ἀντίκειμαι (antikeimai)
antikeimai
be an opponent
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb antikeimai describes a stance of opposition, literally meaning to lie opposite or set over against someone. In the New Testament, it conveys active resistance or being adverse to another person or idea. This sense of confrontation appears when Paul notes that the Spirit opposes sinful desires (Galatians 5:17) and when he encourages believers not to be terrified by their opponents (Philippians 1:28).
Its root combines anti, meaning against, with keimai, meaning to lie or rest. This imagery suggests a fixed position rather than a fleeting argument. The word often appears in contexts of spiritual conflict or legal opposition, such as when Paul mentions an adversary in Ephesus (Acts 19:33) or when describing the law as opposing unlawful behavior (1 Timothy 1:10). Translators typically render it as oppose, withstand, or resist.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word antikeimai paints a picture of standing firm against opposition. It describes those who set themselves over against God’s truth or His people. In passages like Galatians, it shows the internal struggle where sinful desires oppose the Spirit. This reminds us that spiritual conflict is real, but we are not fighting alone.
When facing critics or difficult circumstances, this word encourages a steady posture. It is not about panic, but about standing your ground with wisdom and grace. As seen in Philippians, even when adversaries resist, believers can find peace knowing that their salvation comes from God. This stability helps us remain calm and faithful.
Ultimately, this term invites us to trust in God’s provision of wisdom. He gives us the words and strength to withstand opposition without fear. By relying on His power, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that our hope rests in Christ alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- opposing2×
- opposing [you];1×
- opposed1×
- is opposing1×
- is opposed1×
- are opposing1×
- are opposed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀντικείμενοι3×
- ἀντίκειται,1×
- ἀντίκειται1×
- ἀντικείμενος1×
- ἀντικειμένῳ1×
- ἀντικειμένων·1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 5:17
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire.
This verse highlights the internal spiritual conflict where the flesh and Spirit are set against each other.
-
Philippians 1:28
and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
Here, the word describes external opponents whose resistance serves as a proof of destruction for them but salvation for believers.
-
Luke 21:15
for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to withstand or to contradict.
Jesus promises that His followers will have wisdom that adversaries cannot withstand or contradict.
-
II Thessalonians 2:4
He opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God.
This passage uses the term to describe the ultimate opponent who exalts himself against all that is called God.