Pronunciation Guide: an-tee-PIP-tō (αν-τι-ΠΙΠ-τω)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G496: ἀντιπίπτω (antipiptō) conveys the action of setting oneself against, actively resisting, or striving in opposition to someone or something. In biblical usage, it specifically denotes willful resistance against divine authority, particularly the Holy Spirit’s work. The word paints a vivid picture of someone actively pushing back against or falling into opposition with God’s purposes.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Compound word from ἀντί (anti, “against”) and πίπτω (piptō, “to fall”)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in contexts of spiritual opposition and rebellion
• Found in both classical and Koine Greek literature

ἀντιπίπτω Morphology:

• ἀντιπίπτω (present active indicative) – to resist, oppose
• ἀντιπίπτετε (present active indicative, 2nd person plural) – you resist/oppose
• ἀντέπεσα (aorist active indicative) – I resisted/opposed
• ἀντιπεσών (aorist active participle) – having resisted/opposed

Origin & History

The compound verb ἀντιπίπτω emerged from classical Greek, where it initially described physical resistance or opposition in military contexts. Polybius used it in his “Histories” (2.45.3) to describe armies actively opposing one another in battle. The term evolved in Hellenistic literature to encompass both physical and metaphorical resistance.

In the Septuagint, ἀντιπίπτω appears in Proverbs 3:34, translating the Hebrew concept of divine opposition to the proud. This usage bridges the classical military meaning to the spiritual application found in the New Testament, where it specifically describes resistance against divine authority.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Active opposition or resistance against authority
• Deliberate striving against divine purposes
• Falling into a position of conflict with someone/something
• Pushing back against spiritual influence

ἀντιπίπτω Translation Options:

• “to actively resist” – emphasizes the conscious, ongoing nature of opposition
• “to set oneself against” – highlights the personal choice involved
• “to strive against” – captures the energetic aspect of resistance
• “to oppose” – general term encompassing various forms of resistance

Biblical Usage

The most significant use of ἀντιπίπτω occurs in Acts 7:51, where Stephen confronts the Sanhedrin with their persistent resistance against the Holy Spirit. This usage embodies the word’s fullest theological significance, describing not merely passive unbelief but active opposition to God’s work.

In the broader biblical context, while the word appears sparingly, its concept aligns with numerous passages describing resistance to God’s purposes, particularly in Acts and the Prophetic books. The term’s force is especially evident in Stephen’s martyrdom speech, where it serves as the culminating indictment against his opponents.

Key verses featuring ἀντιπίπτω:

• “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist [ἀντιπίπτω] the Holy Spirit.” Acts 7:51

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, resistance against the Holy Spirit was considered one of the most serious spiritual offenses. The concept was deeply rooted in the prophetic tradition, where figures like Isaiah and Jeremiah frequently confronted Israel’s resistance to God’s messages. The term ἀντιπίπτω in Stephen’s speech would have resonated powerfully with his Jewish audience, as it connected their present opposition to the Messiah with their ancestors’ resistance to the prophets.

The physical gesture of “covering their ears” mentioned in Acts 7:57 following Stephen’s use of ἀντιπίπτω provides a vivid cultural illustration of this resistance. This action was a recognized symbol of willful rejection in ancient Near Eastern culture.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀντιπίπτω in Acts reveals a profound theological truth about human nature and divine grace. It demonstrates that resistance to God’s Spirit is not merely passive unbelief but an active choice. This understanding heightens the significance of the Holy Spirit’s patient work in drawing people to the Messiah Jesus.

The word also illuminates the serious nature of spiritual resistance, showing how opposition to God’s Spirit can escalate from initial reluctance to determined hostility. This progression is evident in Stephen’s speech, where he traces Israel’s pattern of resistance from Moses to the Messiah.

Personal Application

When we understand ἀντιπίπτω, we’re challenged to examine our own hearts for areas where we might be resisting God’s Spirit. This resistance often manifests in subtle ways – perhaps in hesitation to obey His prompting, reluctance to forgive, or unwillingness to surrender certain areas of our lives.

The word calls us to cultivate sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading and to respond with humble submission rather than resistance. It reminds us that each moment presents a choice: to yield to or resist God’s work in our lives.

Related Words

• ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi) – to stand against, oppose, withstand (See G436)
• ἀντιτάσσω (antitassō) – to range oneself against, oppose (See G498)
• ἀπειθέω (apeitheō) – to disbelieve, be disobedient (See G544)
• σκληρύνω (sklērynō) – to harden, make stubborn (See G4645)

Did you Know?

• The compound structure of ἀντιπίπτω (anti + piptō) creates a vivid word picture of someone literally “falling against” or “stumbling into opposition,” highlighting the self-defeating nature of resisting God.
• In modern Greek, ἀντιπίπτω has evolved to describe any form of counterforce or resistance, including in physics and engineering contexts, though its biblical significance continues to influence its usage in theological discussions.
• The concept represented by ἀντιπίπτω appears in rabbinic literature as “מרה” (marah), describing rebellion against divine authority, showing the word’s deep roots in Jewish theological thought.

Remember This

ἀντιπίπτω reminds us that resistance to God’s Spirit is a conscious choice that ultimately opposes our own best interests, while submission opens the door to His transformative work in our lives.