ἀντέπω
antépō
G471
SILEX Entry
Definition
To speak in opposition; to reply against someone, to contradict, to assert the contrary of what has just been stated, to deny or refute. The word primarily denotes the act of verbally responding in a contrary fashion, often in disputes or debates. Depending on context, it can range from politely disagreeing to open contradiction or objection.
Semantic Range
to speak against, to contradict, to refute, to deny (in spoken form), to gainsay, to express an opposing view
Root / Etymology
From ἀντί (against, opposite to) + ἔπω (to say, to speak): a compound meaning literally 'to speak against.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἀντέπω is rare in extant Greek, appearing primarily in later and post-classical sources, and extremely infrequently in the New Testament or Septuagint. When it occurs, it marks active verbal opposition or contradiction rather than simple dialog, with stronger force than words merely indicating dialogue (e.g., ἀποκρίνομαι 'to answer'). It differs from ἀντιλέγω ('speak against, contradict'), a more common term in Koine, in that ἀντέπω is less frequently attested and is more literal in combining the elements 'against' and 'speak.' Standard English renderings such as 'gainsay' or 'contradict' are generally accurate, but can miss subtleties of tone or register. See also ἀντιλέγω for a broader range of occurrences in the NT and LXX; ἀντιρρητέω is sometimes used for formal dispute as well. There is little evidence of semantic shift from classical through Koine periods, due to the word's infrequency.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀντί and ἔπω; to refute or deny:--gainsay, say against.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.