Greek word · G478

ἀντικαθίστημι

antikathistēmi

to resist

(1) To put one thing in the place of another. (2) To set oneself against, take a stand, resist, confront. In Hebrews 12:4 it means (2).

Appears once in the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

ἀντι-καθ-ίστημι

[in LXX: Deuteronomy 31:21 (עָנָה), Joshua 5:7, Micah 2:8 (קוּם) * ;]

1. causal in Pres. imperfect fut. and 1 aor.; to replace, oppose.

2. Intrans. in pass. and 2 aor. act.;

(a) to supersede;

(b) to resist: Hebrews 12:4.†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Hebrews 12:4

Range of meaning

(1) To put one thing in the place of another. (2) To set oneself against, take a stand, resist, confront. In Hebrews 12:4 it means (2).

Against the English

English 'resist' fits well. 'Made a stand against' would better carry the picture of holding a position under attack.

Used elsewhere in the period

Only here in the New Testament. In the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint), Deuteronomy 31:21 says Moses' song will 'stand against' Israel as a witness. Joshua 5:7 uses the other sense, 'put in place of'.

Where it appears

Hebrews · 1

  1. Hebrews 12:4 ἀντικατέστητε have you resisted

    In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

    Here: Literally 'to set oneself against' and hold one's position. Used only here in the New Testament. The aorist (simple past) tense sums up the community's whole record so far: their stand has not yet cost them their lives.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.