θεομάχος
theomáchos
G2314 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
One who opposes or resists a deity, specifically, an adversary of God; used of a person actively engaging in opposition or hostile action against divine will or perceived divine action. In certain contexts, may refer to someone opposing what is understood or presented as God's work, messenger, or authority.
Semantic Range
one who fights against God, adversary of a deity, one opposing divine action or will, one engaged in conflict with God's purposes
Root / Etymology
Compound of θεός (god, deity) and μάχομαι (to fight, to do battle). The term is transparently formed in Greek to express the sense of one 'fighting against a god.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
θεομάχος is a rare term in extant Greek literature, with earliest attestations in post-Classical and Hellenistic Greek. In Acts 5:39, the only New Testament occurrence, Gamaliel warns that persecuting the followers of Jesus could amount to 'fighting against God' if their movement is divinely sanctioned. The use conveys not merely disbelief or skepticism, but active resistance or hostility toward what is considered the divine will. In broader Greek usage outside the New Testament, similar compounds (e.g., θεομισής 'hater of god,' θεοστυγής 'detesting god') reflect negative postures toward the divine, but θεομάχος specifically denotes conflict or opposition. Standard English translations render this as 'to fight against God' or 'God-opposer,' but this can obscure the formalized Greek sense as an adversary or combatant against a deity, not always an explicit physical action but inclusive of legal, rhetorical, or social opposition.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from θεός and μάχομαι; an opponent of deity:--to fight against God.
Root Family
θεο-μαχ- (theomáchos) — god, divine being, to fight, to contend
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2314-01 |
θεομάχοι | theomachoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
fighters against God | God-fighters | God-fighters | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2314-01 |
Acts 5:39 | θεομάχοι | theomachoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
fighters against God | God-fighters | God-fighters |