### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **antistrateúomai**, represented by `{{G497}}`, is used figuratively to mean **to attack** or **war against**. Derived from ἀντί and στρατεύομαι, it suggests an active opposition or conflict. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, highlighting a specific type of spiritual battle.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G497}}` is found in [[Romans 7:23]], where it describes an intense internal struggle. The verse speaks of seeing "another law" in one's members that is **warring against** the law of the mind. This conflict is not against an external force but is an internal war within a person. The consequence of this battle is being brought into captivity to "the law of sin."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the context of this internal warfare:
* `{{G3196}}` **mélos** (member): This term for a limb or part of the body identifies the location of the warring law [[Romans 7:23]].
* `{{G3563}}` **noûs** (mind): Defined as the intellect or understanding, this is the faculty whose law is being attacked [[Romans 7:23]].
* `{{G163}}` **aichmalōtízō** (to make captive): This word describes the outcome of the conflict, where the individual is brought into captivity by the warring principle [[Romans 7:23]].
* `{{G266}}` **hamartía** (sin): This is the ultimate victor in the conflict described, as the person is made captive to the law of **sin** [[Romans 7:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G497}}` is centered on the nature of internal spiritual conflict.
* **An Internal War:** Its sole appearance illustrates that a significant spiritual battle is waged within the self. The conflict is between a "law in my members" `{{G3196}}` and "the law of my mind" `{{G3563}}`.
* **Two Competing Principles:** The word highlights a struggle between two opposing forces within a person, one aligned with the mind and another that leads toward sin.
* **The Power of Indwelling Sin:** The use of **antistrateúomai** demonstrates the active, aggressive nature of the "law of sin" `{{G266}}`, which fights to bring a person into captivity `{{G163}}`, as described in [[Romans 7:23]].
### Summary
In summary, **antistrateúomai** `{{G497}}` is a highly specific and potent term. Though used only once, it provides a vivid picture of the internal warfare experienced by believers. Its context in [[Romans 7:23]] defines this struggle as a conflict between the law of the mind and an opposing law in one's members, a battle that illustrates the persistent and aggressive nature of sin.
TRV