Against
A Word with Many Meanings
The English word "against" translates numerous Hebrew and Greek prepositions throughout the Bible, each carrying a distinct shade of meaning. In the original languages, words like the Greek "kata" (down upon, against), "enantion" (before, in the presence of), and "pros" (toward, facing) are all rendered by this single English term. Understanding these different nuances helps Bible readers grasp the full force of passages that employ this common preposition.
Opposition and Conflict
The most familiar use of "against" in Scripture expresses opposition or hostility. Jesus warned that "a man's enemies will be the members of his own household" when describing how the gospel would set family members "against" one another (Matthew 10:35-36). The Pharisees took counsel "against" Jesus to destroy him (Matthew 12:14), and false witnesses rose up "against" him at his trial (Matthew 26:59). Paul reminded the Corinthians not to be puffed up one "against" another (1 Corinthians 4:6). These uses depict the reality of spiritual and interpersonal conflict that runs throughout the biblical narrative.
Position and Direction
In other contexts, "against" simply means "opposite," "facing," or "toward." When Abraham prepared animals for the covenant ceremony, he placed the halves "against" each other, meaning opposite one another (Genesis 15:10). Solomon's temple featured windows placed "against" each other in three rows, indicating their facing positions (1 Kings 7:5). This spatial meaning is less about hostility and more about arrangement or orientation.
God's Stance Against Evil
Some of the most powerful uses of "against" in Scripture describe God's opposition to sin and evil. Paul declares that those who practice ungodly behavior act "against nature" (Romans 1:26), violating God's created order. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to resist "against" sin even to the point of shedding blood (Hebrews 12:4). Yet the most reassuring use of this word comes in Romans 8:31: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Here the preposition frames the ultimate question of cosmic loyalty and divine protection.
Provision and Preparation
A lesser-known but important usage of "against" in older English carries the sense of "in preparation for" or "in provision for." Paul instructs Timothy that the godly should store up treasure for themselves as a good foundation "against" the time to come (1 Timothy 6:19). This archaic usage, where "against" means "in anticipation of," reminds readers that biblical language sometimes differs from modern expectations.
Breaking Established Order
Scripture also uses "against" to describe violations of established norms. Paul told the Jews in Rome that he had done nothing "against" the customs of their ancestors (Acts 28:17). When people act "against" nature or custom, they transgress boundaries that God or society has established. This usage carries moral weight, suggesting that what is "against" the divine order is inherently wrong.
Biblical Context
The word "against" appears hundreds of times across every section of the Bible. It features prominently in narratives of conflict (Judges, Samuel, Kings), prophetic oracles of judgment (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel), the Gospels' depiction of opposition to Jesus, and the Epistles' teachings about spiritual warfare and moral conduct. Key passages include Romans 8:31, Matthew 10:35, Hebrews 12:4, and Genesis 15:10.
Theological Significance
The concept of "against" is central to biblical theology. It frames the fundamental conflict between God and evil, between faithfulness and rebellion. God sets himself against the proud (James 4:6) but fights on behalf of his people against their enemies. The ultimate theological comfort is found in the assurance that nothing can stand against those whom God has chosen and justified (Romans 8:31-39).
Historical Background
The multiple Hebrew and Greek prepositions translated as "against" reflect the rich linguistic resources of the original biblical languages. Ancient Hebrew used prepositions like "al" (upon, against), "neged" (opposite, before), and "el" (toward), while Greek employed "kata," "pros," "epi," and "anti," each with specific semantic ranges. English Bible translators from Tyndale onward consolidated these into fewer terms, sometimes losing precision that modern translations seek to restore.