Lexical Summary antidiatithémi: To oppose, to set oneself against, to arrange in opposition. Original Word: ἀντιδιατίθημι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance that oppose themselves. From anti and diatithemai; to set oneself opposite, i.e. Be disputatious -- that oppose themselves. see GREEK anti see GREEK diatithemai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anti and diatithémi Definition to oppose, set oneself in opposition NASB Translation opposition (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 475: ἀντιδιατίθημιἀντιδιατίθημι: (present middle ἀντιδιατίθεμαι); in middle to place oneself in opposition, to oppose: of heretics, 2 Timothy 2:25, cf. DeWette (or Holtzm.) at the passage; (several times in ecclesiastical writings; in the active to dispose in turn, to take in hand in turn: τινα, Diodorus except, p. 602 (vol. v., p. 105, 24, Dindorf edition; absolutely to retaliate, Philo de spec. legg. § 15; de concupisc. § 4)). Topical Lexicon Antidiatithemai – Those Who OpposeDefinition and Scope The verb pictures an active, deliberate setting of oneself against another position. In Scripture it characterizes people who stand in conscious resistance to a gospel messenger or to revealed truth itself. Biblical Setting in 2 Timothy 2:25 Paul instructs Timothy to deal “with gentleness, instructing those who oppose you. Perhaps God will grant them repentance to know the truth” (2 Timothy 2:25). The clause places three ideas together: 1. Opposition is real and personal. Opposition within the Pastoral Epistles Paul repeatedly warns about quarrels (2 Timothy 2:23), divisive speech (Titus 3:10-11), and false teachers (1 Timothy 6:3-5). Antidiatithemai unites these warnings by showing that error is not merely intellectual but moral; the will sets itself against God’s message. Historical Context 2 Timothy was penned as Paul faced imminent martyrdom under Nero. Doctrinal erosion had begun infiltrating the Ephesian church. Timothy, younger and frequently timid, needed guidance for confronting men energized by pride and speculative myths (2 Timothy 2:16-18). Antidiatithemai highlights the social pressure Timothy faced: entrenched opposition rather than polite disagreement. Theological Themes • Human rebellion versus divine revelation Antidiatithemai sits within the larger biblical theme of resistance to God (Romans 1:18-25). The heart that refuses light compounds its own darkness until God grants repentance. • The servant’s character Spiritual fruit—gentleness, patience, humility—are essential when facing opponents (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Timothy 2:24). The aim is restoration, not triumph. • Sovereign grace Paul’s “perhaps God will grant” underscores that only the Spirit overcomes opposition (John 16:8). This protects ministers from both discouragement and pride. Old Testament Parallels Pharaoh “hardened his heart” (Exodus 8:15) and Israel “stiffened their neck” (Nehemiah 9:29). These narratives reveal the same stance of resistance, illustrating the continuity of human obstinacy across covenants. Christ’s Model toward Opponents Jesus confronted resistance throughout His ministry yet fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy: “He will not quarrel or cry out” (Matthew 12:19). Even when rebuking Pharisees, the Lord desired their repentance (Matthew 23:37). Apostolic Practice • Acts 18:6 – Paul “shook out his clothes” when Jews opposed him, symbolizing accountability. These examples show discernment: continuing to teach the willing while not yielding truth to persistent resistance. Pastoral Counsel for Today’s Church 1. Recognize that opposition often masks spiritual blindness; arguments are symptoms, not root causes. Related Biblical Concepts • Antilegō – verbal contradiction (Romans 10:21). Together they portray a spectrum of resistance ranging from intellectual dispute to open rebellion. Doctrinal Significance Antidiatithemai reminds believers that proclamation and opposition are twin realities until Christ returns. The gospel inevitably clashes with self-rule, but God’s servants must neither compromise truth nor abandon love, displaying the same longsuffering that won their own hearts. Forms and Transliterations αντεδίδους αντεδίκησεν αντιδιατιθεμενους αντιδιατιθεμένους ἀντιδιατιθεμένους αντιδικών antidiatithemenous antidiatitheménousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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