from (regard; from ὀπτάνομαι) with enclitic of source; from the rear (as a secure aspect), i.e. at the back (adverb and preposition of place or time):--after, backside, behind.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ὄπισθεν (ópisthen), Strong's `{{G3693}}`, functions primarily as an adverb and preposition, denoting a position "from the rear," "at the back," or "behind." Its etymological root is linked to ὀπτάνομαι, suggesting a connection to "seeing" or "looking," which may imply a perspective or a vantage point. The base definition further specifies "from the rear (as a secure aspect)," an intriguing nuance that suggests not merely physical location but potentially a place of safety, protection, or a position of being out of the way.
The semantic range of ὄπισθεν extends to:
1. **Physical Location:** Denoting something situated at the back of another object or person (e.g., "behind," "at the back," "backside").
2. **Temporal Sequence:** Indicating something that occurs "after" another event or point in time.
3. **Metaphorical Position:** Referring to the past, things left behind, or a subordinate/non-obstructive position.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ὄπισθεν appears in various contexts within the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Physical Proximity and Following:**
* In the healing narratives of the woman with the flow of blood, ὄπισθεν describes her approach to Jesus: "And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up *behind* him and touched the fringe of his garment" [[Matthew 9:20]]. This highlights her humble, perhaps desperate, and unobtrusive attempt to receive healing. Similar accounts are found in [[Mark 5:27]] and [[Luke 8:44]].
* When Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry Jesus' cross, he carries it ὄπισθεν Jesus, emphasizing the physical act of following in His footsteps and bearing His burden [[Luke 23:26]].
* **Rebuke and Spiritual Warfare:**
* One of the most profound uses is Jesus' rebuke to Peter: "But he turned and said to Peter, 'Get *behind* me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man'" [[Matthew 16:23]]. The parallel account is in [[Mark 8:33]]. Here, ὄπισθεν is not merely a command for physical distance but a forceful spiritual declaration. Jesus commands Peter (who is acting as an unwitting agent of temptation) to take a subordinate position, to be out of the way of God's divine plan, or to cease his opposition. The "secure aspect" from the definition might subtly suggest that Jesus is placing Peter's temptation behind Him, securing His path.
* **Metaphorical Past:**
* Paul uses ὄπισθεν metaphorically in his pursuit of Christ: "But one thing I do: forgetting what lies *behind* and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" [[Philippians 3:13-14]]. Here, "what lies behind" refers to past achievements, failures, or even former identities that might hinder spiritual progress.
* **Divine Revelation and Description:**
* In the book of Revelation, ὄπισθεν describes aspects of divine revelation and the heavenly realm. John hears a voice "behind" him, signaling the unexpected and overwhelming nature of the divine communication [[Revelation 1:10]].
* The living creatures around the throne are "full of eyes in front and *behind*" [[Revelation 4:6]], symbolizing God's omniscience and all-encompassing knowledge.
* The scroll in God's hand is "written within and on the *backside*" [[Revelation 5:1]], indicating its complete and comprehensive nature, with nothing hidden or unrevealed.
### Related Words & Concepts
ὄπισθεν shares close semantic territory with several other Greek words and concepts:
* **ὀπίσω (opisō) `{{G3694}}`**: This is a very closely related term, often translated "back," "backward," or "after." While ὄπισθεν often emphasizes "from behind" or "at the back," ὀπίσω can be more general in denoting movement backward or sequence. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but ὄπισθεν can carry a stronger sense of a fixed position at the rear.
* **ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen) `{{G1715}}`**: This word serves as a direct antonym, meaning "in front of," "before," or "in the presence of." The contrast between ὄπισθεν and ἔμπροσθεν highlights positional or directional relationships.
* **ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō) `{{G190}}`**: Meaning "to follow," this verb often implies moving *behind* someone, thus naturally aligning with the spatial meaning of ὄπισθεν.
* **μετά (meta) `{{G3326}}`**: As a preposition, μετά can denote "after" in a temporal sense, overlapping with some uses of ὄπισθεν.
Concepts related to ὄπισθεν include:
* **Discipleship:** The act of following Christ, often physically and spiritually "behind" Him.
* **Past vs. Future:** The tension between what has been and what lies ahead in the Christian journey.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Omniscience:** God's all-encompassing knowledge and control, even over what is unseen or "behind" us.
* **Spiritual Authority:** The power to command and displace evil influences.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ὄπισθεν is multifaceted, touching upon themes of discipleship, spiritual warfare, sanctification, and divine attributes.
1. **Discipleship and Humility:** The physical act of coming ὄπισθεν Jesus, as seen with the woman with the hemorrhage, embodies a posture of humility and desperate faith. Similarly, carrying the cross ὄπισθεν Jesus signifies a commitment to follow Him even in suffering, embracing the cost of discipleship. It represents a willingness to be led, to learn from His example, and to submit to His authority.
2. **Spiritual Authority and Discernment:** Jesus' sharp rebuke, "Get ὄπισθεν me, Satan!" [[Matthew 16:23]], is a pivotal moment. It underscores His absolute authority over all spiritual opposition. This command is not merely about physical distance but about banishing an influence that seeks to divert from God's perfect will. It teaches believers the necessity of discerning spiritual attacks, even when they come through seemingly well-intentioned individuals, and of forcefully rejecting anything that is contrary to God's purpose. It places Satan and his temptations in their proper subordinate position, behind the divine plan.
3. **Progress in Sanctification:** Paul's exhortation to forget "what lies ὄπισθεν" [[Philippians 3:13]] is a profound theological statement on Christian growth. It calls believers to release the grip of past failures, successes, or even a former identity, which might hinder their forward momentum in Christ. True spiritual progress involves a determined focus on the future hope and the upward call of God, not dwelling on what has been.
4. **Divine Omniscience and Revelation:** In the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, the description of creatures with eyes "in front and ὄπισθεν" [[Revelation 4:6]] vividly portrays God's perfect omniscience, seeing all things, past, present, and future. The scroll written "on the ὄπισθεν" [[Revelation 5:1]] suggests the completeness and depth of God's sovereign plan and revelation, indicating that nothing is hidden or unwritten in His eternal counsel. The voice heard "behind" John [[Revelation 1:10]] emphasizes the sudden, powerful, and overwhelming nature of divine encounter, often coming from an unexpected direction.
### Summary
The Greek word ὄπισθεν (ópisthen) `{{G3693}}` is a versatile term primarily meaning "behind," "at the back," or "after." Its usage in the New Testament reveals layers of meaning beyond mere physical location. It describes the humble posture of a seeker approaching Christ, the demanding call to follow Jesus in discipleship, and the profound spiritual authority of Christ in rebuking satanic influence. Furthermore, it illuminates the believer's call to press forward in faith by "forgetting what lies behind" and underscores divine attributes such as omniscience and the comprehensive nature of God's revelation. ὄπισθεν thus serves as a rich theological indicator of spiritual posture, the nature of temptation, the journey of sanctification, and the encompassing presence of God.
TRV