ἀντικαθίστημι
antikathístēmi
G478 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To set in place opposite, to set in opposition, to stand against or oppose; in a broader sense, to arrange or deploy (particularly in reference to troops) in opposition to an adversary; extended metaphorically, to resist, withstand, or oppose someone or something in any form of confrontation.
Semantic Range
to set in opposition (especially of troops), to stand against, to resist, to oppose, to arrange against
Root / Etymology
From ἀντί ('against, opposite') + καθίστημι ('to set, put in place, appoint'). The verb is a compound meaning 'to set in opposition' or 'to put in place against.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἀντικαθίστημι is a rare compound, typically found in military or rhetorical contexts to describe placing forces in direct opposition or setting oneself against another. In Koine Greek, and specifically in the New Testament, the term is used primarily in a metaphorical sense for resisting or opposing persons, authorities, or actions (e.g., Romans 13:2, 'whoever resists the authority...'). Military nuances become less prominent in later texts, giving way to broader applications of resistance or opposition. English translations commonly render it 'resist' or 'oppose,' but may obscure the original nuance of intentionality and active arrangement against. The prefix ἀντί intensifies the direct nature of opposition inherent in the term.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀντί and καθίστημι; to set down (troops) against, i.e. withstand:--resist.
Root Family
ἀντικαθίστημι (antikathistēmi) — set in opposition, stand against, resist, oppose, arrange against
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G478-01 |
ἀντικατέστητε | antikatestete | V AOR ACT IND 2P PL |
resisted | you stood against | you stood against | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G478-01 |
Hebrews 12:4 | ἀντικατέστητε | antikatestete | V AOR ACT IND 2P PL |
resisted | you stood against | you stood against |