Understanding ἀντιλέγω (antilego) Strong’s G483: The Power of Opposition and the Divine Purpose Behind Resistance

Pronunciation Guide: an-tee-LEG-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G483: ἀντιλέγω (antilego) fundamentally means “to speak against, contradict, or oppose.” It combines the preposition ἀντί (against) with λέγω (to speak), literally meaning “to speak in opposition to.” This compound word carries the weight of both verbal contradiction and active resistance, often implying a formal or public stance of opposition.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Words: ἀντί (anti) “against” + λέγω (lego) “to speak”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative and teaching passages
• Literary Context: Often found in legal, philosophical, and theological discourse

ἀντιλέγω Morphology:

• ἀντιλέγω (present active indicative) – I contradict/oppose
• ἀντιλέγων (present active participle) – contradicting/opposing
• ἀντιλέγεται (present passive indicative) – is opposed/contradicted
• ἀντιλεγόμενος (present passive participle) – being opposed/contradicted
• ἀντειπεῖν (aorist active infinitive) – to speak against/contradict

Origin & History

The term ἀντιλέγω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used in philosophical debates and legal proceedings. Plato employs it in his “Republic” when discussing dialectical reasoning, while Thucydides uses it in his “History of the Peloponnesian War” to describe political opposition.

In the Septuagint (LXX), ἀντιλέγω appears frequently to translate Hebrew terms of opposition, particularly in wisdom literature and prophetic texts. The word gained special significance in the translation of Proverbs, where it often represents the Hebrew word רִיב (riv), meaning “to contend” or “dispute.”

The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Contra Celsum,” employed ἀντιλέγω when addressing theological controversies and defending the faith against critics of Christianity.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Active verbal opposition or contradiction
• Legal or formal objection
• Sustained resistance or defiance
• Argumentative response or rebuttal
• Theological or doctrinal dispute

ἀντιλέγω Translation Options:

• “To speak against” – Emphasizes the verbal aspect of opposition
• “To contradict” – Best for contexts of direct verbal disagreement
• “To oppose” – Suitable for broader contexts of resistance
• “To dispute” – Appropriate for legal or formal contexts
• “To deny” – Used when the opposition involves rejection of truth claims

Biblical Usage

The New Testament employs ἀντιλέγω in particularly significant contexts, often relating to opposition to the Messiah and His message. Its first appearance in Luke 2:34 occurs in Simeon’s prophecy about Jesus being a “sign that will be opposed,” setting the stage for the spiritual conflict that would mark His ministry.

In the book of Acts, the word becomes almost technical terminology for Jewish opposition to the gospel message. This usage reveals a profound theological truth: opposition to God’s work often becomes the very means by which His purposes are accomplished.

The term appears in several pivotal New Testament passages:

• “This Child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be opposed [ἀντιλεγόμενον]” Luke 2:34
• “But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict [ἀντέλεγον] what was spoken by Paul” Acts 13:45
• “We know that people everywhere are speaking against [ἀντιλέγεται] this sect” Acts 28:22
• “Do not contradict [ἀντιλέγοντας] them” Titus 2:9
• “Consider Him who endured such opposition [ἀντιλογίαν] from sinners” Hebrews 12:3

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, public opposition and debate were integral parts of social and political life. The Greek agora and Roman forum were spaces where ἀντιλέγω found its natural expression. This cultural context helps explain why the term carries such weight in describing opposition to the early church.

The Jewish concept of מַחֲלֹקֶת (machloket), or “principled disagreement,” provides important background for understanding how ἀντιλέγω functions in Jewish-Christian dialogue in the New Testament. Unlike modern concepts of opposition, machloket was seen as a legitimate path to truth when conducted properly.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀντιλέγω in relation to the Messiah reveals a profound paradox in God’s redemptive plan. Opposition to Jesus, rather than thwarting divine purposes, actually fulfills prophecy and advances God’s kingdom. This demonstrates His sovereign ability to work through human resistance to accomplish His will.

The term’s frequent appearance in Acts highlights another theological truth: the gospel’s power to provoke decision. When confronted with God’s truth, neutrality becomes impossible – people must either accept or oppose it. This opposition often serves as a catalyst for deeper faith and clearer proclamation of the truth.

The passive forms of ἀντιλέγω in the New Testament (particularly in Luke 2:34) suggest that opposition to God’s work is not merely human activity but has spiritual dimensions, pointing to the cosmic conflict between good and evil.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀντιλέγω challenges us to examine our own responses to God’s truth and His work in our lives. When we encounter opposition to our faith, we can take comfort in knowing that such resistance was prophesied and is often the context in which God’s power is most clearly displayed.

Moreover, this word reminds us that opposition to the gospel message is not necessarily a sign of failure but may indicate that we are faithfully presenting the challenging truth of God’s Word. Like Paul, we can learn to see opposition as an opportunity for God’s power to be demonstrated.

Related Words

• ἀντίθεσις (antithesis) – opposition, conflict (an-TIH-thee-sis) – Related through the concept of contrast and opposition See G477
• ἀντιτάσσω (antitasso) – to resist, oppose (an-tee-TAS-so) – Shares the prefix anti- but focuses on active resistance See G498
• ἀντίκειμαι (antikeimai) – to be adverse to, oppose (an-TIK-ei-mai) – Describes positional opposition See G480
• διαλέγομαι (dialegomai) – to discuss, reason (dee-a-LEG-o-mai) – Contrasts with antilego in its constructive approach to dialogue See G1256

Did you Know?

• The modern Greek word αντιλέγω still carries the same meaning and is commonly used in legal and political contexts, showing the enduring precision of this ancient term.
• In rabbinic literature, the concept of “arguments for the sake of heaven” (מחלוקת לשם שמים) parallels the constructive aspects of ἀντιλέγω, suggesting that some forms of opposition can serve divine purposes.
• The combination of ἀντί + λέγω appears in various forms throughout Greek literature, making it one of the most stable compound words in terms of meaning from classical to Koine Greek.

Remember This

ἀντιλέγω reminds us that opposition to God’s truth, while challenging, often becomes the very stage upon which His sovereign purposes are most powerfully displayed.