The ‘Anti-Christos’ is Not ‘A-Christos’

SUMMARY: The proper word to depict a figure opposed to Jesus Christ is a-christos rather than anti-christos. The Greek particle “a-“ signifies negation whereas “anti-“ signifies correspondence. “Anti-christos” refers to a deputy Christ who acts “on behalf of” or “instead of” while Jesus Christ is absent.

Students of the Bible dedicated to discover its apparent and deeper meanings will want to make the effort to understand the biblical languages. Most of us, including myself, do not have the skill or time to master the original languages, so learning how to use a concordance is the best alternative. A concordance is an exhaustive cross-reference tool for Bible students who want access to Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek without having to actually learn these languages.

I use Strong’s Concordance although there are other popular ones, such as Cruden’s Concordance.

There are a number of websites hosting online versions of Strong’s. The Strong’s entries cited throughout this article are from this site:

www.htmlbible.com...

Honest study requires a humble spirit that is willing to lay aside pre-conceptions and change when necessary. I have endeavored to clean the slate of my modern mind in order to reconstruct the first-century frame of mind. This takes mental discipline and a fair measure of perception, and a reasonable working knowledge of the Scriptures. But the harvest in useful knowledge has made the effort worthwhile for me. I trust that the effort will be worthwhile for you also.

Unfortunately, I am limited at this time to Greek words used in the New Testament. I am neither fluent in the old Greek language, nor do I possess skill in using or even accessing contemporary non-biblical Greek sources. Perhaps someone else will make the effort to fill this void.

. . .

A SURVEY IN USAGE OF THE GREEK PARTICLE “A-”

The use and meaning of the Greek particle “a-“ is well attested in modern English. “A-“ is often used in composition in the sense of privation; so, in many words, beginning with this letter. Following are some examples of Greek words thus constructed. I have chosen examples in which the English word equivalent is easily recognizable.

(agenealogetos)
meaning, unregistered as to birth:--without descent.

(agrammatos)
meaning, unlettered, i.e. illiterate:--unlearned.

(atheos)
meaning, godless:--without God. It is from this Greek word that we derive the English word “atheist”.

(anapologetos)
meaning, indefensible:--without an excuse, inexcusable.

(anarithmetos)
meaning, unnumbered, i.e. without number:--innumerable.

(anomos)
meaning, lawless, i.e. (negatively) not subject to (the Jewish) law; (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked:--without law, lawless, transgressor, unlawful, wicked. It appears to be from this Greek root word that we derive our English word “anomaly”.

(astateo)
meaning, to be non-stationary, i.e. (figuratively) homeless:--have no certain dwelling-place.

(asumphonos)
meaning, inharmonious (figuratively):--agree not.

(aphobos)
meaning, fearlessly:--without fear.

Whereas, the intended meaning of the Greek particle “a-” is straightforward in its translation into English, the Greek preposition “anti-” is not.

The shift in language and culture from Greek to English has obscured one significant meaning of “anti-”, thus leading to misapprehension in regard to meaning of “anti-christos”. To acquire a proper understanding of the term “anti-christos”, it is first necessary to determine the proper usage and meaning of the Greek preposition “anti-” in its first-century context.

. . .

A SURVEY IN USAGE OF THE GREEK PREPOSITIONS “ANTI-”, ETC. AND ADVERB “ANO”

According to the Greek Dictionary in Strong’s, “anti-” is a preposition meaning “opposite, i.e. instead or because of (rarely in addition to):--for, in the room of. Often used in composition to denote contrast, requital, substitution, correspondence, etc.” Note that this preposition may mean “in addition to”.

“Anti-” itself is Strong's entry 473. However, there are 50 or so compounds of “anti-”, “ante-“, “anta-“ or “ant-“ with other Greek words that are found in the New Testament. With the exception of entries 368, 503, and 507 (adverb “ano”) they are found between Strong's entry 436 and entry 500.

In the following survey, I intend to show the POSITIVE side to this preposition and in so doing paint a new face on the portraiture of “anti-christos”, the Antichrist. Unlike my survey of the Greek particle “a-“, throughout this next section I will intersperse Bible verses to illustrate the use of the Greek prepositions “anti-”, “ante-“, “anta-” and “ant-“. Particularly, I intend to lay a linguistic framework in order to support by assertion that “anti-“, as used in relation to the Antichrist, means “placement opposite to or in contrast with Jesus Christ”. The relationship of Jesus Christ and the Antichrist is similar. They stand “opposite” each other in placement and time. They are not morally “opposed” to each another. They are two messiahs having different roles and functions.

