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ὀπίσω

opísō

G3694 preposition

SILEX Entry

Root ὀπισ- behind, at the back, after (in following)

Definition

Primarily indicates a spatial position 'behind' or 'at the back (of)'. As an adverb or preposition, it denotes location to the rear of someone or something, or movement toward such a position. In extended and metaphorical contexts, it can convey 'after' in a figurative or temporal sense (e.g., after someone in following as a disciple; afterwards in sequence).

Semantic Range

behind, at the back (of), back(ward), after (spatial or figurative sequence), following (as in pursuing or as a disciple), in succession, backward (movement)

Root / Etymology

Derived from ὄπισθεν (opisthen, 'behind, at the back'), with an enclitic particle conveying direction. The formation emphasizes direction toward or position at the rear. Cognate with other Greek directional adverbs; not related to Semitic roots.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Used widely in classical and Koine Greek. In the Septuagint and New Testament, ὀπίσω most often refers to the physical position behind a person or object (e.g., walking behind someone; someone following another). It is frequently used in contexts of following (e.g., disciples following a teacher, as in 'follow after me'). In some cases, especially as a preposition with the genitive, it takes on a sense of succession or discipleship—'after' in the sense of 'in someone’s footsteps.' Unlike some English equivalents, ὀπίσω does not inherently imply subordination, but focuses on physical or metaphorical following. English translations commonly render it as 'behind,' 'after,' or 'following,' but may not capture the spatial nuance or the sense of active pursuit. In classical Greek, the term is also attested as an adverb for 'backward' or 'toward the rear.'

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as ὄπισθεν with enclitic of direction; to the back, i.e. aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun):--after, back(-ward), (+ get) behind, + follow.

Root Family

ὀπίσω (opisō) — behind, at the back, after (in following)

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G3694-01 ὀπίσω opiso PREP GEN after behind 35

Occurrences in Scripture

35 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G3694-01 Matthew 3:11 ὀπίσω opiso PREP GEN behind
G3694-01 Matthew 4:19 ὀπίσω opiso PREP GEN behind
G3694-01 Matthew 10:38 ὀπίσω opiso PREP GEN behind
G3694-01 Matthew 16:23 ὀπίσω opiso PREP GEN behind
G3694-01 Matthew 16:24 ὀπίσω opiso PREP GEN behind
G3694-01 Matthew 24:18 ὀπίσω opiso ADV behind
G3694-01 Mark 1:7 ὀπίσω opiso PREP GEN after behind
G3694-01 Mark 1:17 ὀπίσω opiso PREP GEN after behind
G3694-01 Mark 1:20 ὀπίσω opiso PREP GEN after behind
G3694-01 Mark 8:33 ὀπίσω opiso PREP GEN behind behind
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