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An opposite side to adversity
1. An opposite side to adversity
The Greek word often translated as "
adversary" in the
KJV (King James Version) comes from a Greek word that means "
opposite".
The ancient Greek word
"ἀντίκειμαι" ≈ "opposite". In context, an "
opposite" meaning might or might not be "
adversarial".
This Greek word for "
opposite" was usually translated in the Latin Vulgate as "
adversary" which influenced later translations.
Let us investigate.
2. Opposite
3. 2 Thessalonians 2:4 Opposite
2 Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. [kjv]
ο αντικειμενος και υπεραιρομενος επι παντα λεγομενον θεον η σεβασμα ωστε αυτον εις τον ναον του θεου καθισαι αποδεικνυντα εαυτον οτι εστιν θεος [gnt]
… adversatur … extollitur … dicitur … colitur … templo … sedeat … [v]
The ancient Greek word
"ἀντίκειμαι" ≈ "opposite" and
not "opposeth". This is, this person will be the
"opposite", in deception, but will
not "oppose" what he is trying to "
impersonate".
4. Modern Greek
5. Aristotle
Aristotle in his writings on logic and reasoning and refuting bad reasoning will often use this Greek word in the sense of "
opposite".
English:
To sum up, in dealing with arguments which turn on language the solution will always depend on the opposite of that on which the argument turns. Loeb Classical Library, Vol. 400, p. 117.
Greek:
Ὅλως δ´ ἐν τοῖς παρὰ τὴν λέξιν λόγοις ἀεὶ κατὰ τὸ ἀντικείμενον ἔσται ἡ λύσις ἢ παρ´ ὅ ἐστιν ὁ λόγος. Sophistic Refutations 23.1.
Consider the phrase "
in opposition" that may mean "
opposite" or it may have the additional idea of "
adversarial".
6. Latin
The Greek word for "
opposite" was usually translated in the Latin Vulgate as "
adversary" which influenced later translations.
The English word
"adversary" comes, through French, from the Latin word
"adversarius" ≈ "opponent, adversary, enemy" which comes from the Latin word
"adversus" ≈ "set opposite, turned toward".
An "
adverse" situation is a situation that is "
opposite" to another situation. One tends to focus on the "
unfavorable" situation which leads to the general meaning over time.
7. Vice versa and the universe
8. Strongs - opposite
- *G480 *8 ἀντίκειμαι (an-tik'-i-mahee) : from G473 and G2749; to lie opposite, i.e. be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to:--adversary, be contrary, oppose.
- αντικειμενοι *3
- Luke 13:17 ... these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all ...
- Luke 21:15 ... which all your adversaries shall not be able ...
- 1 Corinthians 16:9 ... me, and there are many adversaries.
- αντικειται *2
- Galatians 5:17 ... the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye ...
- 1 Timothy 1:10 ... and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
- αντικειμενων
- Philippians 1:28 ... nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them ...
- αντικειμενος
- 2 Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called ...
- αντικειμενω
- 1 Timothy 5:14 ... give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
9. Usage - opposite
 |
Words: αντικειμενοι=3 αντικειμενος αντικειμενω αντικειμενων αντικειται=2
|
10. Luke
Luke 13:17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him. [kjv]
Here, the Latin "
adversaries" were "
opposites" to Jesus and, by inference, those who were "
opposite" to his views. They were "
adverse" or "
opposite" to his sayings.
21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. [kjv]
11. Luke 13:17
KJV: And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
Greek: και ταυτα λεγοντος αυτου κατησχυνοντο παντες οι αντικειμενοι αυτω και πας ο οχλος εχαιρεν επι πασιν τοις ενδοξοις τοις γινομενοις υπ αυτου
Latin: et cum haec diceret erubescebant omnes adversarii eius et omnis populus gaudebat in universis quae gloriose fiebant ab eo
Slavonic: И сия Ему глаголющу, стыдяхуся вси противляющиися Ему: и вси людие радовахуся о всех славных бывающих от Него.
Russian: И когда говорил Он это, все противившиеся Ему стыдились; и весь народ радовался о всех славных делах Его.
12. Slavic
13. Luke 21:15
KJV: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
Greek: εγω γαρ δωσω υμιν στομα και σοφιαν η ου δυνησονται αντειπειν ουδε αντιστηναι παντες η αντειπειν απαντες οι αντικειμενοι υμιν
14. 1 Corinthians
There are many "
opposite" to Paul.
1 Corinthians 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. [kjv]
In general, anyone opposite to one's point of view might be considered an "
adversary". What about an "
opposite" to an "
opposite"? Logically, an "
opposite" to an "
opposite" (when there are more than one) may still be an "
opposite".
