ἀνταποκρίνομαι

I contradict

Definition

The verb ἀνταποκρίνομαι means to answer back, contradict, or reply in opposition. It carries a strong sense of a hostile or argumentative response, not merely a neutral reply. In Luke 14:6, it describes the silence of Jesus's opponents when they could not 'answer back' or refute his argument about healing on the Sabbath. In Romans 9:20, the meaning is intensified to a defiant contradiction, as Paul rhetorically asks who is a human to 'talk back to' or 'answer against' God, emphasizing human insolence before divine sovereignty.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in contexts of direct, failed confrontation. In Luke 14:6, it is used in a narrative setting where religious leaders are left speechless and unable to counter Jesus's logic. In Romans 9:20, it is used in a theological argument about God's sovereign rights, portraying the futility of human objection. The pattern shows it describes a verbal opposition that is ultimately invalid or powerless.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀντί (anti, meaning 'against' or 'in opposition to') and the common verb ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrinomai, meaning 'to answer' or 'to reply'). The compound form intensifies the sense of a reply, making it specifically an answering *against* someone. It is not from ἀ- (a negative prefix) as previously noted, but from ἀντί.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the improper posture of a creature before the Creator. In Romans 9:20, it encapsulates the sin of human pride and disputation against God's sovereign will and justice. Understanding this strong Greek term enriches the reading of both passages by emphasizing that the issue is not just a lack of an answer, but an arrogant contradiction that is fundamentally out of place, especially when directed toward God.

In the Greco-Roman world, rhetorical debate and public disputation were common. To 'answer back' in a philosophical or legal context was a recognized social interaction. However, the biblical usage, especially in Romans 9:20, draws on the Jewish understanding of the absolute majesty of God, before whom such human contradiction is not just a debate tactic but an act of profound irreverence and folly.

ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrinomai, G611) — a neutral term meaning simply to answer or reply. ἀντιλέγω (antilegō, G483) — to speak against, contradict, often with a focus on verbal opposition or denial.

Word Details

Scripture References