ἀντέχομαι
antéchomai
G472 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To hold on to or cling to something, especially with persistence or dedication; to be devoted to, to uphold, or to support someone or something. In extended contexts, signifies enduring, remaining loyal, or giving assistance (often with a sense of steadfastness or commitment).
Semantic Range
to cling to, to adhere to, to devote oneself to, to hold fast, to support, to sustain, to be loyal or steadfast, to assist
Root / Etymology
From ἀντί (opposite, against) and the middle/passive form of ἔχω (to have, to hold); literally 'to hold oneself in opposition to' or 'to hold oneself toward' something/someone. The sense evolves through the middle voice into maintaining one's position in relation to or adherence/commitment to another.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, ἀντέχομαι is relatively rare; when attested, it means to hold oneself against or opposite something, or to sustain/withstand. In Koine Greek, particularly the New Testament (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Titus 1:9; Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13), the term emphasizes steadfast adherence—such as cleaving to a leader, a set of teachings, or a cause—or persistent loyalty or support. The Septuagint uses it similarly for clinging to or being loyal to God, reflecting the Hebrew verb דָּבַק (dābaq, 'to cling, cleave'). This sense often conveys not only physical but also relational or ideological commitment. English translations like 'hold fast', 'be devoted to', or 'support' capture part of its range, but the underlying nuance is one of steadfast commitment, often connoting both inner allegiance and outer support. In moral or practical contexts, it can imply sustaining the weak or supporting those in need.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀντί and the middle voice of ἔχω; to hold oneself opposite to, i.e. (by implication) adhere to; by extension to care for:--hold fast, hold to, support.
Root Family
ἀντέχομαι (antechomai) — hold against, cling, support
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G472-03 |
ἀνθέξεται | anthexetai | V FUT MID IND 3P SG |
he will hold to | he will cling to | he will cling to | 2 |
G472-01 |
ἀντέχεσθε | antechesthe | V PRS MID IMP 2P PL |
help | keep clinging | support | 1 |
G472-02 |
ἀντεχόμενον | antechomenon | V PRS MID PTCP ACC M SG |
holding fast | clinging to | clinging to | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G472-03 |
Matthew 6:24 | ἀνθέξεται | anthexetai | V FUT MID IND 3P SG |
he will hold to | he will cling to | he will cling to |
G472-03 |
Luke 16:13 | ἀνθέξεται | anthexetai | V FUT MID IND 3P SG |
he will hold to | he will cling to | he will cling to |
G472-01 |
1 Thessalonians 5:14 | ἀντέχεσθε | antechesthe | V PRS MID IMP 2P PL |
help | keep clinging | support |
G472-02 |
Titus 1:9 | ἀντεχόμενον | antechomenon | V PRS MID PTCP ACC M SG |
holding fast | clinging to | clinging to |