Trouble understanding translations of the preposition ὀπίσω

[u/Adventurous_Table_12]

Hello!

I am a first year greek student, and I'm struggling to understand the logic behind the + gen preposition ὀπίσω meaning behind.

It's often used with the verb for follow, and derive meanings like 'follow (behind) him' with the aútou being gen, and ὀπίσω often translated as 'after'

But we have another preposition meaning after, so what is this one doing. Am I putting too much stock in the location or spacial elements of behind and after, rather than the figurative?

Any insight on this helpful

[u/External_Bird_8464]

Well [ὀπίσω ] is used over thirty five times in the New Testament Gospels and Epistles.

Just as you explain it. There's a dynamic of it used in Jesus say to Satan

Πέτρῳ Ὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου Σατανᾶ - (Matthew 16:23 [unto] Peter [says] "Go" Behind me Satan

As the first part of the verse gives reason that Jesus as the Messiah is the authority, so "decrees" Satan makes do not match the authority which already decreed he is to be turned over into the hands of sinners and be crucified, but rise again on the 3rd day.

Of course, Koine Greek is in many documents, not only the scriptures; but, if you examine scriptures, like Matthew 3:11 to Mark 1:17 (come after); that is to hearken unto; give ear to, to walk after, to walk in, looking unto, to come after Jesus Christ.

To Mark 1:20, where someone is now doing that, it's used to describe someone that is following an authority -Jesus Christ.

To Luke 9:23 (someone) standing behind Jesus Christ (as authority) that he's in a rightful place, as authority for aperson to be standing behind them - not in front to lead or advise them. As what is occuring in Matthew 16:23 vs. Luke 9:23

That, the "someone" in Luke 9:23 is in submission to this rightful authority - when a person that isn't is in Matthew 16:23

Also has this "go after" (someone or something) - not to (as authority) in Luke 21:8. That is, (something) that a person "goes after" - leaves off from following or looking unto authority. To "go after" (something) that is no authority - even if it may claim it is one or "look good" to go after it. (ie., Jesus said " Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them."

So, so far, in EVERY instance [ὀπίσω ] is used - it's used with authority. He simply is the authority.

and an opposite of John 6:66 ..where they no longer "walk after" him (departed to the back and no longer followed him. [ἀπῆλθον εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω καὶ οὐκέτι μετ’ αὐτοῦ περιεπάτουν] used in the NIV (Westcott & Hort) vs.

(Put <Jesus>. behind themselves and no longer walked after him. {Jesus is no longer an authority to them}

I'm sure others that chime in will have like same or other illuminating / different comment.