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 ὀπίσω (opísō, `{{G3694}}`) fundamentally denotes a spatial or temporal relationship of being "to the back," "behind," or "after." Derived from ὄπισθεν (ópisthen, `{{G3693}}`), it carries an enclitic of direction, emphasizing movement or orientation towards the rear. Its semantic range extends beyond mere physical location to encompass temporal succession and, significantly in the New Testament, a metaphorical sense of following or abandoning. As an adverb, it describes movement "backward" or position "behind." As a preposition, it can indicate being "after" something in time or "behind" something in space. In certain contexts, it can even function nominally, referring to "the back" or "what is behind." The core idea is one of following, whether literally in a procession or figuratively in allegiance and commitment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ὀπίσω occurs frequently in the New Testament, often with profound theological implications.
* **Discipleship and Following Christ:** One of the most prominent uses is in the call to discipleship. Jesus frequently invites individuals to "come after me" (δεῦτε ὀπίσω μου), as seen in His call to Peter and Andrew: "And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'" [[Matthew 4:19]] (cf. [[Mark 1:17]]). This is not merely an invitation to walk physically behind Jesus, but a summons to reorient one's life, prioritize His teachings, and commit to His way. Similarly, when Jesus states, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" [[Matthew 16:24]] (cf. [[Mark 8:34]], [[Luke 9:23]]), ὀπίσω underscores the radical self-renunciation and complete allegiance required for true discipleship.
* **Renunciation and Commitment:** The word highlights the necessity of decisive commitment without looking back. Jesus warns, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" [[Luke 9:62]]. This echoes the fate of Lot's wife, who "looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt" [[Genesis 19:26]] (cited in [[Luke 17:32]]). In these instances, ὀπίσω signifies a longing for the past, a hesitation, or an unwillingness to fully embrace the new path, which is deemed incompatible with kingdom living.
* **Temporal Succession and Priority:** John the Baptist repeatedly speaks of one "coming after him" who is greater, highlighting Christ's preeminence. "I baptize you with water, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry" [[Matthew 3:11]] (cf. [[Mark 1:7]], [[John 1:15]], [[John 1:27]], [[John 1:30]]). Here, ὀπίσω denotes not just temporal sequence but also a qualitative distinction in authority and divine nature.
* **Rejection of Opposition:** In a powerful rebuke, Jesus tells 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]] (cf. [[Mark 8:33]]). Here, ὀπίσω functions as a command to retreat, to cease influence, and to remove oneself from a position of opposition. It signifies a forceful rejection of thoughts or actions that contradict God's will.
* **Spiritual Progress:** Paul uses ὀπίσω to describe his relentless 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]]. This emphasizes the forward-looking nature of the Christian life, where past achievements or failures are left behind in favor of pressing towards Christ-likeness.
### Related Words & Concepts
* ὄπισθεν (ópisthen, `{{G3693}}`): The root word, meaning "from behind" or "at the back." ὀπίσω builds on this with a directional emphasis.
* ἔμπροσθεν (émprosthen, `{{G1715}}`): The direct antonym, meaning "in front of" or "before," often used to denote position or presence before God or others.
* ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō, `{{G190}}`): "To follow." While ἀκολουθέω more explicitly describes the act of following, ὀπίσω often specifies the direction or destination of that following ("after me"). The two words frequently appear together or in parallel constructions in the context of discipleship.
* **Concepts:** Discipleship, renunciation, commitment, spiritual progress, turning away from sin, priority, divine authority, opposition.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ὀπίσω is profound, particularly in its New Testament usage. It is a word that encapsulates the transformative nature of the Christian faith.
1. **Radical Discipleship:** The repeated command "come ὀπίσω me" is central to the call to discipleship. It demands a complete reorientation of life, a turning away from former allegiances, pursuits, and self-interest, and an unwavering commitment to Christ's person and mission. This is not merely an intellectual assent but a vocational and existential redirection.
2. **Decisive Commitment:** The imagery of not looking ὀπίσω after putting one's hand to the plow, or the warning from Lot's wife, underscores the absolute necessity of wholehearted commitment to God's kingdom. Any lingering attachment to the past, or a divided heart, renders one unfit for the demands of discipleship. It speaks to the exclusivity of Christ's claim on a believer's life.
3. **Christ's Preeminence:** John the Baptist's humble declaration that one "comes ὀπίσω" him who is infinitely greater establishes Christ's divine authority and unique status. It sets Christ apart as the one who fulfills prophecy and inaugurates the new covenant, far surpassing any human prophet.
4. **Spiritual Warfare and Progression:** The command "Get ὀπίσω me, Satan" reveals the spiritual battle inherent in following Christ. It is a rejection of worldly wisdom and demonic temptation that seeks to deflect from God's will. Paul's "forgetting what is ὀπίσω" emphasizes the dynamic, forward-moving nature of the Christian life, characterized by perseverance and pursuit of the heavenly prize, rather than dwelling on past accomplishments or failures.
### Summary
ὀπίσω (opísō, `{{G3694}}`) is a versatile Greek word meaning "to the back," "behind," or "after," conveying both spatial and temporal relationships. Its profound significance in the New Testament lies primarily in its use within the context of discipleship, where "coming ὀπίσω Christ" signifies a radical reorientation of one's life, involving complete self-denial and unwavering commitment to following Him. The word also powerfully conveys the necessity of decisive renunciation of the past, the preeminence of Christ over all others, and the ongoing spiritual progression of the believer who presses forward without looking back. Furthermore, it is used as a command to repel adversarial forces that seek to hinder God's purposes. Thus, ὀπίσω moves beyond simple direction to encapsulate core theological concepts of allegiance, transformation, and spiritual resolve.
TRV