Bible Dictionary
AGAINST
Against expresses opposition, contrast, direction toward, or position opposite another. Its exact sense depends on the Hebrew or Greek word and the context.
Definition
Against is a preposition expressing contrast, direction toward, position opposite, opposition, resistance, or provision for. Its precise meaning depends on context and on the Hebrew or Greek expression translated by it.
Biblical Usage
Biblical usage includes direction toward, being opposite or in front of, acting against, resisting, providing for, and violating an established order such as custom or nature.
Historical Background
Several Hebrew and Greek prepositions with differing shades of meaning are translated by the single English word “against.”
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a-genst' (kata; enantion; pros): Preposition expressing contrast. When used of direction, equivalent to "toward" (Mt 10:35; 12:14, etc.); when of position, meaning "opposite," "facing," "in front of" (1Ki 7:5; Ge 15:10, Ro 8:31); when of action, "opposed to" (Mt 5:11; 26:59; 1Co 4:6); "in resistance to" (Heb 12:4); "provision for" (Greek eis, literally, "unto, toward" (1Ti 6:19)). Sometimes also applied to what breaks an established order as "customs" (Ac 28:17), "nature" (Ro 1:26). Peculiar shades of meaning may be traced by careful examination of the variety of prepositions in Hebrew and Greek employed in the Scriptures, that are translated into English by this one word.</p><p>H. E. Jacobs</p>