Lexical Summary antikeimai: To oppose, to be set against, to resist Original Word: ἀντίκειμαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be contrary, oppose. From anti and keimai; to lie opposite, i.e. Be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to -- adversary, be contrary, oppose. see GREEK anti see GREEK keimai HELPS Word-studies 480 antíkeimai (from 473 /antí, "against" and 2743 /kautēriázō, "to place") – properly, place fully against, constitutionally oppose – like someone being thoroughly unreconcilable ("intractable, implacable"). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anti and keimai Definition to lie opposite, i.e. oppose, withstand NASB Translation adversaries (1), contrary (1), enemy (1), opponents (3), opposes (1), opposition (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 480: ἀντίκειμαιἀντίκειμαι; 1. to be set over against, lie opposite to, in a local sense ((Hippocrates de aëre, p. 282 Foes. (191 Chart.); Strabo 7, 7, 5); Herodian, 6, 2, 4 (2 Bekker); 3, 15, 17 (8 Bekker); (cf. Aristotle, de caelo 1, 8, p. 277{a}, 23)). 2. to oppose, be adverse to, withstand: τίνι, Luke 13:17; Luke 21:15; Galatians 5:17; 1 Timothy 1:10. simply (ὁ) ἀντικείμενος, an adversary, (Tittmann 2:9): 1 Corinthians 16:9; Philippians 1:28; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Timothy 5:14. (Dio Cass. 39, 8. Exodus 23:22; 2 Macc. 10:26, etc.; (see Sophocles' Lexicon, under the word).) Strong’s Greek 480 depicts active, entrenched opposition—persons, powers, impulses, or systems “lying opposite” to God’s purposes. The term appears eight times in the New Testament and stretches from the earthly ministry of Jesus to the climactic rebellion of the last days. Together the occurrences paint a coherent biblical portrait of conflict that is at once missional, moral, doctrinal, and eschatological. Occurrences and Narrative Settings • Luke 13:17 – Religious leaders who condemn Sabbath healing are unmasked as adversaries and publicly shamed. Theological Themes 1. Conflict Is Inevitable in Gospel Advance From Jesus’ synagogue confrontation (Luke 13) to Paul’s open door at Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16), Scripture assumes that effective ministry attracts resistance. Opposition, therefore, is not a sign of divine displeasure but a predictable backdrop for fruitful labor. 2. Divine Provision in the Face of Adversaries Luke 21:15 grounds the believer’s confidence in Christ’s promise: the same Lord who faced adversaries equips His witnesses with irrefutable wisdom. Philippians 1:28 extends that assurance collectively—steadfast unity is itself a God-given testimony against opponents. 3. Internal Versus External Opposition Galatians 5:17 broadens the word’s scope to the believer’s inner life, reminding disciples that the fiercest struggles may arise within. External persecution and internal fleshly desire share a common root: resistance to the Spirit’s rule. 4. Doctrinal Integrity In 1 Timothy 1:10 the word highlights lifestyles and teachings that clash with “sound doctrine.” The pastoral letters insist that truth is not merely professed but protected against all that lies in opposition, whether moral perversion or theological error. 5. Eschatological Antagonist 2 Thessalonians 2:4 lifts the concept to its climactic height. The man of lawlessness personifies ultimate rebellion, setting himself “in God’s temple” and demanding worship. The passage links present conflicts with the final apostasy, urging vigilance until Christ’s return. Historical Background Greco-Roman civic religion prized social conformity; Christian exclusivity provoked accusation of impiety. Opposition was often legal, economic, or rhetorical. Paul’s experiences in Ephesus (Acts 19) illustrate the milieu behind 1 Corinthians 16:9, where trade guilds, magistrates, and mob sentiment fused into organized resistance. Practical Ministry Implications • Expect resistance; measure opportunity by openness, not ease. Key Points for Teaching and Preaching 1. Opposition is not accidental but woven into redemptive history. Strong’s 480 thus joins together the adversaries of Jesus, the trials of the apostles, the battle within every believer, and the climactic foe of the last days—yet in every scene Scripture testifies that the opposition is temporary and overmatched by the sovereign grace and purpose of God. Englishman's Concordance Luke 13:17 V-PPM/P-NMPGRK: πάντες οἱ ἀντικείμενοι αὐτῷ καὶ NAS: all His opponents were being humiliated; KJV: all his adversaries were ashamed: and INT: all who were opposed to him and Luke 21:15 V-PPM/P-NMP 1 Corinthians 16:9 V-PPM/P-NMP Galatians 5:17 V-PIM/P-3S Philippians 1:28 V-PPM/P-GMP 2 Thessalonians 2:4 V-PPM/P-NMS 1 Timothy 1:10 V-PIM/P-3S 1 Timothy 5:14 V-PPM/P-DMS Strong's Greek 480 |
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