ἀντίδικος (antidikos)
antidikos
opponent
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun antidikos refers to a legal opponent or adversary in a lawsuit. Derived from roots meaning "against" and "law," it describes the person standing on the other side of a judicial dispute. In the New Testament, this term appears only four times, specifically in Matthew 5:25, Luke 12:58, Luke 18:3, and 1 Peter 5:8.
The sources highlight how Jesus uses this legal imagery to urge reconciliation before a case escalates. In Matthew and Luke, the advice is pragmatic: settle with your opponent quickly while there is still time, lest you face judgment. This practical counsel underscores the seriousness of interpersonal conflict. Meanwhile, 1 Peter applies the term metaphorically to describe the devil as an adversary prowling like a lion, seeking someone to devour.
This word captures the tension of being opposed in a formal or spiritual sense. It reminds readers that conflicts have consequences and that peace is preferable to litigation. The consistent use of this specific legal term across different contexts shows how early Christians understood both earthly disputes and spiritual warfare through the lens of justice and opposition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word antidikos points to someone standing against you in a dispute, whether in a courtroom or in your heart. Jesus used this legal image to urge quick reconciliation. He knew that holding onto grievance only deepens the wound and risks greater harm. Peace is not just a nice idea; it is a practical necessity for a healthy spirit.
This tension also appears in 1 Peter, where the devil is called an adversary prowling like a lion. Here, the word shifts from human conflict to spiritual danger. It reminds us that we face opposition that seeks to devour our faith and peace. Recognising this enemy helps us stay alert and rely on God’s strength rather than our own pride.
When conflict arises, remember that reconciliation is better than litigation. Whether dealing with a difficult person or resisting spiritual attacks, choose the path of peace and vigilance. God offers wisdom to navigate these tensions without losing your soul to anger or fear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- adversary3×
- accuser2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀντίδικος2×
- ἀντιδίκου2×
- ἀντιδίκῳ1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 5:25
Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison.
Jesus uses this legal term to urge immediate reconciliation before a dispute escalates into formal judgment.
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Luke 18:3
A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’
The widow’s plea highlights the word’s use for someone seeking justice against an opposing party in court.
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I Peter 5:8
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Peter applies this legal term metaphorically to describe the devil as a spiritual adversary seeking to destroy believers.