The following list of entries is not exhaustive. As stated, I have chosen only those entries that represent the POSITIVE side to these prepositions. The reader may consult the entire series of entries 368, 503, 507 and 436-500 at the website already noted for a complete and balanced survey of their context.

Entry 437: (anqomologeomai)

from anti - anti 473 and the middle voice of omologew - homologeo 3670; to confess in turn, i.e. respond in praise:--give thanks. Also, 1) to reply by professing or by confessing; 2) to agree mutually (in turn), to make a compact; 3) to acknowledge in the presence of; a) to give thanks.

“And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise [anthomologeomai] unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).

Entry 446: (anthupatos)

from anti - anti 473 and a superlative of uper - huper 5228; instead of the highest officer, i.e. (specially) a Roman proconsul:--deputy.

This is an especially important reference because it shows how two officials of the same government stand in relation to each other WITHOUT ONE BEING OPPOSED TO THE OTHER.

Entry 465: (antallagma)

from a compound of anti - anti 473 and allassw - allasso 236; an equivalent or ransom:--in exchange.

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange [antallagma] for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

“Or what shall a man give in exchange [antallagma] for his soul?” (Mark 8:37).

Entry 466: (antanapleroo)

from anti - anti 473 and anaplhrow - anapleroo 378; to supplement:--fill up.

“Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up [antanapleroo] that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church” (Colossians 1:24). This is a remarkable passage! Paul uses an “anti-“ term to show how his own experience of suffering SUPPLEMENTS the sufferings of Jesus Christ. This assertion would tend to be problematic for anyone clinging to the notion that Jesus Christ finished the work of salvation once and for all on the Cross.

Entry 467: (antapodidomi)

from anti - anti 473 and apodidwmi - apodidomi 591; to requite (good or evil):--recompense, render, repay.

“And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense [antapodidomi] thee: for thou shalt be recompensed [antapodidomi] at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:14).

“Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed [antapodidomi] unto him again [antapodidomi]?” (Romans 11:35).

Entry 472: (antechomai)

from anti - anti 473 and the middle voice of ecw - echo 2192; to hold oneself opposite to, i.e. (by implication) adhere to; by extension to care for:--hold fast, hold to, support.

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold [antechomai] to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24; also Luke 16:13).

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support [antechomai] the weak, be patient toward all [men]” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

“Holding fast [antechomai] the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9).

. . .

Entry 473: (anti)

a primary particle; opposite, i.e. instead or because of (rarely in addition to):--for, in the room of. Often used in composition to denote contrast, requital, substitution, correspondence, etc.

“But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room [anti] of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee” (Matthew 2:22). Archelaus reigned after his father’s death; i.e. in the absence of his father. Clearly, “anti” does not signify an antagonism between them.

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for [anti] an eye, and a tooth for [anti] a tooth” (Matthew 5:38). Here, “anti” is used to signify an exact equality between two objects.

“Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for [anti] me and thee” (Matthew 17:27). Here, “anti” is used to signify a payment.

“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for [anti] many” (Matthew 20:28). Here, “anti” is used to signify a ransom.

“And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for [anti] grace” (John 1:16). Clearly, “anti” does not signify an antagonism between grace and grace.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for [anti] the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Here, “anti” has no negative connotation.

Entry 474: (antiballo)

from anti - anti 473 and ballw - ballo 906; to bandy:--have.

“And he said unto them, What manner of communications [are] these that ye have [antiballo] one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?” (Luke 24:17). This passage is drawn from the remarkable experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Luke uses an “anti-“ word to describe the nature and quality of the discussion of these disciples regarding the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There was no disputation between them. Luke said they talked (verse 14), and communed and reasoned (verse 15).

Entry 479: (antikaleo)

from anti - anti 473 and kalew - kaleo 2564; to invite in return:--bid again.

“Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor [thy] rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again [antikaleo], and a recompence be made thee” (Luke 14:12).

Entry 480: (antikeimai)

from anti - anti 473 and keimai - keimai 2749; to lie opposite, i.e. be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to:--adversary, be contrary, oppose. Also, 1) to lie [as of position] a) of things; that quietly cover some spot; of a city situated on a hill; of things put or set in any place, in ref. to which we often use ‘to stand’; of vessels, of a throne, of the site of a city, of grain and other things laid up together, of a foundation; 2) metaphorically, to be (by God's intent) set, i.e. destined, appointed; of laws, to be made, laid down.

“Who opposeth [antikeimai] and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4).

Entry 481: (antikru)

prolonged from anti - anti 473; opposite:--over against.

“And we sailed thence, and came the next [day] over against [antikru] Chios; and the next [day] we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next [day] we came to Miletus” (Acts 20:15). This verse clearly illustrates that “opposite [in placement]” does not mean “opposed to [morally]”.

