### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀντιπίπτω (antipíptō, `{{G496}}`) is a compound verb derived from ἀντί (anti), meaning "against" or "opposite to," and πίπτω (píptō), meaning "to fall" or "to strike." Literally, it conveys the sense of "to fall against" or "to strike against." However, its semantic range in the New Testament is exclusively figurative, denoting active "opposition," "resistance," or "to withstand." This implies a deliberate and forceful counter-action against an external force or influence, rather than mere passive disagreement or failure to comply. It suggests a direct confrontation or an effort to hinder or prevent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀντιπίπτω (antipíptō, `{{G496}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its single occurrence is highly impactful and central to the narrative in which it is found.
* **[[Acts 7:51]]**: In Stephen's impassioned speech before the Sanhedrin, he declares, "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you."
* Here, ἀντιπίπτω describes the persistent and active opposition of Stephen's audience, and their ancestors, to the divine influence and revelation of the Holy Spirit. It is not merely a failure to obey, but a deliberate and stubborn pushing back against God's will and His Spirit's promptings.
* The accusation is intensified by the preceding descriptors: "stiff-necked" (a common Old Testament idiom for obstinate rebellion, cf. `{{H6203}}` + `{{H7185}}`), and "uncircumcised in heart and ears" (signifying spiritual unresponsiveness and inability to truly hear or obey God's word).
* The phrase "as your fathers did, so do you" draws a direct parallel between the contemporary resistance of the Jewish leaders and the historical pattern of Israel's rebellion against God and His prophets throughout their history (e.g., in the wilderness, rejecting Moses and the prophets). This highlights a deep-seated, continuous spiritual rebellion against divine authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἀντιπίπτω (antipíptō, `{{G496}}`) is enhanced by examining related Greek terms and broader biblical concepts:
* **ἀνθίστημι (anthístēmi, `{{G436}}`):** "to stand against," "to resist," "to oppose." This word is more frequently used in the New Testament (e.g., resisting evil, authorities, or false teaching, [[Ephesians 6:13]], [[James 4:7]]). While similar to ἀντιπίπτω in meaning "to resist," ἀνθίστημι often emphasizes taking a stand or holding one's ground against an opposing force.
* **ἀπειθέω (apeithéō, `{{G544}}`):** "to disobey," "to be disobedient," "to refuse to believe." While disobedience is a form of resistance, ἀντιπίπτω emphasizes the active, confrontational aspect of opposition, whereas ἀπειθέω can imply a more passive refusal to be persuaded or to comply.
* **ὑποτάσσω (hypotássō, `{{G5293}}`):** "to submit," "to subject oneself." This word represents the antonym of ἀντιπίπτω, signifying the desired response of humility and obedience to divine authority.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The concept of resisting God or His messengers is pervasive in the Old Testament. Hebrew terms such as מָרָה (marah, `{{H4784}}`, "to be rebellious, disobedient") and the idiom קָשָׁה עֹרֶף (qashah oreph, "to stiffen the neck," `{{H7185}}` + `{{H6203}}`) convey similar notions of stubborn opposition to divine commands and guidance.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἀντιπίπτω (antipíptō, `{{G496}}`) in [[Acts 7:51]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Human Agency and Resistance to God:** The word underscores the human capacity for willful and active resistance to God's will and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. It highlights that humanity is not merely passive in its sin but can actively push back against divine truth and grace. This emphasizes human accountability for their choices.
* **The Nature of Sin:** Resistance to the Holy Spirit is presented as a profound manifestation of sin, indicating a deep-seated rebellion against divine truth and the very presence of God's Spirit. It is not an act of ignorance but often a deliberate rejection of what is known or perceived to be from God.
* **The Holy Spirit's Active Work:** The fact that the Holy Spirit *can be resisted* implies His active and persistent work in convicting, guiding, revealing truth, and drawing humanity towards God. The resistance is against His benevolent and transformative influence.
* **Continuity of Rebellion:** Stephen's accusation connects the resistance of his contemporary audience to a long-standing pattern of rebellion within Israel's history. This suggests a persistent human inclination, often rooted in pride and self-will, to oppose God's messengers and His divine Spirit across generations.
* **Consequences of Resistance:** While ἀντιπίπτω itself describes the act, the context of Stephen's martyrdom and the subsequent judgment upon those who resisted (e.g., the destruction of Jerusalem) implicitly warns of the severe consequences of such hardened and continuous opposition to God.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀντιπίπτω (antipíptō, `{{G496}}`), literally "to fall against," signifies active "opposition" or "resistance." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 7:51]] is critically important, where Stephen condemns the Jewish leaders for continually "resisting the Holy Spirit," mirroring the historical rebellion of their ancestors. This term vividly portrays not passive disobedience, but a deliberate, stubborn, and active pushing back against divine influence and revelation. Theologically, ἀντιπίπτω` illuminates the profound human capacity for willful opposition to God, the active and persistent work of the Holy Spirit, and the grave nature of sin as a direct, conscious affront to divine truth and grace. It serves as a stark reminder of human accountability for rejecting God's persistent call.
TRV