### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **antíchristos**, represented by `{{G500}}`, defines **an opponent of the Messiah**. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This term identifies not only a specific future figure but also a present spirit of opposition to Christ.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its scriptural context, `{{G500}}` is used to identify those who actively oppose foundational Christian truth. The appearance of **many antichrists** is a sign that it is the **last time** [[1 John 2:18]]. An **antichrist** is explicitly defined as a **liar** who **denieth** that **Jesus** is the **Christ**, thereby also denying the **Father** and the **Son** [[1 John 2:22]]. This opposition is further clarified as those who do not **confess** that **Jesus Christ** is **come in the flesh** [[2 John 1:7]]. The term is also applied to a specific spirit, with the "spirit of **antichrist**" described as something believers had **heard** would come and was already present in the **world** [[1 John 4:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the nature of the antichrist's opposition:
* `{{G720}}` **arnéomai** (to contradict, i.e. disavow, reject, abnegate): This action is at the core of the antichrist's identity. He is the one that **denieth** the Father and the Son [[1 John 2:22]].
* `{{G3670}}` **homologéō** (to assent, i.e. covenant, acknowledge): The spirit of antichrist is defined by what it fails to do—it does not **confess** that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh ([[1 John 4:3]], [[2 John 1:7]]).
* `{{G4108}}` **plános** (an impostor or misleader): This term is used synonymously with antichrist. The one who does not confess Jesus's coming in the flesh is called "a **deceiver** and an **antichrist**" [[2 John 1:7]].
* `{{G5583}}` **pseústēs** (a falsifier): An **antichrist** is directly identified as a **liar** because he denies that Jesus is the Christ [[1 John 2:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G500}}` is significant and centered on the identity of Christ.
* **Denial of Incarnation:** The primary mark of an **antichrist** is the refusal to **confess** that **Jesus Christ** is **come in the flesh**, representing a direct rejection of the incarnation ([[2 John 1:7]], [[1 John 4:3]]).
* **Opposition to the Godhead:** An **antichrist** is one who **denieth** the Father and the Son, attacking the fundamental nature of God as revealed through Jesus Christ [[1 John 2:22]].
* **Eschatological Sign:** The presence of **many antichrists** in the world serves as a sign for believers that they are living in the **last time**, a period characterized by such opposition [[1 John 2:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G500}}` refers to more than just a single future opponent; it encapsulates a spirit of deception and opposition to the Messiah that is presently at work. An **antichrist** is characterized by the specific denial of Jesus's identity as the **Christ** and His coming in the **flesh**. This spirit, which denies both the **Father** and the **Son**, is presented as a definitive sign of the **last time** [[1 John 2:18]].
TRV