Understanding ἀνταποκρίνομαι (antapokrinomai) Strong’s G470: The Profound Art of Divine Response and Spiritual Dialogue

Pronunciation Guide: ant-ap-ok-ree’-nom-ahee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G470: A compound verb meaning “to answer in return, to reply against, to respond in opposition.” This word carries the sense of a specific type of response – one that is given in return to a previous statement or challenge, often in a formal or legal context. It emphasizes the reciprocal nature of dialogue and can imply a defensive or counteractive response.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb (Middle Voice)
• Root Components: ἀντί (anti, “against/in return”) + ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrinomai, “to answer”)
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative sections, particularly in legal or confrontational contexts
• Voice: Middle/Passive, emphasizing personal involvement in the response

ἀνταποκρίνομαι Morphology:

• ἀνταποκρίνομαι (present indicative middle) – I answer in return
• ἀνταπεκρίνατο (aorist indicative middle 3rd person singular) – he/she answered in return
• ἀνταποκριθῆναι (aorist infinitive passive) – to be answered in return
• ἀνταποκρινόμενος (present participle middle nominative masculine singular) – answering in return

Origin & History

The word ἀνταποκρίνομαι represents a sophisticated development in Greek vocabulary, combining two already complex terms to create a precisely nuanced verb. In classical Greek literature, while the simple form ἀποκρίνομαι was common, this compound form emerged later, appearing in legal and philosophical texts where precise documentation of dialogue was important.

The term gained particular significance in the Hellenistic period, appearing in papyri documents related to legal proceedings. Polybius (Histories 27.7.3) uses it to describe diplomatic exchanges, while Plutarch (Moralia 853d) employs it in the context of philosophical dialogue.

In the Septuagint, the word is notably absent, making its New Testament usage particularly significant as it represents a specialized term chosen for specific contexts.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A formal or legal response given in return to a challenge or question
• A counter-response in a dialogue or debate
• A defensive reply meant to rebut or refute
• A reciprocal answer demonstrating engagement in discourse

ἀνταποκρίνομαι Translation Options:

• “to answer in return” – Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the response
• “to reply against” – Highlights the potentially confrontational aspect
• “to counter-respond” – Captures the formal or legal nuance
• “to answer back” – More colloquial but captures the basic meaning
• “to make a defense in response” – Emphasizes the legal/defensive context

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀνταποκρίνομαι appears in contexts of significant theological and legal discourse. Its first appearance in Luke 14:6 occurs in a confrontational setting where religious leaders are unable to “answer back” to Jesus’ challenge regarding healing on the Sabbath.

The word appears in Romans 9:20 in a profound theological context where Paul addresses the audacity of human beings “answering back” to God. This usage particularly emphasizes the impropriety of creatures questioning their Creator’s decisions.

Cross References:

• “And they could not answer back [ἀνταποκρίνομαι] to these things.” Luke 14:6
• “On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back [ἀνταποκρίνομαι] to God?” Romans 9:20

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the concept of proper response and counter-response was deeply embedded in both legal and religious discourse. The Jewish legal system, particularly in the time of the Messiah, was built upon the practice of scholarly debate and response. The rabbinical method of pilpul (sharp analysis) involved exactly this kind of precise questioning and answering.

The use of ἀνταποκρίνομαι in legal contexts reflects the Greco-Roman judicial system where formal responses and counter-responses were essential parts of legal proceedings. This background illuminates both Luke’s account of Jesus’ confrontations with religious authorities and Paul’s rhetorical style in Romans.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of ἀνταποκρίνομαι are particularly profound in understanding the nature of divine-human dialogue. In Romans 9:20, Paul uses this word to address the fundamental issue of human presumption in questioning God’s sovereignty. This usage reminds us of the book of Job, where God’s response to Job’s questioning emphasizes the vast gulf between divine wisdom and human understanding.

The word also appears in contexts that highlight the Messiah’s authority. In Luke’s gospel, the inability of religious leaders to “answer back” to Jesus demonstrates His divine wisdom and authority, fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah’s wisdom such as Isaiah 11:2.

This word serves as a powerful reminder of the proper posture of humanity before God – while we are invited into dialogue with Him, we must remember our place as created beings before our Creator.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀνταποκρίνομαι challenges us to examine our own responses to God’s truth and authority in our lives. When we encounter difficult teachings or circumstances that challenge our understanding, do we “answer back” in prideful resistance, or do we respond with humble submission to God’s wisdom?

This word also invites us to consider how we engage in spiritual discussions with others. Are our responses aimed at winning arguments, or are they guided by wisdom and love? The proper use of “answering back” should be characterized by humility and a desire to understand truth rather than assert our own righteousness.

Related Words

• ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrinomai) – to answer, reply (simpler form without the oppositional nuance) See G611
• ἀντιλέγω (antilego) – to speak against, contradict See G483
• ἀνθίστημι (anthistemi) – to stand against, resist See G436
• διαλέγομαι (dialegomai) – to discuss, reason with See G1256

Did you Know?

• The compound structure of ἀνταποκρίνομαι (combining ἀντί and ἀποκρίνομαι) creates one of the longest verb forms in the New Testament, reflecting the complexity of its meaning.
• In modern Greek legal terminology, derivatives of this word are still used in court proceedings, maintaining its connection to formal dialogue and legal discourse.
• The absence of this word in the Septuagint, despite its appearance in secular Greek texts, suggests it was specifically chosen by New Testament writers for its precise legal and philosophical connotations.

Remember This

ἀνταποκρίνομαι reminds us that while we are invited into dialogue with God, our responses should always be tempered with humility, recognizing the vast difference between Creator and created.