θεομαχέω
theomachéō
G2313
SILEX Entry
Definition
to oppose or fight against a deity; generally, to engage in active resistance or hostility toward a god (specifically the God of Israel in biblical contexts). The core meaning emphasizes opposition, often in a direct or confrontational sense. In broader contexts, can refer to contending with the divine will or purposes.
Semantic Range
to fight against a deity, to oppose God, to contend with divine will, to act in hostility toward a god
Root / Etymology
Compound from θεός (god) + μαχέω (to fight), literally 'to fight against god.' The word is clearly a verbal formation from θεομάχος (opponent of god) with the verb-forming ending -έω.
Historical & Contextual Notes
θεομαχέω is extremely rare, chiefly found in later Greek and biblical Greek (not attested in classical authors). In Acts 5:39, it is used by Gamaliel to warn against resisting the divine will. The cognate noun θεομάχος appears with similar meaning: one who acts in opposition to a deity. In the Hellenistic context, terms with -μαχέω express hostility or conflict (e.g., ἀνθρωπομαχέω, 'fight against humans'). English translations like 'fight against God' or 'resist God' (as in KJV, ESV) do not fully capture the sense of deliberate, possibly futile, antagonism toward a divine being or purpose. The term does not suggest mere disbelief, but active opposition. Unlike ἀντιστήναι τῷ θεῷ ('to resist God'), θεομαχέω carries the image of combat or open hostility. In Jewish and early Christian usage, often has the specific sense of resisting the purposes or plans attributed to Israel's God, not merely opposition to generic divinity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from θεομάχος; to resist deity:--fight against God.
Root Family
θεομαχε- (theomachéō) — to fight, to oppose, to contend
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.