2314. theomachos
Lexical Summary
theomachos: God-fighter, one who fights against God

Original Word: θεόμαχος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: theomachos
Pronunciation: theh-OM-ah-khos
Phonetic Spelling: (theh-om'-akh-os)
KJV: to fight against God
NASB: fighting against God
Word Origin: [from G2316 (θεός - God) and G3164 (μάχομαι - argue)]

1. an opponent of deity

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
to fight against God.

From theos and machomai; an opponent of deity -- to fight against God.

see GREEK theos

see GREEK machomai

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from theos and machomai
Definition
fighting against God
NASB Translation
fighting against God (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2314: θεομάχος

θεομάχος, θεομαχου, (Θεός and μάχομαι), fighting against God, resisting God: Acts 5:39. (Symm, Job 26:5; Proverbs 9:18; Proverbs 21:16; Heracl. Pont. alleg. Homer. 1; Lucian, Jup. tr. 45.)

Topical Lexicon
Definition and Concept

The term translated “to fight against God” denotes deliberate resistance to the divine will, whether expressed in revelation, providence, or the advance of the gospel. It is an active, hostile posture that places the creature in direct opposition to the Creator.

Biblical Occurrence and Context

Acts 5 records the arrest of the apostles and the subsequent deliberation of the Sanhedrin. Gamaliel cautions his peers: “But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them; you may even be found fighting against God” (Acts 5:39). His warning encapsulates the futility of human efforts that oppose God’s redemptive work through Jesus Christ and His church.

Theological Implications

1. Divine Sovereignty: The word underscores that God’s purposes are irresistible (Job 42:2; Isaiah 14:27). Any attempt to hinder them places one on the losing side of an unequal conflict.
2. Human Accountability: Though God is omnipotent, Scripture consistently holds individuals and nations responsible for choosing rebellion (Psalms 2:1-3; Romans 9:20).
3. Spiritual Blindness: Resistance is often rooted in ignorance or hardness of heart (Acts 7:51), highlighting the need for divine illumination (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Historical Background

Gamaliel’s counsel reflects a strand of rabbinic wisdom acknowledging that genuine movements of God prove themselves over time. The Sanhedrin, steeped in Israel’s history, had seen uprisings rise and fall. Yet in dismissing prior messianic pretenders, Gamaliel allowed for the possibility that the apostles’ message fulfilled God’s promises—a cautious approach that providentially spared the church an early, crushing persecution.

Ministry Applications

1. Evangelism: Preachers may take courage that gospel proclamation, when true to Scripture, enjoys divine backing. Opposition, however fierce, ultimately collapses (Philippians 1:12-14).
2. Pastoral Counsel: Believers tempted to resist clear biblical commands—whether regarding forgiveness, sexual purity, or stewardship—should be warned of the peril of aligning against God (1 Corinthians 10:22).
3. Apologetics: Like Gamaliel, godly reasoning can momentarily stay hostile authorities and grant space for the Word to spread (Colossians 4:5-6).

Warnings against Theomachy

• Pharaoh hardened his heart and was overthrown (Exodus 5-14).
• Nebuchadnezzar exalted himself and faced humbling discipline (Daniel 4:28-37).
• Saul of Tarsus learned—“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5)—that persecuting the church equals warring against Christ Himself.

Christological Fulfillment

Opposition to God reached its zenith at the cross, where rulers “gathered together against the Lord and against His Anointed” (Psalms 2:2; Acts 4:26-28). Yet that very act accomplished redemption, proving that theomachy not only fails but serves God’s larger purpose (Acts 2:23-24).

Eschatological Perspective

End-time rebellion culminates in the assembled kings waging war against the Rider on the white horse, only to be decisively defeated (Revelation 19:19-21). The final judgment vindicates God’s unstoppable reign and forever silences all resistance.

Summary

The single New Testament occurrence of this term in Acts 5:39 stands as a timeless admonition: opposing God—whether through overt persecution, doctrinal compromise, or personal disobedience—is futile. Wisdom, faith, and ministry effectiveness begin with humble submission to His sovereign will.

Forms and Transliterations
θεομαχοι θεομάχοι theomachoi theomáchoi
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Acts 5:39 Adj-NMP
GRK: ποτε καὶ θεομάχοι εὑρεθῆτε
NAS: be found fighting against God.
KJV: ye be found even to fight against God.
INT: ever also fighting against God you be found

Strong's Greek 2314
1 Occurrence


θεομάχοι — 1 Occ.

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