ὀπίσω (opisō)
opisō
after
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 37 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word opisō primarily indicates spatial or temporal position, meaning "behind," "after," or "back." In the New Testament, it functions both as an adverb and, influenced by Hebrew usage, as a preposition with the genitive case to mean "after" in time. This grammatical shift is rare in classical Greek but common in the Septuagint, allowing writers to express sequence as naturally as physical location.
The term carries significant weight in Jesus’ teachings on discipleship. When He commands followers to take up their cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34), opisō establishes the necessary posture of a disciple: one who places themselves behind the Master, accepting His lead rather than their own agenda. This spatial relationship defines the Christian life as a pursuit of Christ’s direction.
Translators often render this word as "after" or "behind," but the underlying image is concrete. It describes someone literally walking in another’s footprints, as seen when Peter turns to see John following Jesus (John 20:14) or when believers are warned against those who follow false teachers (2 Peter 2:1). The word emphasizes proximity and obedience, marking the disciple not as a peer but as one who trails closely behind their Lord.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word opisō paints a simple but powerful picture of discipleship. It describes someone walking behind another, closely following their path. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this image to call his followers into a life of trust and obedience. When he invites us to come after him, he is not asking for blind imitation, but for a willingness to let him lead. This posture requires us to set aside our own agendas and accept his direction, even when the path is difficult.
There are moments in this word’s usage where it marks a firm boundary, such as when Jesus tells Peter to step back from his own understanding. Yet, the primary invitation remains one of proximity. To follow Jesus means to stay close to him, learning from his steps and trusting his timing. This closeness is not about losing our identity, but about finding our true purpose in alignment with his will.
As you navigate your own journey, remember that following Jesus is a daily choice. It involves letting go of what holds us back and keeping our eyes on the one who goes before us. This relationship offers a steady guide through life’s uncertainties, providing hope and direction for those who choose to walk in his footsteps.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 37 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- after22×
- behind7×
- back6×
- back.1×
- After1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὀπίσω36×
- ὀπίσω.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
This verse defines the core requirement of discipleship by linking coming after Jesus with self-denial and carrying one's cross.
-
Mark 8:33
But he, turning around and seeing his disciples, rebuked Peter, and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you have in mind not the things of God, but the things of men.”
Here Jesus uses the word to rebuke Peter, showing that following him requires rejecting human-centered thinking in favor of God's perspective.
-
John 6:66
At this, many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him.
This occurrence highlights the consequence of turning away, as disciples who could not accept Jesus' teaching went back and no longer followed him.
-
Luke 9:23
He said to all, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
Parallel to Matthew's account, this verse emphasizes that coming after Jesus is a universal call requiring the denial of self and taking up one's cross.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does opisō mean in the New Testament?
How is opisō different from other words for 'following'?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (37 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 7 verses
“I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not…
Matthew 4:10Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall…
Matthew 4:19He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers for men.”
Matthew 10:38He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me isn’t worthy of me.
Matthew 16:23But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your…
Matthew 16:24Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and…
Matthew 24:18Let him who is in the field not return back to get his clothes.