### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **antophthalméō**, represented by `{{G503}}`, means **to face** or **bear up into**. It is formed from a compound of ἀντί and ὀφθαλμός. This term is exceptionally rare in scripture, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**. Its singular use provides a vivid, literal image of confronting an overwhelming force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical appearance of `{{G503}}` is in a nautical context during the Apostle Paul's perilous journey to Rome. In the account, a violent storm overtakes the vessel. The text states, "And when the ship was caught, and could not **bear up into** the wind, we let her drive" [[Acts 27:15]]. Here, **antophthalméō** describes the ship's inability to face the wind head-on or maintain its course against the storm's power, forcing the crew to surrender control of the vessel to the elements.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context help clarify its meaning:
* `{{G4143}}` **ploîon** (a sailer, i.e. vessel): This is the **ship** that was unable to perform the action of `{{G503}}`. It is the subject of the struggle, often depicted in scripture as facing peril on the sea [[Matthew 8:24]].
* `{{G417}}` **ánemos** (wind): This is the opposing force that the ship could not face. The **wind** is frequently used to represent powerful, and sometimes uncontrollable, natural forces [[Matthew 7:25]].
* `{{G4884}}` **synarpázō** (to snatch together, i.e. seize): This word describes how the ship was **caught**, initiating the struggle. It denotes a sudden and forceful action that removes control, as when people were seized by a crowd [[Acts 6:12]].
* `{{G1410}}` **dýnamai** (to be able or possible): The verse states the ship **could** not bear up, highlighting the impossibility of the task. This word often contrasts human limitation with divine power [[Ephesians 3:20]].
### Theological Significance
While not a theological term in itself, the concept conveyed by `{{G503}}` carries significant weight. It illustrates a moment of critical confrontation and human limitation.
* **Confronting Opposition:** The word's core meaning, to face directly, encapsulates the struggle against an overpowering force. The ship's attempt to **bear up into** the wind is an image of direct resistance [[Acts 27:15]].
* **Acknowledging Insufficiency:** The failure to **bear up into** the wind demonstrates a clear limit to human strength and technology. The crew, aboard their **ship** `{{G4143}}`, **could not** `{{G1410}}` overcome the storm, showing a point where effort becomes futile.
* **Surrender to a Greater Force:** The inability to continue the fight leads to the necessary action of letting the ship drive. This act of surrender is a direct consequence of being unable to **antophthalméō**, or face, the storm.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G503}}` is a precise and potent word used once in the Bible to describe an attempt to face an insurmountable power. Though its application in [[Acts 27:15]] is literal, it provides a powerful illustration of a contest of strength, the reality of human limitation when confronted by overwhelming opposition, and the subsequent need to yield when a direct struggle is no longer possible.
TRV