Lexical Summary hupenantios: Opposed, contrary, hostile Original Word: ὑπεναντίος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance adversary, against. From hupo and enantios; under (covertly) contrary to, i.e. Opposed or (as noun) an opponent -- adversary, against. see GREEK hupo see GREEK enantios NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hupo and enantios Definition set over against, opposite NASB Translation adversaries (1), hostile (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5227: ὑπεναντίοςὑπεναντίος, ὑπεναντια, ὑπεναντίον; a. opposite to; set over against: ἵπποι ὑπεναντίοι ἀλληλοι, meeting one another, Hesiod scut. 347. b. tropically (Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch, others), opposed to, contrary to: τινα, Colossians 2:14 (where see Lightfoot); ὁ ὑπεναντίος as a substantive (Xenophon, Polybius, Plutarch), an adversary, Hebrews 10:27, cf. the Sept. Isaiah 26:11 (the Sept. for אויֵב, צָר); often in the O. T. Apocrypha. Strong’s Greek 5227 appears twice in the New Testament (Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 10:27). In both contexts the word underscores an active, personal opposition—setting something or someone in direct hostility to another. The noun in Hebrews carries the plural sense “adversaries,” whereas the singular participial form in Colossians describes the “charge” that stood opposed to us. Though infrequent, the term provides a vivid theological thread: Christ removes every hostile barrier, and unrepentant rebellion remains exposed to righteous judgment. Colossians 2:14 – The Cancelled Record “Having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross.” Paul depicts the Mosaic legal record as an adversarial indictment. The written code functioned much like a signed confession lining up in court against the accused. By nailing this hostile certificate to His own cross, Christ silenced its legal testimony forever. The word 5227 accents the personal nature of the law’s accusation: it was not merely impersonal regulation; it actively confronted sinners with condemnation. The image announces total release—no outstanding claim remains for Satan to prosecute (Revelation 12:10). Hebrews 10:27 – A Sure Judgment on Adversaries “But only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” Here the plural form depicts people who persist in willful sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth (Hebrews 10:26). They have moved from passive unbelief into entrenched hostility. The warning reinforces that grace rejected becomes wrath assured. Whereas Colossians highlights hostility solved by the cross, Hebrews exposes hostility nurtured by apostasy. Both passages converge in upholding divine justice: either hostility is borne away by Christ or it remains upon the sinner. Old Testament and Second-Temple Background The Septuagint uses cognate forms of the root to translate Hebrew terms for adversary (for example, Psalm 71:13; Lamentations 1:5). In post-exilic Judaism the vocabulary frequently described Gentile oppression and demonic opposition. When the New Testament writers choose 5227, they tap into this heritage of personal hostility against God’s people, but they internalize it—identifying the true enemy as sin within and unbelief within, not just external foes. Theological Significance 1. Totality of Christ’s Atonement: Colossians equates the hostile document with every legal demand ever leveled at believers. Its annihilation is comprehensive, underscoring the sufficiency of the cross. Implications for Ministry and Discipleship • Gospel Presentation: Evangelism must present Christ not only as a helper but as the One who removes hostile charges. Assurance of salvation is anchored in an objective act, not subjective feeling. Historical Reception in the Church Early Church Fathers—John Chrysostom, Augustine, and Gregory the Great—cited Colossians 2:14 when refuting accusations that Christians remained under Torah obligations. During the Reformation, Martin Luther employed the verse to argue for forensic justification, contrasting Gospel promises with accusations of the law. Hebrews 10:27 supplied solemn gravity to Puritan preaching on the danger of apostasy, shaping revival calls in the Great Awakening. Homiletical Considerations A sermon series might present the word 5227 as “The Enemy Within and Without”: 1. The Charge Erased (Colossians 2:14) – freedom. Conclusion Though only twice employed, Strong’s 5227 sharpens the New Testament portrait of opposition to God. It frames the Gospel as a decisive removal of hostile accusation and issues an urgent summons: flee from remaining in hostility lest you stand among the adversaries before consuming fire. Englishman's Concordance Colossians 2:14 Adj-NNSGRK: ὃ ἦν ὑπεναντίον ἡμῖν καὶ NAS: us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken KJV: which was contrary to us, and INT: which was adverse to us also Hebrews 10:27 Adj-AMP Strong's Greek 5227 |
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