In more precise logical terms, the relation of transitivity may not hold in the presence of negation.
 |
Details are left as a future topic.
|
15. 1 Corinthians 16:9
KJV: For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
Greek: θυρα γαρ μοι ανεωγεν μεγαλη και ενεργης και αντικειμενοι πολλοι
Latin: ostium enim mihi apertum est magnum et evidens et adversarii multi
16. Exodus
Exodus 23:22 But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. [kjv]
εαν ακοη ακουσητε της εμης φωνης και ποιησης παντα οσα αν εντειλωμαι σοι και φυλαξητε την διαθηκην μου εσεσθε μοι λαος περιουσιος απο παντων των εθνων εμη γαρ εστιν πασα η γη υμεις δε εσεσθε μοι βασιλειον ιερατευμα και εθνος αγιον ταυτα τα ρηματα ερεις τοις υιοις ισραηλ εαν ακοη ακουσητε της φωνης μου και ποιησης παντα οσα αν ειπω σοι εχθρευσω τοις εχθροις σου και αντικεισομαι τοις αντικειμενοις σοι [lxx]
What is the "
opposite" to an "
opposite"?
What is the opposite of "not in"?
The opposite of "not in" is "in".
Ancient proverb:
The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Used by Churchill in his decision to ally with Stalin against Hitler.
17. Exodus 23:22
KJV: But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.
Hebrew: כי אם שמע תשמע בקלו ועשית כל אשר אדבר ואיבתי את איביך וצרתי את צרריך׃
Greek: εαν ακοη ακουσητε της εμης φωνης και ποιησης παντα οσα αν εντειλωμαι σοι και φυλαξητε την διαθηκην μου εσεσθε μοι λαος περιουσιος απο παντων των εθνων εμη γαρ εστιν πασα η γη υμεις δε εσεσθε μοι βασιλειον ιερατευμα και εθνος αγιον ταυτα τα ρηματα ερεις τοις υιοις ισραηλ εαν ακοη ακουσητε της φωνης μου και ποιησης παντα οσα αν ειπω σοι εχθρευσω τοις εχθροις σου και αντικεισομαι τοις αντικειμενοις σοι
18. Galatians
Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. [kjv]
η γαρ σαρξ επιθυμει κατα του πνευματος το δε πνευμα κατα της σαρκος ταυτα γαρ αλληλοις αντικειται ινα μη α θελητε ταυτα ποιητε [gnt]
… adversantur … [v]
The "
flesh" and the "
spirit" are "
opposites" rather than "
adversaries" which is the Latin word used here.
19. Galatians 5:17
KJV: For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Hebrew: כי הבשר מתאוה הפך מן הרוח והרוח הפך מן הבשר ושניהם מתקוממים זה לזה עד שלא תוכלו לעשות את אשר תחפצו׃
Greek: η γαρ σαρξ επιθυμει κατα του πνευματος το δε πνευμα κατα της σαρκος ταυτα δε αντικειται γαρ αλληλοις αντικειται ινα μη α αν εαν θελητε ταυτα ποιητε
Latin: caro enim concupiscit adversus spiritum spiritus autem adversus carnem haec enim invicem adversantur ut non quaecumque vultis illa faciatis
20. Philippians
Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. [kjv]
και μη πτυρομενοι εν μηδενι υπο των αντικειμενων ητις εστιν αυτοις ενδειξις απωλειας δε σωτηριας και τουτο απο θεου [gnt]
… adversariis … [v]
The
KJV sounds like the "
adversaries" are an external threat. Throughout his letter to the Philippians, Paul is warning against the empty opinion and false reasoning of the "
bishops" (leadership). Thus, the "
opposites" are an internal threat.
The Greek for "
terrified" is a word made up by Paul and, by parts, means "
remain as spit" as the "
opposites" take advantage of the true believers. To the "
opposites" the humbleness of the true believers is a sign of the "
destruction" of those true believers by the "
opposites", but that is not so.
21. Philippians 1:28
KJV: And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
Greek: και μη πτυρομενοι εν μηδενι υπο των αντικειμενων ητις αυτοις μεν εστιν αυτοις ενδειξις απωλειας υμιν υμων δε σωτηριας και τουτο απο θεου
Latin: et in nullo terreamini ab adversariis quae est illis causa perditionis vobis autem salutis et hoc a Deo
22. 2 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. [kjv]
ο αντικειμενος και υπεραιρομενος επι παντα λεγομενον θεον η σεβασμα ωστε αυτον εις τον ναον του θεου καθισαι αποδεικνυντα εαυτον οτι εστιν θεος [gnt]
… adversatur … [v]
The one who "
opposeth" Christ is he who is "
opposite" to Christ. This leader mentioned by Paul is often taken to be the "
antichrist". The Greek prefix "
anti" means "
instead of" so the "
antichrist" is not someone who "
opposes" Christ but sets himself up "
instead of" Christ or "
as" Christ.
