The Greek word opísō, represented by G3694, is used as an adverb or preposition to denote movement or position to the back, behind, or after. It appears 36 times across 36 unique verses. While it can refer to simple time or place, it often carries a deeper meaning related to following or turning away from a person or ideology.
The semantic depth of G3694 opísō extends beyond mere spatial or temporal indicators to convey a profound sense of directionality and orientation. While it can simply mean "at the back" or "from behind," its frequent use as an adverb or preposition of motion emphasizes movement towards the rear, or following in the wake of something or someone. This dynamic aspect is crucial, as it implies a choice of trajectory – either advancing forward by leaving the past behind, or retreating into former states, or aligning one's path with another. Thus, G3694 often carries an inherent implication of consequence tied to the chosen direction, whether physical or spiritual.
In the biblical narrative, G3694 is frequently used by Jesus to define the terms of discipleship, as in the command to "come after me" (Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:23). It can denote a literal physical position, such as the woman who stood at Jesus' feet behind him Luke 7:38 or John hearing a great voice behind him Revelation 1:10. It is also used as a warning against spiritual regression, where one who has put his hand to the plough and is "looking back" is not fit for the kingdom of God Luke 9:62. In a negative sense, it describes those who went back and no longer walked with Jesus John 6:66.
Beyond the immediate call to discipleship or warning against spiritual regression, G3694 also highlights patterns of human susceptibility to misleading influences and the pursuit of destructive paths. It is used to describe those who are "drawn away much people after him" by figures like Judas of Galilee, indicating a negative form of leadership and misguided allegiance Acts 5:37. Similarly, believers are cautioned against going "after them" who falsely claim to be Christ, underscoring the danger of deception Luke 21:8. In a morally charged sense, it depicts the wickedness of those "going after strange flesh" as seen in Sodom and Gomorrah, exemplifying the pursuit of sin Jude 1:7. This pursuit of the undesirable culminates in eschatological warnings where "all the world wondered after the beast," illustrating a widespread spiritual defection Revelation 13:3. The word also appears in a context of urgent physical escape during tribulation, where one is warned "not return back" for possessions, emphasizing immediate, unhesitating movement away from danger Luke 17:31, Mark 13:16, Matthew 24:18.
Several related words help clarify the concept of following or moving away:
- G190 akolouthéō (to accompany (specially, as a disciple):--follow, reach.): This word often appears alongside G3694 to specify the act of discipleship, such as "followeth after me" Matthew 10:38.
- G1715 émprosthen (in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time):--against, at, before, (in presence, sight) of.): This serves as a direct antonym, highlighting the contrast between forgetting what is behind G3694 and reaching for what is before Philippians 3:13.
- G565 apérchomai (to go off (i.e. depart), aside (i.e. apart) or behind (i.e. follow), literally or figuratively...): This verb describes the action of going away or following, as when the Pharisees lamented that the world "is gone after him" John 12:19.
- G5217 hypágō (to lead (oneself) under, i.e. withdraw or retire...depart, get hence, go (a-)way.): This verb is used in the sharp command, "Get thee behind me, Satan" (Matthew 16:23, Luke 4:8), pairing the idea of departure with the position of being behind.
- G3693 ópisthen (from behind, backward): This adverb and preposition functions as a near synonym to G3694, frequently denoting a position "from behind" or "at the back." While G3694 often emphasizes movement to the back or after, G3693 can convey a more static position "behind" or the origin "from behind," though both can express similar ideas of following or being in the rear.
The theological weight of G3694 is significant, establishing a clear dichotomy between allegiance and rejection.
- The Call to Discipleship: The term is central to the invitation to follow Jesus. To come "after" Him requires denying oneself and taking up a cross Mark 8:34. Following after Jesus is a prerequisite for being worthy of Him Matthew 10:38.
- Spiritual Apostasy: The word is used to describe turning away from God and toward evil. Believers are warned of those who draw disciples after them by speaking perverse things Acts 20:30, those who turn aside "after Satan" 1 Timothy 5:15, and those who walk "after the flesh" 2 Peter 2:10.
- Rejection and Rebuke: Jesus uses G3694 to command separation from evil influence, most notably when He rebukes Peter by saying, "Get thee behind me, Satan" Matthew 16:23.
- Temporal and Spiritual Sequence: John the Baptist uses the word to distinguish his role from Christ's, stating that the one who comes "after me is preferred before me" (John 1:15, John 1:30), establishing a divine priority that transcends chronological order.
- Divine Priority and Fulfillment: The use of G3694 by John the Baptist establishes a profound theological point concerning the preeminence and divine ordering of Christ's advent. John consistently declares that "He that cometh after me is preferred before me" John 1:15, John 1:30, Mark 1:7, Matthew 3:11. This is not merely a chronological sequence but an assertion of Christ's superior nature and authority, confirming His messianic identity and the divine plan unfolding through His ministry, which supersedes John's preparatory role. It highlights the fulfillment of God's redemptive purpose through the one who follows in time but is eternally prior and greater in essence.
In summary, G3694 opísō is a dynamic Greek term that encapsulates movement or position to the rear, behind, or after, yet its significance in the New Testament transcends simple spatial or temporal definitions. It serves as a powerful descriptor for spiritual direction and allegiance, marking a pivotal choice point in the life of a believer. The word inherently conveys a sense of trajectory, whether one is moving towards Christ, away from Him, or pursuing other influences.
The lexicon entry for G3694 reveals a clear dichotomy: it is central to the call for genuine discipleship, urging individuals to come "after" Jesus, deny themselves, and embrace the cross. This positive orientation signifies a commitment to Christ's teachings and example. Conversely, G3694 frequently warns against spiritual apostasy, describing those who turn "back" from Christ, or who are drawn away "after" false teachers, Satan, or the desires of the flesh. This negative usage underscores the dangers of regression, misdirection, and the pursuit of anything contrary to God's will, extending to eschatological warnings against following the beast.
G3694 illuminates the divine ordering of salvation history, particularly through John the Baptist's testimony that the one coming "after" him is divinely preferred, establishing Christ's preeminence and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Whether denoting a literal physical position, a spiritual turning point, or a prophetic sequence, G3694 consistently frames the fundamental choice between aligning oneself with God's path or veering towards destructive alternatives, making it a crucial word for understanding the demands and dangers of faith.
TRV