### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ἀντιπέραν (antipéran, `{{G495}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἀντί (anti, `{{G473}}`), meaning "over against," "opposite," or "instead of," and the adverb πέραν (peran, `{{G4008}}`), meaning "beyond," "across," or "on the other side." Synthesizing these components, ἀντιπέραν precisely denotes a spatial relationship: "on the opposite side," "across from," or "over against." It describes a location that is directly across a boundary, often a body of water or a significant geographical feature, from a point of reference. Its semantic range is narrow and primarily descriptive, indicating a relative position rather than a confrontational or substitutive relationship implied by other uses of ἀντί.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀντιπέραν (antipéran, `{{G495}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 8:26]]**: "Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is **over against** Galilee."
In this solitary occurrence, ἀντιπέραν serves a crucial geographical function. Luke uses it to specify the location of the Gerasenes' country in relation to Galilee. The narrative describes Jesus and His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee, indicating a journey from one side of the lake to the other. The phrase "over against Galilee" pinpoints the destination as being on the opposite shore from where they embarked, emphasizing the spatial separation across the body of water. This precise geographical detail sets the scene for the dramatic encounter with the demon-possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes, a predominantly Gentile area, contrasting with the Jewish regions of Galilee. The word's use here is purely descriptive, providing a clear directional and positional reference for the reader.
### Related Words & Concepts
While ἀντιπέραν (antipéran, `{{G495}}`) is unique in its precise compound form and single New Testament occurrence, its components and similar adverbs/prepositions illuminate its meaning:
* **ἀντί (anti, `{{G473}}`)**: The preposition from which the first part of the compound is derived. While ἀντί can denote substitution ("instead of") or opposition ("against"), in ἀντιπέραν, its primary function is to indicate a position "over against" or "opposite."
* **πέραν (peran, `{{G4008}}`)**: The adverb meaning "beyond" or "across." This forms the core spatial concept of crossing or being on the other side.
* **κατέναντι (katenanti, `{{G2713}}`)**: A closely related adverb meaning "opposite," "over against," or "in front of." It shares the sense of direct opposition or facing, often used in a more general sense of "before" or "in the presence of."
* **ἔναντι (enanti, `{{G1725}}`)**: Similar to κατέναντι, meaning "in the presence of" or "before," sometimes implying a position "over against."
* **ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen, `{{G1715}}`)**: Meaning "before" or "in front of," which can also describe a position relative to another, though typically not implying a crossing or being on the *other* side of a distinct boundary.
ἀντιπέραν stands out for its specific emphasis on being "across a divide" or "on the opposite bank/shore," a nuance that differentiates it from more general terms of proximity or opposition.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular appearance in [[Luke 8:26]], ἀντιπέραν (antipéran, `{{G495}}`) does not carry intrinsic theological weight as a standalone term. Its significance is primarily contextual, serving as a precise geographical indicator within the narrative. However, the *action* it describes—sailing "over against" Galilee—is laden with theological implications for Jesus's ministry:
1. **Crossing Boundaries**: The journey to the country of the Gerasenes, which was a Gentile region, signifies Jesus's mission extending beyond the traditional Jewish territories. This act of crossing "over against" Galilee foreshadows the universal scope of the Gospel, reaching those considered "outside" or "other."
2. **Encounter with the Demonic**: The location "over against Galilee" sets the stage for one of Jesus's most powerful encounters with demonic forces, culminating in the healing of the Gerasene demoniac. This demonstrates Jesus's authority not only within Jewish lands but also in Gentile territories, asserting His sovereignty over all creation, even in regions considered unclean or inhabited by powerful spiritual darkness.
3. **Inclusion and Outreach**: The narrative highlights Jesus's willingness to go to great lengths, literally crossing a significant body of water, to minister to individuals in desperate need, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The word ἀντιπέραν, while merely descriptive, underscores this intentional movement towards those "on the other side" who were ripe for the transformative power of God's kingdom.
Thus, while philologically simple, ἀντιπέραν subtly contributes to the broader theological theme of Jesus's inclusive and boundary-crossing ministry.
### Summary
ἀντιπέραν (antipéran, `{{G495}}`) is a Greek adverb meaning "on the opposite side" or "over against," formed from ἀντί ("opposite") and πέραν ("across"). It is used only once in the New Testament, in [[Luke 8:26]], to precisely locate the country of the Gerasenes as being "over against Galilee" across the Sea of Galilee. This word serves as a clear geographical marker, indicating a specific spatial relationship. While not a theologically complex term itself, its use in Luke's Gospel highlights Jesus's purposeful journey across geographical and cultural boundaries to minister in Gentile territory, underscoring the universal reach of His redemptive mission and His authority over all realms, even those considered "other" or spiritually distant. It is a humble but precise word that contributes to the vivid and purposeful narrative of the Gospels.
TRV