from the same as ὄπισθεν with enclitic of direction; to the back, i.e. aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun):--after, back(-ward), (+ get) behind, + follow.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3694}}` **opísō** functions as a pivotal word in the New Testament that defines spiritual direction. It is not merely about physical location but about allegiance. It frames the fundamental choice presented in scripture: to come "**after**" Christ in discipleship or to go "**back**" into apostasy, to follow Him or to pursue destructive paths. The word captures the essence of movement toward or away from God.
TRV