"some classify as an improper preposition, opposite to, over against, Mt. 27:61; contrary to, in oppositition to, against, Acts 17:7; before, in the presence of, Mt. 27:24; Rom. 3:18; Acts 3:16*"
Definition and meaning
some classify as an improper preposition, opposite to, over against, Mt. 27:61; contrary to, in oppositition to, against, Acts 17:7; before, in the presence of, Mt. 27:24; Rom. 3:18; Acts 3:16*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἀπέναντι
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 apenanti (G561) across the King James Bible.
Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
There is no fear of God before their eyes.
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Common questions
Strong's G561 (apenanti) is a Greek word that means: some classify as an improper preposition, opposite to, over against, Mt. 27:61; contrary to, in oppositition to, against, Acts 17:7; before, in the presence of, Mt. 27:24; Rom. 3:18; Acts 3:16* It appears 6 times in the King James Bible.
The word apenanti (G561) appears 6 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G561 is apenanti, a Greek word defined as: some classify as an improper preposition, opposite to, over against, Mt. 27:61; contrary to, in oppositition to, against, Acts 17:7; before, in the pr. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
apenanti is a Greek word found in the New Testament.