Original Word: ἀπέναντι
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: apenanti
Pronunciation: ah-peh'-nahn-tee
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-en'-an-tee)
KJV: before, contrary, over against, in the presence of
NASB: before, contrary, opposite, presence
Word Origin: [from G575 (ἀπό - since) and G1725 (ἔναντι - before)]

1. from in front, i.e. opposite, before or against

before, contrary, over against.

From apo and enanti; from in front, i.e. Opposite, before or against -- before, contrary, over against, in the presence of.

see GREEK apo

see GREEK enanti

Word Origin
from apo and enanti
Definition
over against, before
NASB Translation
before (1), contrary (1), opposite (1), presence (1).

STRONGS NT 561: ἀπέναντι

ἀπέναντι, adverb, with the genitive (Buttmann, 819 (273));

1. over against, opposite: τοῦ τάφου, Matthew 27:61; (τοῦ γαζοφυλακίου, Mark 12:41 Tr text WH marginal reading).

2. in sight of, before: Matthew 21:2 R G; (here L Tr WH text κατέναντι); Acts 3:16; Romans 3:18 (Ps. 35(36):).

3. in opposition to, against: τῶν δογμάτων Καίσαρος, Acts 17:7. (Common in the Sept. and Apocrypha; Polybius 1, 86, 3.)

Term Overview

The adverb ἀπέναντι (Strong’s 561) conveys the idea of something “set directly across from” the observer—visibly, morally, or situationally. It frames what is plainly in view, not hidden in the periphery but squarely in front of one’s eyes or conscience.

Occurrences and Contexts in the New Testament

1. Matthew 27:24 – Pilate washes his hands “before the crowd,” signaling public responsibility for Jesus’ death. The term underscores the open, witnessed nature of the act; everyone present must now reckon with the governor’s declaration.

2. Matthew 27:61 – Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” sit “opposite the tomb.” Their vigil is not incidental but deliberate, face-to-face with the place where Jesus’ body lay. The word accentuates their steadfast attention as the first human witnesses to the sealed grave.

3. Acts 3:16 – Peter reminds the Jerusalem onlookers that the healed man is the one “whom you see and know.” His transformed state stands unmistakably in front of the very people who passed him daily. Gospel power is verified in plain sight.

4. Acts 17:7 – Thessalonian accusers charge the believers with acting “contrary to the decrees of Caesar.” The adverb stresses that the apostolic message is not a private difference of opinion but an overt challenge to idolatrous imperial claims.

5. Romans 3:18 – Quoting Psalm 36:1, Paul states, “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” The absence of reverence is not hidden; it is brazenly displayed before the moral gaze of heaven.

Intertextual Background

In the Septuagint, ἀπέναντι often translates Hebrew נֶגֶד (neged), “in front of / before.” Examples include Genesis 13:10 (Lot views the Jordan plain) and Psalm 51:3 (sin “ever before me”). The consistent idea is that something confronts the observer so directly it demands acknowledgement or decision.

Theological Significance

• Public Accountability: Whether Pilate’s abdication of justice or Israel’s unbelief, ἀπέναντι marks events that bear witness against the actors. Scripture portrays sin and righteousness alike as matters set openly “before” God and humanity.

• Visible Evidence of Redemption: In Acts 3, the healed beggar standing “before” the crowd validates the apostles’ proclamation. Salvation is not an abstract ideal but a demonstrable reality.

• Clash of Allegiances: Acts 17 uses the term to expose the incompatibility between Caesar’s self-exalting decrees and Jesus’ rightful kingship. The gospel is inherently public and confrontational, calling every culture to decide whom it will serve.

• Moral Clarity: Romans 3:18 crystallizes depravity as living life with no fear of God “before one’s eyes.” The word paints sin as willful disregard, not mere ignorance.

Implications for Ministry

1. Preach and live the faith openly. ἀπέναντι calls believers to a public witness that cannot be dismissed as private sentiment (Matthew 5:16).

2. Invite visible testimonies of grace. Like the healed man in Acts 3, changed lives standing “in front of” others authenticate the gospel’s power.

3. Address societal idols directly. As in Thessalonica, proclaiming Jesus inevitably challenges prevailing loyalties; faithful ministry names that conflict rather than soft-pedaling it.

4. Foster reverent fear of God. Romans 3:18 warns that the absence of this fear is blatant, not subtle. Teaching should aim to place God’s majesty squarely “before” believers’ eyes.

Historical Perspective

Early Christian writers saw ἀπέναντι as emblematic of the Church’s role as a city on a hill. Tertullian cites the public nature of martyrdoms as proof “before the eyes of the world” that Christ is worth dying for. Reformers likewise appealed to Romans 3:18 to indict cultures where Scripture was sidelined; the fear of God must again stand front-and-center.

Practical Reflection

Every congregation functions in a modern “public square.” Decisions about justice, holiness, and allegiance occur ἀπέναντι—to the watching world and to the Lord who “looks on the heart” yet also exposes deeds (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Discipleship therefore brings private conviction into open obedience, placing Christ unmistakably before human eyes.

Summary

ἀπέναντι illumines moments when truth, sin, or redemption stands squarely in view. Its five New Testament uses reveal God’s commitment to make His claims unmistakable: an innocent Savior condemned, faithful women keeping watch, a cripple healed, a city stirred, and a fallen humanity unmasked. Ministry that sets Jesus “before all” continues this divine pattern, calling every observer to see, believe, and respond.

απεναντι απέναντι απέναντί ἀπέναντι απεναντίον απηνεώθη apenanti apénantiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts