ἀντέχω (antechō)
antechō
to cling to
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb antechō describes holding firmly against something or clinging closely to it. In the New Testament, it most often appears in a middle voice sense, meaning to adhere to or maintain a firm grip on a truth or person. This usage emphasizes stability and loyalty rather than mere physical contact.
Its core imagery comes from parts meaning "against" and "to have." Scripture uses it to describe holding fast to sound doctrine, as seen in Titus 1:9 where elders must hold firmly to the trustworthy message. It also appears in Jesus’ teaching about serving God alone (Matthew 6:24), implying that one cannot cling to both wealth and divine loyalty simultaneously.
This word carries significant weight in ethical instruction. It suggests an active, persistent commitment rather than a passive belief. When Paul or Luke use it, they are calling for a steadfast adherence to Christian teaching despite external pressures or internal temptations to drift away.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word antechō paints a picture of firm attachment. It is not a casual interest but a grip that holds on when things get difficult. In our daily lives, this means deciding what truly matters and refusing to let go of that commitment. It asks us to examine where our loyalty lies, ensuring we are anchored in truth rather than drifting with every new trend or pressure.
Jesus used this concept to highlight a hard reality: we cannot split our devotion between God and the things of this world. To hold fast to Him is to choose stability over the shifting sands of wealth or opinion. This choice brings peace because it removes the confusion of trying to please two opposing masters. It invites us to rest in the certainty of who we serve.
For believers today, this call to cling remains vital. Whether facing cultural shifts or personal doubts, holding to the faithful word provides a steady foundation. It is an invitation to trust that God’s truth is worth the effort of keeping close. May you find strength in this steadfast love and peace in your unwavering faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he will be devoted2×
- holding1×
- do help1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνθέξεται2×
- ἀντέχεσθε1×
- ἀντεχόμενον1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.
This verse establishes the exclusive nature of spiritual loyalty, showing that holding fast to God requires rejecting competing masters.
-
Luke 16:13
No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to one and despise the other. You aren’t able to serve God and Mammon.”
Here the word underscores the impossibility of divided allegiance, emphasizing that true service demands undivided devotion to God.
-
Titus 1:9
holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict him.
This occurrence links holding fast directly to sound doctrine, showing that elders must maintain a firm grip on truth to guide others effectively.