The Greek word ópisthen, represented by G3693, is a preposition and adverb denoting what is "from the rear" or "at the back." It appears 7 times in 7 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition encompasses the concepts of being at the back, coming after, or on the backside, establishing a sense of place, time, or sequence relative to a point of reference.
In the biblical narrative, G3693 is used to describe both physical position and movement. A woman with an issue of blood, seeking healing, "came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment" (Matthew 9:20; Luke 8:44; Mark 5:27). In a different context, Simon of Cyrene is compelled to bear the cross and follow "after Jesus" Luke 23:26. The disciples also use the term when complaining that a woman "crieth after us" Matthew 15:23. In Revelation, it describes comprehensiveness, such as a scroll "written within and on the backside" Revelation 5:1 and celestial beasts with eyes "before and behind" Revelation 4:6.
Several related words help define the spatial context of G3693:
- G1715 émprosthen (in front of): As a direct antonym, this word describes what is in front. It is used in direct contrast to G3693 in Revelation 4:6, where the four beasts are described as being full of eyes "before and behind."
- G1799 enṓpion (in the face of): This term also means "before" but often with the sense of being in the sight or presence of someone. It helps set the scene in Revelation 4:6 where the events take place "before the throne."
- G2081 ésōthen (from inside): This word provides a contrast between internal and external space. It is paired with G3693 in Revelation 5:1 to describe a scroll that was "written within and on the backside," signifying its completeness.
- G680 háptomai (to touch): This word is not spatial but describes the key action taken from the position of ópisthen. In three gospel accounts, a woman comes behind G3693 Jesus to touch G680 his garment (Matthew 9:20; Luke 8:44).
The use of G3693 carries significant conceptual weight in its various contexts.
- An Approach of Humility: The woman with the issue of blood approaches Jesus from behind, an action that suggests humility or a desire to remain unnoticed while seeking healing through an act of faith Matthew 9:20.
- The Act of Following: The word is used to depict the physical act of following, as when Simon of Cyrene carries the cross after Jesus, a literal act that symbolizes the cost of discipleship Luke 23:26. It is also used by the disciples to describe the Canaanite woman who "crieth after us" Matthew 15:23.
- Total Awareness and Completeness: In apocalyptic imagery, the term signifies totality. The four beasts having eyes "before and behind" conveys a sense of complete, all-encompassing awareness and vigilance around God's throne Revelation 4:6. Similarly, the scroll written "on the backside" indicates that it is completely filled with its message Revelation 5:1.
In summary, G3693 functions as more than a simple directional word. It defines a position that can imply humility, the act of following, or a state of completeness. From the desperate faith of a woman approaching Jesus from behind to the comprehensive vision of the celestial beings in Revelation, ópisthen illustrates how physical position can convey deep theological meaning about how one approaches or follows Christ and how God's domain is perceived.
TRV