ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi)
anthistēmi
to oppose
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anthistēmi describes the act of standing against someone or something, whether in physical conflict or ideological resistance. Its structure combines a prefix meaning "against" with a root meaning "to stand," creating a vivid image of taking a firm position in opposition. In the New Testament, this word appears twelve times, often describing believers facing external hostility or internal spiritual struggle.
Its usage varies from literal confrontation to metaphorical resistance against evil forces. For instance, Paul warns Timothy that false teachers will "withstand" the truth (2 Timothy 4:15), while James instructs readers to resist the devil so he will flee (James 4:7). In Acts, opponents are unable to withstand Stephen’s wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke (Acts 6:10).
Translators typically render this word as "resist," "oppose," or "withstand," depending on context. The term carries a sense of active defiance rather than passive disagreement, emphasizing a deliberate stance against what is perceived as wrong or harmful.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anthistēmi paints a picture of standing firm against pressure. It is not about passive disagreement but an active, deliberate stance. In your daily life, this might look like holding to truth when it is easier to stay silent, or choosing peace when conflict calls for retaliation. Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 5:39 to not resist the evil one challenges us to break cycles of revenge, trusting that God’s justice is greater than our own.
Yet we are also called to stand against spiritual forces that seek to pull us away from faith. Ephesians 6:13 reminds us to put on God’s armor so we can withstand the evil day. This standing is not done in our own strength but through the wisdom and Spirit given to us, as seen in Acts 6:10 where Stephen’s words could not be opposed. When you feel overwhelmed, remember that this steadfastness is a gift of grace, allowing you to remain rooted in faith even when others oppose it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to withstand2×
- to resist2×
- do resist2×
- opposed1×
- oppose1×
- having resisted1×
- has resisted;1×
- has opposed1×
- has been resisting?1×
- Was opposing1×
- I opposed [him],1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀντιστῆναι4×
- ἀντίστητε2×
- ἀντέστησαν1×
- ἀντέστην,1×
- ἀντέστη1×
- ἀνθίστατο1×
- ἀνθίστανται1×
- ἀνθέστηκεν·1×
- ἀνθέστηκεν;1×
- ἀνθεστηκότες1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 5:39
But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Jesus redefines resistance by commanding non-retaliation against evil, shifting the focus from self-defense to spiritual trust.
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Ephesians 6:13
Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
The word links directly to spiritual preparedness, showing that standing firm requires divine armor rather than human effort.
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James 4:7
Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
This verse pairs submission to God with active resistance against the devil, establishing the proper order of spiritual authority.
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Acts 6:10
They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
It illustrates that true standing against opposition comes from wisdom and the Spirit, not human argumentation.