"an opponent in a lawsuit, Mt. 5:25 (2x); Lk. 12:58; 18:3; an adversary, 1 Pet. 5:8*"
Definition and meaning
an opponent in a lawsuit, Mt. 5:25 (2x); Lk. 12:58; 18:3; an adversary, 1 Pet. 5:8*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἀντίδικος
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of antidikos (G476) across the King James Bible.
Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
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Common questions
Strong's G476 (antidikos) is a Greek word that means: an opponent in a lawsuit, Mt. 5:25 (2x); Lk. 12:58; 18:3; an adversary, 1 Pet. 5:8* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word antidikos (G476) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G476 is antidikos, a Greek word defined as: an opponent in a lawsuit, Mt. 5:25 (2x); Lk. 12:58; 18:3; an adversary, 1 Pet. 5:8*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
antidikos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.