The Greek verb ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi) means “to stand against” or “to resist.” It is used to describe the act of opposing or opposing forcefully. This term can apply to both physical and metaphorical resistance, indicating a stance of confrontation or opposition in various contexts.

Detailed Overview

According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀνθίστημι (G436) is derived from the combination of ἀντί (anti), meaning “against,” and ἵστημι (histēmi), meaning “to stand.” Thus, it conveys the notion of standing against or resisting something. It is used to describe actions or attitudes of opposition, whether in physical confrontations or metaphorical resistances.

The Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon provides a more nuanced understanding of ἀνθίστημι. BDAG defines the verb as “to resist” or “to withstand,” with various applications in both classical and biblical Greek. The lexicon highlights its use in contexts such as resisting authority, opposing ideas, or standing firm against adversaries. This includes not only direct physical resistance but also resistance in terms of moral or ideological opposition.

The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon also supports this interpretation, describing ἀνθίστημι as “to resist” or “to stand against.” LSJ provides examples of the term used in both classical literature and the New Testament, indicating its application in various forms of opposition or resistance, from social and political contexts to personal confrontations.

In summary, ἀνθίστημι refers to the act of standing against or resisting, with applications ranging from physical opposition to moral or ideological resistance. This understanding is consistent across Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, and LSJ, each contributing to the comprehensive view of the term’s usage in Greek literature and biblical texts.