Lexical Summary antipera: Opposite, over against, on the other side Original Word: ἀντίπερα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance over against, opposite From anti and peran; on the opposite side -- over against. see GREEK anti see GREEK peran NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anti and peran Definition on the opposite side NASB Translation opposite (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 495: ἀντιπέρανἀντιπέραν, or (according to the later forms from Polybius down) ἀντιπέρα (T WH), ἀντιπέρα (L Tr; cf. Buttmann, 321; Lob. Path. Elem. 2:206; Chandler § 867), adverb of place, over against, on the opposite shore, on the other side, with a genitive: Luke 8:26. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 495, ἀντίπερα, describes something lying “opposite” or “across.” The sole New Testament occurrence appears in Luke 8:26, where the evangelist notes that Jesus and His disciples landed “across the lake from Galilee”. Though linguistically simple, the term frames a decisive moment in Jesus’ ministry that highlights His authority, His compassion for outsiders, and His intention to break spiritual and cultural barriers. Scriptural Setting Luke 8:22–39 recounts two back-to-back displays of Christ’s power—first over nature, then over the demonic realm. After stilling the storm, “they sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee.” The word ἀντίπερα sets a spatial contrast: the disciples have left familiar, predominantly Jewish territory for Gentile Decapolis lands. This crossing provides the backdrop for Jesus’ confrontation with the legion of demons and the liberation of a tormented man. The “opposite side” thus becomes a theater where the kingdom of God penetrates darkness beyond Israel’s conventional borders. Historical and Geographical Context The “region of the Gerasenes” (some manuscripts read Gadarenes) lay on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, within the largely Gentile Decapolis league of cities. First-century Jews regarded the Decapolis as a land of Hellenistic culture, pagan worship, and unclean practices—evident in the presence of swine herding (Luke 8:32–33). Traveling ἀντίπερα suggested more than mere geography; it marked a deliberate foray into territory considered spiritually and ceremonially defiled. Luke’s note underlines the radical reach of Jesus’ mission: the Messiah sails into the “opposite” world to reclaim what sin and Satan have enslaved. Theological Significance 1. Sovereignty Without Borders: By commanding the elements en route and expelling demons upon arrival, Jesus demonstrates authority that transcends physical and spiritual domains. Ministry Implications • Crossing Barriers: Disciples then and now must be willing to journey “across” comfort zones—ethnic, cultural, or ideological—to bring Christ’s freedom. Connections to Wider Biblical Themes • Old Testament Crossings: Like Israel crossing the Jordan into Canaan (Joshua 3–4) and Elijah crossing the Jordan before his ascent (2 Kings 2:8), Jesus’ crossing prefaces a mighty display of divine power. Reflection for Today Believers are called to discern where their own contemporary “opposite shores” lie—locations or people groups implicitly deemed unreachable. Jesus’ deliberate voyage challenges the church to venture boldly, trusting His presence amid storms and His authority over hostile spiritual powers. The single use of ἀντίπερα in Luke’s Gospel thus serves as a perpetual summons: the gospel is never meant to remain on one side of the lake. Forms and Transliterations αντιπερα ἀντιπέρα ἀντίπερα αντιπέραν antipera antíperaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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