Word Study for G472 (ἀντέχομαι)

antéchomai /an-tekh'-om-ahee/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom ἀντί and the middle voice of ἔχω

Meaningto hold oneself opposite to, i.e. (by implication) adhere to; by extension to care for

KJV usagehold fast, hold to, support.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of antéchomai — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word antéchomai, represented by G472, describes the act of adhering to or caring for something by holding oneself opposite to it. Its base definition includes the meanings to "hold fast," "hold to," and "support." It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, signifying a focused and intentional act of commitment.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, G472 consistently illustrates a principle of firm, active loyalty. It is used in parallel passages to describe the impossibility of serving two masters, stating that a person will inevitably hold to one and despise the other (Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13). This highlights a necessary choice between devotion to God and mammon. The word also appears as a key qualification for church leadership, where an elder must be found "Holding fast the faithful word" to properly teach and defend sound doctrine Titus 1:9. Finally, it is used in a list of pastoral instructions, commanding believers to support the weak 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of G472 through contrast and association:

G2706 kataphronéō (to think against, i.e. disesteem): This term is presented as the direct opposite of holding to a master. One either holds to a master or will despise him, showing that indifference is not an option Luke 16:13.
G1651 elénchō (to confute, admonish): This is a direct outcome of holding fast to truth. A leader who adheres to the faithful word is equipped to convince the gainsayers Titus 1:9.
G3114 makrothyméō (to be long-spirited, i.e. forbearing or patient): This virtue is commanded alongside the instruction to support the weak, indicating that the act of supporting others requires patience 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G472 centers on the nature of allegiance and faithfulness.

Exclusive Allegiance: The word frames devotion to God as an exclusive commitment. By teaching that no one can "hold to" God while also serving mammon, it establishes that spiritual loyalty cannot be divided Matthew 6:24.
Doctrinal Integrity: In the context of church leadership, "holding fast" is a non-negotiable action. It is the foundation that enables a leader to both exhort believers and convince opponents with sound doctrine Titus 1:9.
Practical Support: The term extends from a doctrinal to a relational command. To "support the weak" is an active expression of faith, listed among other essential community actions like warning the unruly and comforting the feebleminded 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

Summary

In summary, G472 is a word of decisive action and loyalty. It moves beyond passive agreement to active, dedicated adherence. Whether applied to one's ultimate master, foundational doctrine, or fellow believers in need, it signifies a resolute commitment. Through its specific applications, the word teaches that true faith involves firmly holding to what is righteous and supporting what is vulnerable.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 4 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Future Middle Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 1×

Accusative: The direct object of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future: Action yet to take place.
Middle: The subject acts on or for itself.
Middle Deponent: Middle in form but active in meaning.
Passive Deponent: Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive: Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Imperative: A command or entreaty.
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 4 verses across 4 of the 27 books. 4 books tie for most frequent (1 verse each); never once in the other 23.

Matthew

Luke

1 Thessalonians

Titus

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.