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ἀντίκειμαι

antíkeimai

G480 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To be set in opposition; to stand or lie opposite. In extended and figurative usage: to oppose, to act in opposition, to be an adversary (to someone or something), to resist. The term denotes both physical and non-physical opposition or resistance, frequently with the connotation of being in an adversarial relationship or of engaging in counteraction.

Semantic Range

to be set opposite, to be opposed, to oppose, to resist, to act as an adversary, to be contrary, to lie against, to be hostile

Root / Etymology

From ἀντί (opposite, against) and κεῖμαι (to lie, to be set/placed); literally 'to be set/placed opposite.' The form is a present middle/passive deponent verb, usually appearing in the middle voice but with active meaning.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀντίκειμαι is found in both physical (to be physically situated opposite) and metaphorical (to resist, to oppose) senses. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, its figurative meaning dominates, referring to personal, spiritual, or ideological adversaries. In New Testament contexts, it commonly designates those who actively oppose another person, a group, or divine purpose (e.g., 2 Thessalonians 2:4, 1 Timothy 5:14). Standard English translations such as 'oppose' or 'adversary' often reflect this adversarial or resistant aspect, but may not always capture the force of being set in persistent or determined opposition. The term is broader than words denoting enmity, and can refer to active resistance rather than simple hostility. Closely related is the noun ἀντικείμενος ('opponent, adversary') and the verb ἀνθίστημι ('to withstand, oppose'). The opposition expressed by ἀντίκειμαι may be social, legal, ideological, or spiritual, depending on context.

Translation Consistency

primary "oppose" 8 occurrences

“Oppose” naturally covers both being set opposite and actively resisting or acting as an adversary, matching the full semantic range (physical and figurative) in the SILEX definition. It is common, simple, and fits typical NT usage better than more specialized alternatives like “resist.”

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀντί and κεῖμαι; to lie opposite, i.e. be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to:--adversary, be contrary, oppose.

Root Family

ἀντίκειμαι (antikeimai) — to be set opposite, to stand against, to oppose, to resist

Root ἀντι-κειμ- to set in opposition, to stand/lodge against

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G480-02 ἀντικείμενοι antikeimenoi V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL opponents ones standing opposed ones opposing 3
G480-05 ἀντίκειται antikeitai V PRS MID IND 3P SG are opposed is set against is opposing 2
G480-04 ἀντικείμενος antikeimenos V PRS MID PTCP NOM M SG opposes one standing opposed the one standing opposed 1
G480-01 ἀντικειμένῳ antikeimeno V PRS MID PTCP DAT M SG adversary to the one opposing one opposing 1
G480-03 ἀντικειμένων antikeimenon V PRS MID PTCP GEN M PL opponents of those opposing opposing 1

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G480-02 Luke 13:17 ἀντικείμενοι antikeimenoi V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL opponents ones standing opposed ones opposing
G480-02 Luke 21:15 ἀντικείμενοι antikeimenoi V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL adversaries ones standing opposed ones opposing
G480-02 1 Corinthians 16:9 ἀντικείμενοι antikeimenoi V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL opponents ones standing opposed ones opposing
G480-05 Galatians 5:17 ἀντίκειται antikeitai V PRS MID IND 3P SG are opposed is set against is opposing
G480-03 Philippians 1:28 ἀντικειμένων antikeimenon V PRS MID PTCP GEN M PL opponents of those opposing opposing
G480-04 2 Thessalonians 2:4 ἀντικείμενος antikeimenos V PRS MID PTCP NOM M SG opposes one standing opposed the one standing opposed
G480-05 1 Timothy 1:10 ἀντίκειται antikeitai V PRS MID IND 3P SG is contrary is set against is opposing
G480-01 1 Timothy 5:14 ἀντικειμένῳ antikeimeno V PRS MID PTCP DAT M SG adversary to the one opposing one opposing
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