Original Word: ἐναντίον
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: enantion
Pronunciation: eh-NAN-tee-on
Phonetic Spelling: (en-an-tee'-on)
KJV: before, in the presence of
Word Origin: [neuter of G1727 (ἐναντίος - sight)]

1. (adverbially) in the presence (view) of

in the presence of.

Neuter of enantios; (adverbially) in the presence (view) of -- before, in the presence of.

see GREEK enantios

Word Origin
neut. of enantios, used as preposition and adverb
Definition
before, in the presence of.

Semantic Range and Conceptual Background

Strong’s Greek 1726 (ἐνάντι/ἐναντίον) serves as a preposition and adverb conveying “in the presence of,” “before,” or “in the sight of.” In Scripture the word marks an immediate relational context—whether divine or human—underscoring accountability, visibility, and relational proximity. The Septuagint often uses the same form to translate Hebrew לִפְנֵי (lip̄nê, “before” or “in front of”), preparing readers to hear covenant language of living “before the LORD.”

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Luke 1:6 – righteous conduct “in the sight of God.”
2. Luke 20:26 – failure to ensnare Jesus “before the people.”
3. Luke 24:19 – Jesus’ ministry “before God and all the people.”
4. Acts 7:10 – Joseph’s favor “before Pharaoh king of Egypt.”
5. Acts 8:32 – the suffering Servant “as a lamb before its shearer.”

These verses display a movement from the personal piety of Zechariah and Elizabeth to the public arena of Jesus’ ministry, then to the political sphere of Joseph’s elevation, and finally to the judicial silence of Christ foretold in Isaiah.

Patterns of Usage

• Divine Perspective: Luke 1:6 and Luke 24:19 emphasize God’s viewpoint. Genuine righteousness and Spirit-empowered ministry are evaluated in His immediate presence.
• Public Witness: Luke 20:26 highlights how truth withstands scrutiny “before the people,” reinforcing integrity in proclamation.
• Civil Authority: Acts 7:10 shows that godly wisdom can stand “before” pagan rulers without compromise.
• Redemptive Suffering: Acts 8:32 carries Isaiah’s imagery into the New Covenant, portraying Christ’s meekness “before” oppressors as the basis for atonement.

Old Testament Echoes

The phrase “walk before Me” (Genesis 17:1) sets the covenantal frame: the believer’s life unfolds coram Deo. Similarly, Exodus 11:3 and 1 Samuel 2:30 depict esteem “in the sight of Pharaoh” or “in the sight of the people,” aligning with Joseph and Jesus standing conspicuously under observation.

Theological Themes

Presence and Accountability – 1726 underscores that every act, whether of worship or rebellion, takes place in witnessed space.

Favor and Vindication – When God grants grace (Acts 7:10), He does so publicly, silencing adversaries (Luke 20:26).

Messianic Fulfillment – The citation in Acts 8:32 ties Christ’s silent submission to prophetic expectation, illustrating sacrificial obedience “before” hostile eyes.

Christological Significance

Jesus embodies flawless transparency. His works and words hold up “before God and all the people” (Luke 24:19). The term thereby authenticates His messianic legitimacy and exposes the duplicity of His opponents, who could find no accusation that would stand “before the people” (Luke 20:26).

Practical Ministry Implications

• Live transparently: private godliness (Luke 1:6) must match public testimony (Luke 20:26).
• Preach courageously: the gospel withstands examination in any forum.
• Serve faithfully: like Joseph, believers can expect divine favor to be displayed even under secular scrutiny.
• Suffer redemptively: following Christ’s pattern, silent trust can speak volumes “before” persecutors.

Devotional Reflection

Walking “before the LORD” is a summons to conscious awareness of His gaze. Whether facing congregations, governments, or adversaries, the servant of Christ rests in the approval that ultimately matters, confident that grace bestowed in His presence will one day be manifested “before all” (1 Timothy 5:24-25).

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