Lexical Summary antilogia: Contradiction, opposition, dispute Original Word: ἀντιλογία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance contradiction, strife. From a derivative of antilego; dispute, disobedience -- contradiction, gainsaying, strife. see GREEK antilego HELPS Word-studies 485 antilogía (from 483 /antilégō, "to dispute," derived from 473 /antí, "opposite to" and 3004 /légō, "speaking to a conclusion") – properly, a contrary conclusion which closely "corresponds," but does so in an opposite way; a controversy (dispute, "gainsaying"), taking the opposite side to attack (supposedly on the basis of sound logic). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom antilegó Definition gainsaying, contradiction NASB Translation dispute (2), hostility (1), rebellion (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 485: ἀντιλογίαἀντιλογία ἀντιλογίας, ἡ (ἀντίλογος, and this from ἀντιλέγω) (from Herodotus down); 1. gainsaying, contradiction: Hebrews 7:7; with the added notion of strife, Hebrews 6:16 (Exodus 18:16; Deuteronomy 19:17, etc.). 2. opposition in act (this sense is disputed by some, e. g. Lün. on Heb. as below, Meyer on Romans 10:21 (see ἀντιλέγω); contra cf. Fritzsche on Romans, the passage cited): Hebrews 12:3; rebellion, Jude 1:11 (Proverbs 17:11). The word translated “dispute,” “contradiction,” or “rebellion” gathers the ideas of verbal resistance, contentious opposition, and a settled refusal to submit to God-ordained authority. Across its four New Testament occurrences it always points to a conflict that pits human presumption against divine order. Occurrences in the New Testament • Hebrews 6:16 – Legal settings: an oath “puts an end to all dispute.” Here the term frames a formal quarrel whose resolution requires an authority higher than the parties involved. Historical Backdrop: Korah’s Rebellion Numbers 16 records Korah questioning Moses and Aaron with the challenge, “You have gone too far!” This gainsaying was not mere murmuring; it was a direct assault on the Lord’s appointment. The earth’s swallowing of Korah stands as a perpetual warning that disputing God’s order is ultimately disputing God Himself. Jude draws on that history to expose the spiritual DNA of apostates: an unyielding, vocal insurrection against divine truth. Theological Themes 1. Authority and Hierarchy: Hebrews 7:7 uses the term to affirm that blessing always flows from the greater to the lesser. God’s structure is neither arbitrary nor reversible. Ministry and Discipleship Significance • Guarding Speech: Leaders and congregants alike must refuse the spirit of contradiction that masks rebellion as dialogue (Philippians 2:14). Practical Reflection Questions 1. Do my words foster unity under Christ’s authority, or do they breed subtle contradiction? Summary At every appearance ἀντιλογία unmasks the clash between human arrogance and divine sovereignty. Whether in the courtroom, the sanctuary, or the arena of persecution, Scripture exposes and answers that contradiction with God’s oath, Christ’s supremacy, and the church’s call to unwavering fidelity. Englishman's Concordance Hebrews 6:16 N-GFSGRK: πάσης αὐτοῖς ἀντιλογίας πέρας εἰς NAS: is an end of every dispute. KJV: an end of all strife. INT: of all their disputes an end for Hebrews 7:7 N-GFS Hebrews 12:3 N-AFS Jude 1:11 N-DFS Strong's Greek 485 |
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