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ἀνταγωνίζομαι

antagōnízomai

G464 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To strive or contend against, to engage in a contest or struggle in opposition to another (whether in physical, legal, or metaphorical terms); in broader contexts, to oppose, resist, or compete with someone or something, especially in situations framed as conflict or rivalry.

Semantic Range

to contend against, to struggle in opposition, to compete, to resist, to oppose, to strive in adversarial contest

Root / Etymology

From the preposition ἀντί (against, in opposition) and the verb ἀγωνίζομαι (to struggle, compete, engage in a contest). The compound thus literally denotes engaging in a contest or struggle opposite another.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἀνταγωνίζομαι is rare in classical Greek, with slightly more attestation in later Koine and Hellenistic sources. The term primarily draws on athletic and judicial imagery, evoking formal contests (ἀγών) where one actively resists or competes against an opponent. In the New Testament (e.g. Hebrews 12:4), its use is metaphorical: striving or resisting, most often with reference to persevering in the face of opposition (such as sin or persecution). The English word "antagonize" is derived from this root, but in modern usage often implies provoking hostility, which only partially overlaps with the original semantic range. The concept retains the sense of active opposition and deliberate contending more than mere irritation of another. In the LXX and extant Hellenistic literature, the word appears infrequently but consistently denotes adversarial struggle, not merely general effort. Contrast with ἀγωνίζομαι (to strive or compete, not necessarily against an opponent) and μάχομαι (to fight, especially in a military sense).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀντί and ἀγωνίζομαι; to struggle against (figuratively) ("antagonize"):--strive against.

Root Family

ἀνταγωνίζομαι (antagōnizomai) — contend, compete, struggle against, oppose

Root ἀγων- to contend, to compete, to struggle

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G464-01 ἀνταγωνιζόμενοι antagonizomenoi V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL striving those contending against contending against 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G464-01 Hebrews 12:4 ἀνταγωνιζόμενοι antagonizomenoi V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL striving those contending against contending against
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