Lexical Summary antechó: To hold fast, to withstand, to cling to, to be devoted to Original Word: ἀντέχω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hold fast, hold to, support. From anti and the middle voice of echo; to hold oneself opposite to, i.e. (by implication) adhere to; by extension to care for -- hold fast, hold to, support. see GREEK anti see GREEK echo HELPS Word-studies 472 antéxomai (from 473 /antí, "corresponding to" and 2192 /éxō, "have") – properly, proportionally lay hold of, i.e. as an equivalent (off-set) which "holds on to" in a way that matches the object grasped. [In Mt 6:24, 472 (antéxomai) particularly suggests, "to stick by one's rights" (MM).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anti and echó Definition to hold against, i.e. to hold firmly to NASB Translation devoted (2), help (1), holding fast (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 472: ἀντέχωἀντέχω: middle (present ἀντέχομαι); future ἀνθέξομαι; to hold before or against, hold back, withstand, endure; in the N. T. only in the middle to keep oneself directly opposite to anyone, hold to him firmly, cleave to, paying heed to him: τίνος, Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13; τῶν ἀσθενῶν, to aid them, care for them, 1 Thessalonians 5:14; τοῦ λόγου, to hold to, hold it fast, Titus 1:9. (Deuteronomy 32:41; Isaiah 56:4, 6; Proverbs 3:18, etc., and often in Greek writings.) Cf. Kühner, § 520 b. (2te Aufl. § 416, 2; cf. Jelf, § 536); Winers Grammar, 202 (190); (Buttmann, 161 (140)). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuances in the New Testament The verb translated “hold firmly,” “be devoted to,” or “help” expresses deliberate, continuing attachment. It depicts a relationship in which one aligns himself so closely with someone or something that separation is unthinkable. This attachment is not merely sentimental; it is volitional, involving loyalty, protection, advocacy, and practical support. Occurrences and Contexts 1. Devotion to God Versus Mammon (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13) Jesus contrasts exclusive loyalty to God with the seductive pull of wealth. “Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). The verb underscores that true discipleship leaves no room for divided allegiance; the heart can cling only to one master. 2. Pastoral Care for the Vulnerable (1 Thessalonians 5:14) Paul urges the assembly, “help the weak”. Here the word highlights hands-on support—coming alongside those lacking strength, refusing to let them drift or be discarded. The community becomes a living demonstration of Christ’s steadfast love by actively holding on to those most likely to slip away. 3. Guarding Apostolic Doctrine (Titus 1:9) Elders must be “holding firmly to the trustworthy word as it was taught”. The term pictures a shepherd gripping the staff of revealed truth so firmly that false teaching cannot pry it loose. Loyalty to Scripture is presented as an unyielding embrace, safeguarding both the flock and the gospel’s integrity. Spiritual Implications • Single-hearted devotion is the antidote to idolatry. Historical and Cultural Background In Greco-Roman society, slaves owed absolute loyalty to their masters, and patrons expected steady allegiance from clients. Jesus appropriates this cultural language to demand undivided commitment to God. Likewise, early Christian elders functioned within a culture of competing philosophies; gripping the “trustworthy word” marked them out in a pluralistic world. Intercanonical Connections The Old Testament often speaks of clinging to the LORD (for example, Deuteronomy 10:20; Joshua 23:8). The New Testament verb continues this covenant motif, portraying believers who fasten themselves to God’s character, people, and truth. Pastoral and Discipleship Application • Teach believers to examine competing loyalties before they become entrenched. Doctrinal Significance The word supports the doctrines of sanctification and perseverance. Clinging to God evidences genuine faith, while the community’s tenacious support of the weak illustrates divine preservation at work through human means. Summary Whether describing loyalty to God, compassionate aid to fellow believers, or steadfast adherence to apostolic teaching, the verb emphasizes a grip that will not let go. It summons every disciple, leader, and congregation to the same resolute attachment—an attachment that reflects the unbreakable faithfulness of God Himself. Forms and Transliterations ανθεξεται ανθέξεται ανθέξεταί ἀνθέξεται αντείχοντο αντέχεσθαί αντεχεσθε αντέχεσθε ἀντέχεσθε αντεχόμενοι αντεχομένοις αντεχομενον αντεχόμενον ἀντεχόμενον αντεχόμενος αντεχομένους αντέχωνται antechesthe antéchesthe antechomenon antechómenon anthexetai anthéxetaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 6:24 V-FIM-3SGRK: ἢ ἑνὸς ἀνθέξεται καὶ τοῦ NAS: or he will be devoted to one KJV: or else he will hold to the one, INT: or [the] one he will be devoted to and the Luke 16:13 V-FIM-3S 1 Thessalonians 5:14 V-PMM/P-2P Titus 1:9 V-PPM/P-AMS Strong's Greek 472 |
    |