23. 2 Thessalonians 2:4
KJV: Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Greek: ο αντικειμενος και υπεραιρομενος επι παντα λεγομενον θεον η σεβασμα ωστε αυτον εις τον ναον του θεου ως θεον καθισαι αποδεικνυντα εαυτον οτι εστιν θεος
Latin: qui adversatur et extollitur supra omne quod dicitur Deus aut quod colitur ita ut in templo Dei sedeat ostendens se quia sit Deus
24. 1 Timothy
1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; [kjv]
πορνοις αρσενοκοιταις ανδραποδισταις ψευσταις επιορκοις και ει τι ετερον τη υγιαινουση διδασκαλια αντικειται [gnt]
… adversatur [v]
Those who are "
contrary" to sound doctrine are those who are "
opposite" to sound or "
healthy" doctrine or "
teaching".
25. 1 Timothy 1:10
KJV: For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
Greek: πορνοις αρσενοκοιταις ανδραποδισταις ψευσταις επιορκοις και ει τι ετερον τη υγιαινουση διδασκαλια αντικειται
Latin: fornicariis masculorum concubitoribus plagiariis mendacibus periuris et si quid aliud sanae doctrinae adversatur
26. 1 Timothy
1 Timothy 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. [kjv]
βουλομαι ουν νεωτερας γαμειν τεκνογονειν οικοδεσποτειν μηδεμιαν αφορμην διδοναι τω αντικειμενω λοιδοριας χαριν [gnt]
… adversario … [v]
Which word fits better?
Who is the "adversary"?
Who is the "opposite"?
Might this be an external threat from outside the family or an internal threat from inside the family (or both or neither)?
27. Ancient Greek
1 Timothy 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. [kjv]
The Greek for "
speak reproachfully" has to do with "
speaking against" but without purposeful reason. The ancient Greek word
"λοιδορέω" ≈ "abuse, insult, revile". The Greek for "
occasion" has to do with "
pretext" or "
cause" and comes from the words for "
from" and "
attack".
The Greek for "
favor" or "
joy" here is an example were a "
favor" may not be perceived as "
good" or "
joy".
A paraphrase:
Do not give the opposite the pretext as a favor or joy of verbally abusing or insulting you.
28. Strongs - occasion
- *G874 *7 ἀφορμή (af-or-may') : from a compound of G575 and G3729; a starting-point, i.e. (figuratively) an opportunity:--occasion.
- αφορμην *7
- Romans 7:8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought ...
- Romans 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived ...
- 2 Corinthians 5:12 ... but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, ...
- 2 Corinthians 11:12 ... that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein ...
- Galatians 5:13 ... use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by ...
- 1 Timothy 5:14 ... guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
29. Usage - occasion
 |
Words: αφορμην=7
|
30. 1 Timothy 5:14
KJV: I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
Greek: βουλομαι ουν νεωτερας γαμειν τεκνογονειν οικοδεσποτειν μηδεμιαν αφορμην διδοναι τω αντικειμενω λοιδοριας χαριν
Latin: volo ergo iuveniores nubere filios procreare matres familias esse nullam occasionem dare adversario maledicti gratia
31. Strongs - reproach
- *G3059 *3 λοιδορία (loy-dor-ee'-ah) : from G3060; slander or vituperation:--railing, reproach(-fully).
- λοιδοριας *2
- 1 Timothy 5:14 ... none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
- 1 Peter 3:9 ... evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise ...
- λοιδοριαν
- 1 Peter 3:9 ... evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise ...
32. Usage - reproach
 |
Words: λοιδοριαν λοιδοριας=2
|
33. Isaiah
Isaiah 51:19 These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee? [kjv]
δυο ταυτα αντικειμενα σοι τις σοι συλλυπηθησεται πτωμα και συντριμμα λιμος και μαχαιρα τις σε παρακαλεσει [lxx]
What "
things" might these be? Could they be "
opposites"?
34. Isaiah 51:19
KJV: These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?
Hebrew: שתים הנה קראתיך מי ינוד לך השד והשבר והרעב והחרב מי אנחמך׃
Greek: δυο ταυτα αντικειμενα σοι τις σοι συλλυπηθησεται πτωμα και συντριμμα λιμος και μαχαιρα τις σε παρακαλεσει
35. Isaiah
Isaiah 66:6 A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies. [kjv]
A voice of a cry from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the Lord rendering recompence to his adversaries. [bs3]
φωνη κραυγης εκ πολεως φωνη εκ ναου φωνη κυριου ανταποδιδοντος ανταποδοσιν τοις αντικειμενοις [lxx]
Might the "
enemies" be the "
opposites" to those not on the side of the Lord?
