ἀντιτάσσω (antitassō)
antitassō
to resist
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb antitassomai carries the vivid image of forming a military line against an enemy. Derived from words meaning "against" and "to place or set," it describes the act of standing firm in opposition rather than merely feeling dislike. In the New Testament, it appears five times, primarily in the pastoral epistles of James and Peter, where it addresses how believers should handle spiritual conflict.
Its usage is notably concrete: James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 command readers to "resist" the devil or the proud with a steadfast posture. This is not passive avoidance but an active, organized stand. The word implies that resistance requires preparation and alignment, much like soldiers taking their positions before battle begins.
Translators often render this as "resist," which captures the strength of the term without adding emotional baggage. It suggests a deliberate choice to oppose evil forces or arrogant attitudes. The text presents this resistance as a necessary stance for maintaining faith and humility in the face of spiritual pressure.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word antitassō paints a vivid picture of standing firm in opposition. It comes from roots meaning "against" and "to place or set," suggesting a deliberate military posture rather than a fleeting emotional reaction. When Scripture calls us to resist, it invites us to take our position with intentionality, much like soldiers aligning themselves before a confrontation.
This active stance is central to spiritual resilience. In James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5, we see that resisting the proud or the devil is paired with humility. It is not about aggression but about holding ground against forces that seek to undermine our faith. By choosing this firm posture, we acknowledge the reality of spiritual conflict while trusting in God’s provision.
For your daily walk, this means recognizing when you face pressure to compromise or despair. Instead of passively avoiding these challenges, you are invited to stand firm in truth. This resistance is a gift of grace, enabling you to maintain integrity and hope even when the odds seem stacked against you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- opposes,2×
- resisting1×
- does he resist1×
- When are opposing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀντιτάσσεται,2×
- Ἀντιτασσομένων1×
- ἀντιτάσσεται1×
- ἀντιτασσόμενος1×
Key Verses
-
James 4:6
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
This verse links resisting the proud directly to receiving God's grace, showing that humility is the foundation for effective spiritual resistance.
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I Peter 5:5
Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility and subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Peter repeats this command to younger believers, emphasizing that mutual submission and humility are essential for standing firm against opposition.
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Romans 13:2
Therefore he who resists the authority withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment.
Here the concept is applied to civil authority, warning that resisting God-ordained structures invites judgment, which adds depth to what true resistance entails.