Word Study for G498 (ἀντιτάσσομαι)

antitássomai /an-tee-tas'-som-ahee/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom ἀντί and the middle voice of τάσσω

Meaningto range oneself against, i.e. oppose

KJV usageoppose themselves, resist.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of antitássomai — 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 antitássomai, represented by G498, means to range oneself against or to oppose. Derived from ἀντί and τάσσω, it describes an active and deliberate form of resistance. This term appears 6 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting its focused application.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G498 is used to describe several forms of resistance. It depicts active opposition to the gospel, where individuals opposed themselves and blasphemed Acts 18:6. A central theme is that God resisteth the proud, a principle stated in both James and 1 Peter (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). The word is also used to illustrate the opposite, where the persecuted "just" does not resist his oppressors James 5:6. Furthermore, to resist governing authorities is equated with resisting the ordinance of God Romans 13:2.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the concept of resistance and its opposite, submission:

G436 anthístēmi (to stand against, i.e. oppose): This word is used alongside G498 in Romans 13:2, where to resist the power is to resist God's ordinance. It also appears in the command to resist the devil James 4:7.
G5293 hypotássō (to subordinate; reflexively, to obey): This is the direct counterpoint to resistance. Believers are commanded to submit yourselves to God James 4:7 and be subject one to another 1 Peter 5:5, which is the opposite of the pride that God resists.
G5244 hyperḗphanos (appearing above others (conspicuous), i.e. (figuratively) haughty): This term describes the proud whom God specifically resisteth (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5), placing this attitude in direct opposition to God.
G5011 tapeinós (depressed, i.e. (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition)): This word describes the humble who receive grace, in stark contrast to the proud whom God resists (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G498 is significant and centers on the posture of the heart toward God and His established order.

Divine Opposition to Pride: The most prominent use of G498 is to establish that God actively resisteth the proud (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). This is not passive disapproval but God arranging Himself against the haughty.
Resistance to Ordained Authority: Resisting governing powers is presented as an act of resisting God's own ordinance Romans 13:2. This elevates the concept of submission from a civil duty to a spiritual principle.
Rejection of the Gospel: The term is used to describe those who consciously opposed themselves to the truth. In Acts, this opposition is directly coupled with blasphemy Acts 18:6.

Summary

In summary, G498 antitássomai provides a powerful depiction of active opposition. It is not mere disagreement but a deliberate act of ranging oneself against divine will and order. Whether describing human resistance to God's authority Romans 13:2 and His messengers Acts 18:6, or God's own definitive stance against the proud James 4:6, the word carries significant theological weight. It serves as a stark warning against pride and rebellion, standing in direct contrast to the biblical call for humility and submission.

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 5 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Present Middle Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
Present Middle Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 1×
Present Middle Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Genitive: Possession or source — often "of".
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Middle: The subject acts on or for itself.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
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 5 verses across 4 of the 27 books. Most frequent in James (2 verses); never once in the other 23.

Acts

Romans

James

1 Peter

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.