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 **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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]]).
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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