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ἐναντίος

enantíos

G1727 predicate adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Situating directly opposite (in a spatial sense), facing or set against; by extension, opposed or antagonistic (in attitude, action, or influence), contrary or adverse. In its primary sense, denotes spatial opposition, and in figurative usage, denotes opposition or contrariety in argument, character, or attitude.

Semantic Range

standing opposite, facing (spatial), opposed to, contrary to, antagonistic, adverse, in hostility, in contradiction to

Root / Etymology

From the preposition ἔναντι (opposite, before, in the presence of), itself from ἐν (in) + ἀντί (opposite, against). The word is a compound meaning 'set against' or 'standing in front of.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἐναντίος is widely attested with both spatial and figurative senses, including 'opposite' (facing across from) and 'hostile' or 'adverse.' In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, the term most often appears in contexts of opposition, whether physical (e.g., armies standing against each other) or abstract (opposed views, actions, or persons). English translations like 'opposite,' 'contrary,' or 'adversary' capture some, but not all, of its nuanced sense. The word is more general than explicit terms for 'enemy' (ἐχθρός) or 'adversary' (ἀντίδικος), focusing on the quality of being in opposition, not necessarily personal animosity. Commonly used with dative or genitive to mark that which is being opposed. In the New Testament (e.g., Titus 2:8), typically denotes one who is in opposition in argument or character, not only physical stance. The root sense of 'placed in front of' informs both spatial and adversarial usages.

Translation Consistency

primary "opposed" 5 occurrences

ἐναντίος most commonly carries the sense of being ‘against’ or ‘in opposition to’ both spatially and figuratively. “Opposed” is natural English, works as an adjective (“opposed to”), and covers the typical range (facing/opposite, contrary, antagonistic) so it will render consistently and clearly across contexts.

Alternatives (3 occurrences):
"opposite" (1x) "things contrary" (1x) "contrary" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἔναντι; opposite; figuratively, antagonistic:--(over) against, contrary.

Root Family

ἐναντίος (enantios) — standing opposite, being against, opposing, contrary, antagonistic

Root ἐναντί- to stand opposite, to be against, to oppose

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1727-04 ἐναντίος enantios ADJ.P NOM M SG contrary one standing opposed opposed 2
G1727-02 ἐναντίας enantias ADJ.S GEN F SG of him of the opposing of the opposed 2
G1727-03 ἐναντίον enantion ADJ.S ACC N SG opposed in front of opposed to 2
G1727-05 ἐναντίους enantious ADJ.P ACC M PL contrary those set against contrary 1
G1727-01 ἐναντία enantia ADJ.S ACC N PL things contrary things set against things contrary 1

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1727-04 Matthew 14:24 ἐναντίος enantios ADJ.P NOM M SG contrary one standing opposed opposed
G1727-04 Mark 6:48 ἐναντίος enantios ADJ.P NOM M SG contrary one standing opposed opposed
G1727-02 Mark 15:39 ἐναντίας enantias ADJ.S GEN F SG of him of the opposing opposite
G1727-01 Acts 26:9 ἐναντία enantia ADJ.S ACC N PL things contrary things set against things contrary
G1727-05 Acts 27:4 ἐναντίους enantious ADJ.P ACC M PL contrary those set against contrary
G1727-03 Acts 28:17 ἐναντίον enantion ADJ.S ACC N SG against in front of opposed to
G1727-03 1 Thessalonians 2:15 ἐναντίων enantion ADJ.P GEN M PL opposed in front of opposed to
G1727-02 Titus 2:8 ἐναντίας enantias ADJ.S GEN F SG opponent of the opposing of the opposed
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