ὄπισθεν (opisthen)
opisthen
after
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word opisthen primarily denotes position or direction, meaning "behind" or "from behind." In the Gospels, it often describes physical proximity to Jesus, such as the woman who touched his garment from behind (Mark 5:27) or the crowd following him. It can also indicate sequence, appearing in phrases like "after these things" in Revelation (Rev 4:1; 5:1), marking a temporal progression.
As a preposition with the genitive case, it signifies being behind someone in space or time. Matthew 15:23 uses it to describe the Canaanite woman standing behind Jesus as he walks, while Luke 23:26 notes Simon carrying the cross behind him. In Revelation 1:10, John hears a voice "behind" him, emphasizing the suddenness of the divine encounter from his rear perspective.
Its etymology links to opis ("regard") and enclitic particles, suggesting a focus on what follows or is at the back. Translators render it variously as "behind," "after," or "from behind" depending on context. The word consistently grounds spiritual events in physical reality, showing how divine presence intersects with human movement and space.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word opisthen reminds us that God often meets us in the margins of our lives. It describes physical position—being behind, following, or approaching from the rear—but spiritually it points to a humble posture. The woman with the issue of blood did not push her way into Jesus’ path; she came from behind, touching the edge of his garment in quiet faith. Her action shows that closeness to Christ does not require loud declarations, but sincere, persistent reaching out.
Similarly, when John heard a voice behind him in Revelation, it marked a sudden divine intervention in his ordinary moment. This word grounds our spiritual experiences in real life. We are not distant observers of faith; we are invited to follow closely, even if we feel like we are trailing behind. God’s presence is near enough to touch, no matter where we stand.
This perspective encourages patience and humility. Following Jesus may seem slow or indirect, but it is a path of intimacy. As you move through your day, remember that being close to Him is what matters most, not the speed or visibility of your steps.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- behind [Him]3×
- on [the] back,1×
- behind.1×
- behind1×
- after1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὄπισθεν5×
- ὄπισθεν.1×
- ὄπισθεν,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 9:20
Behold, a woman who had a discharge of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment;
The woman's approach from behind highlights her humility and faith, showing that physical proximity to Jesus is accessible even when one feels unworthy or marginalized.
-
Mark 5:27
having heard the things concerning Jesus, came up behind him in the crowd and touched his clothes.
Coming up behind Jesus in the crowd emphasizes the desperation and stealth of her healing attempt, illustrating how personal faith can break through social barriers.
-
Luke 8:44
came behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak. Immediately the flow of her blood stopped.
The immediate result of touching his cloak from behind confirms that Jesus’ power is available to those who reach for Him in quiet trust.
-
Revelation of John 4:6
Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the middle of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind.
The living creatures being full of eyes before and behind symbolize complete vigilance and awareness, suggesting that God’s creation fully perceives His presence from all directions.