### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G503}}` *antophthalméō* is a compound word derived from ἀντί (anti), meaning "against" or "opposite," and ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos), meaning "eye." Its literal sense is "to look someone in the eye," or "to face directly." However, in its practical usage, it carries the nuance of "to bear up against," "to resist," or "to withstand." The prefix ἀντί suggests opposition or counter-action, while ὀφθαλμός implies a direct, focused confrontation. Thus, the word denotes the act of facing an opposing force with the intent to resist or make headway against it, often with the implication of struggling or being unable to do so.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G503}}` *antophthalméō* appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts:
* **Acts 27:15**: "And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive." [[Acts 27:15]]
In this solitary occurrence, the verb describes the dire situation of Paul and his companions caught in a violent storm, the Euroclydon. The ship, overwhelmed by the tempestuous winds, was unable to "bear up against" or "face" the force of the wind. The inability of the ship to ἀντοφθαλμέω highlights the overwhelming power of the natural elements and the utter helplessness of those on board. The context emphasizes a struggle against an irresistible force, leading to a surrender to its power ("we let her drive"). This instance vividly portrays the limits of human effort and ingenuity when confronted with forces beyond control.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share semantic connections with `{{G503}}` *antophthalméō*, particularly those related to opposition, resistance, and enduring:
* ἀντί (anti): The pre-positional component of `{{G503}}`, signifying "against," "opposite," or "in place of." It underscores the confrontational aspect of the word.
* ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos): The noun for "eye," highlighting the direct, face-to-face nature of the confrontation.
* ἀνθίστημι (anthistemi) `{{G436}}`: Meaning "to stand against" or "to resist." This is a broader term for opposition, often implying active resistance to a person, idea, or force.
* ἀντιτάσσομαι (antitassomai) `{{G498}}`: Meaning "to set oneself against" or "to oppose." It implies an organized or determined resistance.
* ὑπομένω (hypomeno) `{{G5278}}`: Meaning "to endure," "to persevere," or "to remain under." While `{{G503}}` implies an active, though perhaps futile, attempt to resist, `{{G5278}}` often denotes a more passive, steadfast endurance in the face of adversity.
The concept of yielding to superior force, as seen in Acts 27:15, contrasts with attempts to resist. This surrender can be seen as a form of submission, whether to natural forces or, by extension, to divine providence.
### Theological Significance
Though `{{G503}}` *antophthalméō* appears only once in a literal, maritime context, its core meaning of "being unable to face or bear up against" carries profound theological implications.
1. **Human Limitation and Divine Sovereignty**: The ship's inability to ἀντοφθαλμέω against the wind serves as a powerful metaphor for human limitations in the face of overwhelming forces, both natural and spiritual. It implicitly points to the absolute sovereignty of God. Just as the ship cannot resist the storm, humanity cannot ultimately resist God's will or the forces He permits. This resonates with passages that emphasize God's unchallengeable power (e.g., [[Romans 9:19-21]], [[Isaiah 45:9]]).
2. **The Futility of Resistance**: The word underscores the futility of resisting an irresistible power. In a spiritual sense, this can apply to rebellion against God's commands or His established order. When one attempts to ἀντοφθαλμέω against divine purposes, the outcome is inevitably surrender or destruction.
3. **Trust and Submission**: The necessity of "letting her drive" in Acts 27:15, born out of the inability to resist, can be seen as a type of forced submission. Theologically, this can parallel the call to trust in God's providence even when circumstances are beyond human control or understanding. It highlights the wisdom of yielding to the divine will when human strength or strategy proves insufficient.
4. **Spiritual Warfare**: While not directly used in a spiritual warfare context, the concept of "facing" or "bearing up against" an opposing force has parallels. Believers are called to "stand firm" (e.g., `{{G2476}}` *histēmi*, `{{G436}}` *anthistemi*) against spiritual adversaries, but always recognizing that ultimate victory belongs to Christ, against whom no demonic force can ἀντοφθαλμέω.
### Summary
`{{G503}}` *antophthalméō* is a powerful Greek verb meaning "to face," "to bear up into," or "to resist." Composed of ἀντί (against) and ὀφθαλμός (eye), it literally depicts a direct confrontation. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 27:15]] vividly illustrates a ship's inability to ἀντοφθαλμέω against a raging storm, highlighting the overwhelming power of natural forces and the limits of human resistance. Theologically, this word serves as a poignant reminder of human limitation in the face of irresistible power, implicitly pointing to the absolute sovereignty of God. It underscores the futility of resisting divine will and the ultimate necessity of yielding to forces beyond human control, fostering a posture of trust and submission to God's providence.
TRV