ἐναντίον
enantíon
G1726 preposition
SILEX Entry
Definition
In front of, facing toward; used adverbially to indicate spatial position (in front of, before), or metaphorically to denote appearing in the presence or view of someone. Also used in legal and formal settings to mean 'in the sight of' or 'under the authority of' a person or group. The core meaning is spatial opposition or facing, with extended senses regarding presence before someone (especially authoritative or significant persons).
Semantic Range
in front of, opposite, before (in space), in the presence of, in the sight of, under the authority/view of, in the face of (figuratively)
Root / Etymology
Neuter form of ἐναντίος (enantios, 'opposite, against'), built on the root ἐν– (en–, 'in') and ἀντί (anti, 'opposite, against'). Functions either as an adverb or preposition.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The word appears from classical Greek onward, consistently indicating spatial or relational opposition (facing, in front of, opposite), but takes on extended usage in Hellenistic and Koine Greek where it frequently denotes 'in the presence of' or 'before' someone, in both literal and legal contexts (e.g., in judicial, cultic, or official documents). The Septuagint often uses ἐναντίον to translate Hebrew expressions for standing before (לִפְנֵי, לְנֶגֶד) God or people, indicating spatial proximity or subordination to authority. In the New Testament, its primary function is to situate individuals or actions in the view, presence, or authority of others, particularly in theological or cultic settings ('before God,' 'in the presence of authorities'). English translations such as 'before' or 'in the presence of' capture the main sense but may obscure the nuance of direct opposition or facing, especially in more literal spatial uses or in the Septuagint.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter of ἐναντίος; (adverbially) in the presence (view) of:--before, in the presence of.
Root Family
ἐναντίον (enantion) — opposite, facing, in front of
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1727 | ἐναντίος | in front of |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1726-01 |
ἐναντίον | enantion | PREP GEN |
before | in front of | before | 5 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1726-01 |
Luke 1:6 | ἐναντίον | enantion | PREP GEN |
before | in front of | in front of |
G1726-01 |
Luke 20:26 | ἐναντίον | enantion | PREP GEN |
before | in front of | before |
G1726-01 |
Luke 24:19 | ἐναντίον | enantion | PREP GEN |
before/in the sight of | in front of | before |
G1726-01 |
Acts 7:10 | ἐναντίον | enantion | PREP GEN |
before | in front of | before |
G1726-01 |
Acts 8:32 | ἐναντίον | enantion | PREP GEN |
before | in front of | before |