Entry 482: (antilambanomai)

from anti - anti 473 and the middle voice of lambanw - lambano 2983; to take hold of in turn, i.e. succor; also to participate:--help, partaker, support.

“He hath holpen [antilambanomai] his servant Israel, in remembrance of [his] mercy” (Luke 1:54).

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support [antilambanomai] the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

“And they that have believing masters, let them not despise [them], because they are brethren; but rather do [them] service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers [antilambanomai] of the benefit. These things teach and exhort” (1 Timothy 6:2).

These verses equate an “anti-“ term with help and support.

Entry 484: (antilepsis)

from antilambanomai - antilambanomai 482; relief:--help.

“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps [antilepsis], governments, diversities of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:28).

Entry 487: (antilutron)

from anti - anti 473 and lutron - lutron 3083; a redemption-price:--ransom.

“Who gave himself a ransom [antilutron] for all, to be testified in due time” (1 Timothy 2:6).

. . .

Entry 488: (antimetreo)

from anti - anti 473 and metrew - metreo 3354; to mete in return:--measure again.

“For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured [antimetreo] to you again [antimetreo]” (Matthew 7:2).

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured [antimetreo] to you again [antimetreo]” (Luke 6:38).

This “anti-“ term suggests a condition of equality.

Entry 492: (antiparerchomai)

from anti - anti 473 and parercomai - parerchomai 3928; to go along opposite:--pass by on the other side.

“And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side [antiparerchomai]. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked [on him], and passed by on the other side [antiparerchomai]” (Luke 10:31, 32).

This “anti-“ term suggests a relationship of position.

Entry 495: (antiperan)

from anti - anti 473 and peran - peran 4008; on the opposite side:--over against.

“And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against [antiperan] Galilee” (Luke 8:26).

Entry 499: (antitupos)

neuter of a compound of anti - anti 473 and tupoV - tupos 5179; corresponding ("antitype"), i.e. a representative, counterpart:--(like) figure (whereunto). Also, a thing formed after some pattern; a thing resembling another, its counterpart; something in the Messianic times which answers to the type.

“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures [antitupos] of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Hebrews 9:24).

“The like figure [antitupos] whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).

The literary science of types and anti-types is a biblical concept. It ought to engender respect as a systematic approach to explaining the validity of and relationship between dual messiahs.

NOTE REGARDING ENTRY 500: (antichristos)

from anti - anti 473 and CristoV - Christos 5547; an opponent [adversary] of the Messiah:--antichrist.

Unfortunately, the Strong’s entry for this term is more an interpretation than a translation. I will have more to say in a separate study about how this term is used in the four passages of the Epistles of John.

Entry 507: (ano)

adverb from anti - anti 473; upward or on the top:--above, brim, high, up.

Also, 1) up, upwards, above, on high; 2) of the quarters of the heaven, northward; 3) of countries, inland, up from the coast; 4) of time, formerly.

“Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim [ano]” (John 2:7).

“And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above [ano]: ye are of this world; I am not of this world” (John 8:23).

“Then they took away the stone [from the place] where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up [ano] [his] eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me” (John 11:41).

“And I will shew wonders in heaven above [ano], and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke” (Acts 2:19).

“But Jerusalem which is above [ano] is free, which is the mother of us all” (Galatians 4:26).

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high [ano] calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above [ano], where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above [ano], not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1, 2).

IN CONCLUSION

From the foregoing examples, it is clear that the Greek prepositions “anti-”, “ante-“, “anta-“ and “ant-“, as well as the adverb “ano”, bear a POSITIVE connotation in quality, time, place, and relationship.

It is absolutely certain that “anti-“ may denote opposition. For example, “anthistemi” (Strong’s entry 436) means, “to stand against, i.e. oppose:--resist, withstand”.

On the other hand, the next Strong’s entry (437), “anqomologeomai” means “to confess in turn, i.e. respond in praise:--give thanks”.

I do not debate that the Greek term “anti-” can mean “against” in the sense of opposition. However, in the spirit of truth seeking and honesty, I invite my detractors to acknowledge that “anti-” may also mean exactly and nothing less than that “SOMETHING POSITIVE” which I have suggested and hereby proven.

The Greek particle “a-“ signifies negation whereas “anti-“ signifies correspondence. The proper word to represent a figure who denies Jesus Christ is a-christos rather than anti-christos.

On the merits of this study of linguistics, I suggest a critical re-examination of the traditional meaning assigned to the word “anti-christos”.

I am convinced Antichrist will be a good person and as important as Jesus himself or Lucifer before him.