Lexical Summary anthistémi: To resist, to oppose, to withstand Original Word: ἀνθίστημι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance resist, withstand, opposeFrom anti and histemi; to stand against, i.e. Oppose -- resist, withstand. see GREEK anti see GREEK histemi HELPS Word-studies 436 anthístēmi (from 473 /antí, "opposite/against" and 2476 /hístēmi, "to stand") – properly, take a complete stand against, i.e. a "180 degree, contrary position"; (figuratively) to establish one's position publicly by conspicuously "holding one's ground," i.e. refusing to be moved ("pushed back"). 436 /anthístēmi ("oppose fully") means to forcefully declare one's personal conviction (where they unswervingly stand); to keep one's possession; ardently withstand, without giving up (letting go). [436 (anthístēmi) was a military term in classical Greek (used by Thucydides, etc.) meaning "to strongly resist an opponent" ("take a firm stand against").] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anti and histémi Definition to set against, i.e. withstand NASB Translation cope (1), oppose (1), has opposed (1), opposed (4), opposing (1), resist (5), resists (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 436: ἀνθίστημιἀνθίστημι: perfect ἀνθέστηκα; 2 aorist ἀντέστην (imperative ἀντίστητε), infinitive ἀντιστῆναι; middle, present ἀνθισταμαι; imperfect ἀνθισταμην; (ἀντί and ἵστημι); to set against; as in Greek writings, in the middle, and in the perfect pluperfect (having present and imperfect force, Winers Grammar, 274 (257)) and 2 aorist active, to set oneself against, to withstand resist, oppose: perfect active, Romans 9:19; Romans 13:2; 2 Timothy 4:15 (R G). 2 aorist active, Matthew 5:39; Luke 21:15; Acts 6:10; Galatians 2:11; Ephesians 6:18; 2 Timothy 3:8; (2 Timothy 4:15 L T Tr WH). imperative, James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9. Middle: present, 2 Timothy 3:8. imperfect, Acts 13:8. Topical Lexicon Conceptual Overview Strong’s 436 portrays a decisive “standing against.” Scripture applies the term in two contrasting directions: (1) sinful opposition to God, His appointed servants, or His established authorities; and (2) righteous resistance to Satan, falsehood, and moral evil. The tension between these uses highlights the believer’s need for discernment: one may either “withstand in the evil day” (Ephesians 6:13) or be found “resisting the ordinance of God” (Romans 13:2). Occurrences Across the Canon Fourteen New Testament passages employ the verb. Narrative books show opponents resisting apostolic preaching (Acts 6:10; 13:8). The Gospels record Jesus’ injunction not to retaliate against personal offense (Matthew 5:39) and His promise to supply irrefutable wisdom (Luke 21:15). Pauline and General Epistles broaden the term into ethical, ecclesial, and spiritual spheres: confronting hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11), combating doctrinal error (2 Timothy 3:8; 4:15), submitting to civil rule (Romans 13:2), and engaging the devil in warfare (Ephesians 6:13; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9). The Teaching of Jesus: Non-retaliatory Resistance Matthew 5:39 anchors the Sermon on the Mount ethic: “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Here anthistēmi forbids personal vengeance, not lawful self-defense nor spiritual warfare. Jesus redirects disciples from instinctive payback toward redemptive meekness, anticipating the cross itself. Righteous Opposition to Falsehood Acts 13:8 depicts Elymas “opposing” Barnabas and Saul, illustrating how sorcery contests gospel advance. Luke similarly notes that Stephen’s adversaries “could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by whom he spoke” (Acts 6:10). These episodes underline the inevitability of resistance whenever truth confronts darkness and establish a paradigm for Spirit-empowered proclamation that silences gainsayers. Confronting Error Within the Church Paul “opposed [Peter] to his face” at Antioch (Galatians 2:11), modeling courageous, brotherly correction for the sake of gospel purity. In 2 Timothy 3:8 he recalls Jannes and Jambres who “opposed Moses,” applying their example to men “opposing the truth” inside the church. Timothy is to recognize and expose such teachers whose “folly will be clear to all” (verse 9), while being warned that Alexander the coppersmith “vigorously opposed our message” (2 Timothy 4:15). Resistance to Divine Authority: A Grave Error Romans 9:19 voices the objection, “Who can resist His will?” underscoring God’s irresistible sovereignty. The same letter warns, “Whoever resists the authority resists what God has appointed” (Romans 13:2). Opposition to legitimate civil governance is tantamount to opposing God Himself. The repeated term intensifies the call to conscientious submission—unless obedience to God requires otherwise (Acts 5:29). Spiritual Warfare: Standing Firm Against the Devil Ephesians 6:13 commands believers to don the full armor of God “so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.” James amplifies: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Peter echoes: “Resist him, standing firm in your faith” (1 Peter 5:9). The verb depicts active, faith-filled opposition, empowered by divine armor, humble submission, and corporate solidarity. Eschatological Assurance Jesus promises persecuted witnesses, “I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict” (Luke 21:15). The term guarantees ultimate vindication for faithful testimony during tribulation; human opposition cannot overturn divinely bestowed wisdom. Pastoral and Discipleship Implications 1. Train believers to distinguish godly resistance (against Satan, sin, heresy) from wrongful resistance (against God’s will or ordained order). Historical Reception in the Church Early apologists invoked Luke 21:15 when defending the faith before magistrates. Reformers cited James 4:7 to urge resistance to the devil through Scripture and prayer. Missionaries have long found in Acts 6 and 13 assurance that hostile cultures cannot finally withstand Spirit-filled witness. Contemporary Application In an age of relativism, believers must graciously yet firmly resist ideologies that contradict biblical truth. At the same time, the church must avoid the twin dangers of carnal retaliation and seditious defiance of legitimate authority. Rooted in submission to God and armed with His Word, Christians are called to stand—unmoved by opposition, unmixed with compromise, and unafraid of the outcome, for “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Forms and Transliterations ανθέστηκε ανθεστηκεν ανθέστηκεν ἀνθέστηκεν ανθεστηκότα ανθεστηκότας ανθεστηκοτες ανθεστηκότες ἀνθεστηκότες ανθεστηκότων ανθιστανται ανθίστανται ἀνθίστανται ανθιστατο ανθίστατο ἀνθίστατο αντεστη αντέστη ἀντέστη αντεστην ἀντέστην αντέστης αντεστησαν αντέστησαν αντέστησάν ἀντέστησαν αντιστηναι αντιστήναι ἀντιστῆναι αντιστήσεται αντιστήσεταί αντιστητε αντίστητε ἀντίστητε αντιστήτω anteste antestē antéste antéstē antesten antestēn antésten antéstēn antestesan antestēsan antéstesan antéstēsan anthesteken anthestēken anthésteken anthéstēken anthestekotes anthestekótes anthestēkotes anthestēkótes anthistantai anthístantai anthistato anthístato antistenai antistênai antistēnai antistē̂nai antistete antistēte antístete antístēteLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 5:39 V-ANAGRK: ὑμῖν μὴ ἀντιστῆναι τῷ πονηρῷ NAS: But I say to you, do not resist an evil KJV: say unto you, That ye resist not evil: INT: to you not to resist the evil [person] Luke 21:15 V-ANA Acts 6:10 V-ANA Acts 13:8 V-IIM-3S Romans 9:19 V-RIA-3S Romans 13:2 V-RIA-3S Romans 13:2 V-RPA-NMP Galatians 2:11 V-AIA-1S Ephesians 6:13 V-ANA 2 Timothy 3:8 V-AIA-3P 2 Timothy 3:8 V-PIM-3P 2 Timothy 4:15 V-AIA-3S James 4:7 V-AMA-2P 1 Peter 5:9 V-AMA-2P Strong's Greek 436 |
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