Original Word: ἐναντίος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: enantios
Pronunciation: eh-NAN-tee-os
Phonetic Spelling: (en-an-tee'-os)
KJV: (over) against, contrary
NASB: sight, against, contrary, hostile, before, opponent, presence
Word Origin: [from G1725 (ἔναντι - before)]

1. opposite
2. (figuratively) antagonistic

over against, contrary.

From enanti; opposite; figuratively, antagonistic -- (over) against, contrary.

see GREEK enanti

1727 enantíos (from 1722 /en "in," intensifying antios, "set against") – properly, "in the sphere against," i.e. opposed (contrary) to, in principle and in practice; "set against, adverse to."

Word Origin
from en and antios (set against)
Definition
opposite, fig. hostile, opposed
NASB Translation
against (2), before (1), contrary (2), hostile (2), opponent (1), presence (1), right in front (1), sight (3).

STRONGS NT 1727: ἐναντίος

ἐναντίος, ἐναντία, ἐναντίον (ἀντίος set against) (from Homer down), properly, that which is over against; opposite; used:

1. primarily of place; opposite, contrary: of the wind (Xenophon, an. 4, 5, 3), Matthew 14:24; Mark 6:48; Acts 27:4; ἐξ ἐναντίας (Winers Grammar, 591 (550); Buttmann, 82 (71)), opposite, over against (see ἐκ, I. 4), with the genitive Mark 15:39.

2. metaphorically, opposed as an adrersary, hostile, antagonistic in feeling or act: 1 Thessalonians 2:15 (on which passage (for confirmatory references to ancient authors) cf. Grimm on 3Macc. 7:4 (on the other hand, see Lünem. on 1 Thess. l. c.)); ὁ ἐξ ἐναντίας, an opponent (A. V. he that is of the contrary part), Titus 2:8; ἐναντίον ποιεῖν τί τίνι, to do something against one, Acts 28:17; ἐναντία πράττειν πρός τό ὄνομα τίνος, Acts 26:9. Neuter ἐναντίον, adverb, as a preposition is construction with the genitive (Buttmann, 319 (273)), before, in the sight of, in the presence of, one (so in Greek writings from Homer down; the Sept. often for לִפנְיֵ and בְּעֵינֵי also for לְעֵינֵי): Mark 2:12 (T Tr marginal reading WH ἔμπροσθεν); Luke 20:26; Acts 7:10 (ἐναντίον Φαραώ, when he stood before Pharaoh (here Tdf. ἔναντι, which see)); Acts 8:32; Hebraistically, in the judgment, estimation, of one, Luke 24:19; (Luke 1:6 T Tr WH) (Genesis 10:9, etc.). (τό ἐναντίον i. e. τοὐναντίον see in its place.)

Concept of Opposition

Strong’s Greek 1727 draws attention to that which stands “opposite,” whether persons, powers, circumstances, or even natural forces. In Scripture the term marks both active hostility and simple positional opposition; it may describe winds, legal accusations, or spiritual resistance. Each occurrence stresses the reality that life and ministry often face elements set against the purposes of God or the well-being of His people.

Occurrences and Contexts

1. Personal Hostility (Acts 26:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:15)
• Paul recalls persecuting believers: “I thought to myself that I ought to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 26:9).
• He later speaks of those “hostile to all men” who hinder the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:15).

The word therefore highlights the tragic irony of religious zeal turned against Christ and His messengers.

2. Judicial or Cultural Accusation (Acts 28:17)
• Paul protests, “I have done nothing against either our people or the customs of our fathers.”

Here “against” frames false charges, reminding readers that fidelity to Christ may be misrepresented as disloyalty to nation or tradition.

3. Moral and Verbal Opposition (Titus 2:8)
• Sound teaching equips believers “so that those who oppose you will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.”

The term points to critics who watch Christian conduct; blameless speech silences them.

4. Spectator Position (Mark 15:39)
• The centurion “standing there in front of Jesus” becomes a witness to divine truth.

Physical placement “opposite” the cross underscores the revelation granted even to outsiders.

5. Adverse Natural Forces (Matthew 14:24; Mark 6:48; Acts 27:4)
• “The wind was against it.”
• “The wind was against them.”
• “We sailed … because the winds were against us.”

The same term that denotes human antagonism also describes creation’s resistance, reminding believers that adversity may arise from a fallen world as well as from fallen people.

Themes of Redemptive History

Opposition cannot frustrate God’s purposes. Paul, once the chief opponent, becomes chief herald; hostile winds become the stage for Christ’s mastery of creation; false accusations against the apostle open doors for gospel proclamation in Rome. Scripture thus presents opposition as a canvas upon which divine sovereignty and grace are displayed.

Ministry Significance

• Expect Resistance. Faithful proclamation will meet personal, cultural, and spiritual pushback.
• Guard Integrity. Titus 2:8 urges exemplary speech and behavior so that opponents are left without grounds for slander.
• Persevere. Whether adverse winds or hostile courts, the believer moves forward confident that the same Lord who walked on waves and overruled tribunals still reigns.
• Pray for Opponents. Paul’s transformation encourages prayerful hope that today’s adversaries may become tomorrow’s ambassadors.

Historical Reflection

Early church fathers saw the word as a reminder that the Christian pilgrimage is one of “contest.” John Chrysostom notes that opposition, properly met, refines faith. Reformers likewise cited passages such as Acts 26:9 to warn against religious persecution and to call for conscience captive to the Word of God alone.

Practical Application

1. Discern the Nature of Opposition. Not all resistance is persecution; some reflects natural difficulty (wind), some moral critique (Titus 2:8), some overt hostility (Acts 26:9).
2. Respond with Truth and Love. Paul’s defense before authorities pairs factual clarity with respect (Acts 28:17).
3. Rest in Christ’s Authority. The Lord who commands winds (Matthew 14:24–33) also commands history (Acts 27–28).
4. Maintain a Missional Outlook. Adversity often positions believers “in front of” observers (Mark 15:39), turning opposition into opportunity for witness.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 1727 highlights the reality of opposition in multiple forms. Scripture consistently portrays such adversity as neither surprising nor insurmountable. Instead, it becomes an arena for the demonstration of Christ’s power, the vindication of godly conduct, and the advancement of the gospel.

εναντια εναντία ἐναντία εναντιας εναντίας ἐναντίας εναντίοι εναντιον εναντίον ἐναντίον εναντιος εναντίος ἐναντίος εναντιους εναντίους ἐναντίους εναντιων εναντίων ἐναντίων εναπέθανεν enantia enantía enantias enantías enantion enantiōn enantíon enantíōn enantios enantíos enantious enantíousInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts