Bible Dictionary
CONTRARY
Contrary means opposed, antagonistic, or set against something. Scripture uses it of God’s opposition to persistent disobedience, contrary winds, and teachings opposed to sound doctrine.
Definition
Contrary means opposed, antagonistic, or set against something. It may describe hostility, opposition, opposite conditions, or teachings inconsistent with sound doctrine.
Biblical Usage
The Old Testament uses the term for God’s opposition to persistent disobedience. The New Testament applies it to contrary winds and to doctrines or practices opposed to sound teaching.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kon'-tra-ri (qeri; enantios): In the Old Testament it has the sense of antagonistic, as one person opposed or hostile to the other, especially in Le 26:21,23,14,27,28,40,41, where Yahweh declares His attitude toward the people in such phrases as: "If ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me; then I will walk contrary unto you in wrath."</p><p>In the New Testament it has a more varied significance and is applied to both material and human relations as simply opposite, set over against an object or thing. Used of the wind as in Mt 14:24; Mr 6:48; Ac 27:4, where it is spoken of as contrary. Refers also to conflicting doctrines, customs or beliefs, as 1Ti 1:10, "and if there be any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine." Several other Greek words are translated with almost an identical meaning. Occasionally a prefix gives a slightly different shade of meaning.</p><p>Walter G. Clippinger</p>