joined with the genitive (like ἔμπροσθεν, ἔξωθεν, etc. (Winers Grammar, § 54, 6; Buttmann, § 146, 1)): Matthew 15:23; Luke 23:26; (Revelation 1:10 WH marginal reading). (From Homer down; the Sept. for אַחֲרֵי, sometimes for אָחור.) Topical Lexicon Essential Concept The term rendered “behind” or “after” portrays what is out of sight yet still within the sphere of action. It can indicate (1) physical position in relation to a person or object, (2) pursuit that continues even when unseen, and (3) the hidden side of a heavenly scene. Across its seven New Testament occurrences, these shades of meaning converge to highlight faith, discipleship, and divine completeness. Occurrences and Thematic Threads 1. Matthew 9:20; Mark 5:27; Luke 8:44 – A woman afflicted for twelve years approaches Jesus “behind” Him. Her hidden approach accentuates humility and faith while showcasing Christ’s immediate power to heal without visual contact. Physical Proximity to Christ The healing narratives portray seekers positioning themselves at Jesus’ rear. They exemplify faith that does not demand eye contact or verbal affirmation. The Lord’s response underscores His omniscience; even what occurs behind Him is before Him. Believers today are encouraged that unseen prayers and silent touches of faith still reach the Savior. Discipleship and Following Simon’s placement behind the Lord on the road to Golgotha turns the adverb into a discipleship metaphor. Bearing the cross in the path Jesus charts illustrates both substitution (the innocent Sufferer) and imitation (the called follower). This echoes earlier calls to “follow Me,” showing that true following may involve burdens carried out of public view yet observed by heaven. Persistence in Intercession The disciples’ complaint in Matthew 15:23 reveals how persistent pleas can test those already close to Christ. Her cry “after us” reminds the Church that the needy often trail the community, seeking aid. Ministry that reflects Christ will turn to address such cries rather than dismiss them as inconvenience. Heavenly Perspective in Revelation John’s visions transport the reader from earthly “behindness” to heavenly fullness. Eyes in front and behind and a scroll written on the reverse communicate that nothing escapes divine sight, and no part of God’s redemptive plan is blank. What is hidden from human vantage is open before the throne. Historical Parallels and Fulfillment Writing on both sides of the scroll recalls covenant tablets inscribed on both surfaces (Exodus 32:15). The Revelation scenes thus link the new covenant consummation with Mosaic precedent, testifying to Scripture’s unified narrative. Ministry Implications • Pastoral care must be alert to those who approach from “behind,” whether through social marginalization or silent suffering. Devotional Application The believer is invited to trust the Lord who sees and rules the unseen, to persevere like the Canaanite woman, to touch Christ in humble faith like the hemorrhaging woman, and to bear the cross behind Him like Simon until the day when the sealed mysteries written on the reverse are opened to sight. Forms and Transliterations όπισθέ οπισθεν όπισθεν όπισθέν ὄπισθεν οπίσθια οπίσθιά οπισθίου οπισθίω οπισθίων οπισθίως οπισθότονος οπισθοφανώς opisthen ópisthenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 9:20 AdvGRK: ἔτη προσελθοῦσα ὄπισθεν ἥψατο τοῦ NAS: came up behind Him and touched KJV: came behind [him], and touched INT: years having come behind touched the Matthew 15:23 Adv Mark 5:27 Adv Luke 8:44 Adv Luke 23:26 Adv Revelation 4:6 Adv Revelation 5:1 Adv |
    |