36. Isaiah 66:6
KJV: A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies.
Hebrew: קול שאון מעיר קול מהיכל קול יהוה משלם גמול לאיביו׃
Greek: φωνη κραυγης εκ πολεως φωνη εκ ναου φωνη κυριου ανταποδιδοντος ανταποδοσιν τοις αντικειμενοις
37. Greek
There is another Greek word that is often translated as "
adversary" with a meaning of "
accuser" based on the Latin word (and not the Greek word).
Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]
… adversary … adversary … [kjv]
ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]
… adversario … adversarius … [v]
38. Quickly
Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]
… quickly, … [kjv]
ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση [gnt]
… cito … [v]
The Greek word for "
quickly" is the same Greek word that in Revelation is often translated as "
soon" as in "
Jesus will come soon" rather than "
Jesus will come quickly" as in this verse "
at any time".
39. Modern Greek
40. Matthew 5:25
KJV: Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
Greek: ισθι ευνοων τω αντιδικω σου ταχυ εως οτου ει μετ αυτου εν τη οδω μετ αυτου μηποτε μηποτε σε παραδω ο αντιδικος τω κριτη και ο κριτης σε παραδω τω τω υπηρετη και εις φυλακην βληθηση
Latin: esto consentiens adversario tuo cito dum es in via cum eo ne forte tradat te adversarius iudici et iudex tradat te ministro et in carcerem mittaris
Wessex: Beo þu onbugende þine wiðer-winnen hwora (sic) þa hwile þe þu eart. on weiga mid him. þi laes þe þi wiðer-winne þe selle þam deman. & se deme þe sylle þam þeine. & þu syo on cwarterne gesend.
Wycliffe: Be thou consentynge to thin aduersarie soone, while thou art in the weie with hym, lest perauenture thin aduersarie take thee to the domesman, and the domesman take thee to the mynystre, and thou be sent in to prisoun.
Luther: Sei willfertig deinem Widersacher bald, dieweil du noch bei ihm auf dem Wege bist, auf daß dich der Widersacher nicht dermaleinst überantworte dem Richter, und der Richter überantworte dich dem Diener, und werdest in den Kerker geworfen.
41. Strongs - accuser
- *G476 *5 ἀντίδικος (an-tid'-ee-kos) : from G473 and G1349; an opponent (in a lawsuit); specially, Satan (as the arch-enemy):--adversary.
- αντιδικος *2
- Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee ...
- 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring ...
- αντιδικου *2
- Luke 12:58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in ...
- Luke 18:3 ... me of mine adversary.
- αντιδικω
- Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee ...
42. Usage - accuser
 |
Words: αντιδικος=2 αντιδικου=2 αντιδικω
|
43. Accuser
Luke 18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. [kjv]
44. Luke 18:3
KJV: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
Greek: χηρα δε ην εν τη πολει εκεινη και ηρχετο προς αυτον λεγουσα εκδικησον με απο του αντιδικου μου
Latin: vidua autem quaedam erat in civitate illa et veniebat ad eum dicens vindica me de adversario meo
Wessex: Ða waes sum wudewa on þare cestre; þa com hyo to him & cwaeð. Wrec me wið minne wiðer-winne.
Wycliffe: And a widowe was in that citee, and sche cam to hym, and seide, Venge me of myn aduersarie;
Luther: Es war aber eine Witwe in derselbigen Stadt, die kam zu ihm und sprach: Rette mich von meinem Widersacher!
45. Peter
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [kjv]
46. 1 Peter 5:8
KJV: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Greek: νηψατε γρηγορησατε οτι ο αντιδικος υμων διαβολος ως λεων ωρυομενος περιπατει ζητων τινα καταπιη καταπιειν
Latin: sobrii estote vigilate quia adversarius vester diabolus tamquam leo rugiens circuit quaerens quem devoret
47. Proverbs
How well does "
accuser" fit instead of "
neighbour" in the following verse?
KJV:
Proverbs 18:17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. [kjv]
LXX (Septuagint): Brenton Septuagint
A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved. [bs3]
48. Proverbs 18:17
KJV: He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
Hebrew: צדיק הראשון בריבו יבא רעהו וחקרו׃
Greek: δικαιος εαυτου κατηγορος εν πρωτολογια ως δ αν επιβαλη ο αντιδικος ελεγχεται
Brenton: A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.
49. End of page
