a primary particle; opposite, i.e. instead or because of (rarely in addition to):--for, in the room of. Often used in composition to denote contrast, requital, substitution, correspondence, etc.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **antí**, represented by `{{G473}}`, is a primary particle signifying something that is opposite, instead of, or because of another. It appears **22 times** across **20 unique verses** in the Bible. While often translated as "for," its core meaning encompasses concepts of substitution, requital, correspondence, and contrast.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G473}}` is used to articulate several crucial ideas. It establishes the principle of substitution, most notably in Jesus' statement that He came to **give** `{{G1325}}` His life as a **ransom** `{{G3083}}` **for** `{{G473}}` many ([[Matthew 20:28]]; [[Mark 10:45]]). It is also used to express the concept of requital or exchange, as in the Old Testament law of "an **eye** `{{G3788}}` **for** `{{G473}}` an **eye** `{{G3788}}`" [[Matthew 5:38]]. Furthermore, it can denote causation, explaining the reason for an event, such as when King Herod was struck down **because** `{{G473}}` he did not give **glory** `{{G1391}}` to God [[Acts 12:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the contexts in which `{{G473}}` is used:
* `{{G591}}` **apodídōmi** (recompense, render, requite): This verb is often used with `{{G473}}` to convey the idea of giving something back in exchange. Believers are instructed not to **render** `{{G591}}` evil **for** `{{G473}}` evil [[Romans 12:17]].
* `{{G3083}}` **lýtron** (ransom): This noun specifies the price paid for redemption. It appears alongside `{{G473}}` to define Jesus' life as a **ransom** `{{G3083}}` given **for** `{{G473}}` many, highlighting the substitutionary nature of His sacrifice [[Mark 10:45]].
* `{{G5485}}` **cháris** (grace, favour, gift): In [[John 1:16]], the phrase "**grace** `{{G5485}}` **for** `{{G473}}` **grace** `{{G5485}}`" illustrates a correspondence or an accumulation of blessing, where one measure of grace is received in addition to another.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G473}}` is significant, underpinning key doctrines and ethical principles.
* **Substitutionary Atonement:** The use of `{{G473}}` in the context of Christ's death establishes that His life was given as a **ransom** `{{G3083}}` **for** `{{G473}}` many, a substitution that forms a cornerstone of Christian soteriology [[Matthew 20:28]].
* **Ethical Response:** The command not to render evil **for** `{{G473}}` evil contrasts the old law of retaliation with the new covenant standard of blessing and forgiveness, defining a believer's conduct ([[1 Peter 3:9]]; [[1 Thessalonians 5:15]]).
* **Divine Accountability:** `{{G473}}` connects human action or belief directly to divine consequence. Judgment falls upon those **because** `{{G473}}` they did not **receive** `{{G1209}}` the **love** `{{G26}}` of the **truth** `{{G225}}` [[2 Thessalonians 2:10]], and blessing is withheld **because** `{{G473}}` of unbelief [[Luke 1:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G473}}` carries a meaning far deeper than a simple preposition. It is a foundational word for understanding substitution, requital, and causation in the biblical text. From defining the logic of Christ's atoning sacrifice to outlining the ethical framework for Christian living, **antí** demonstrates how a single particle can articulate profound theological truths concerning the relationship between God's justice, grace, and human responsibility.
TRV