"He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” - Isaiah 53
"The Son of Man came to give his life a ransom for (ἀντί) many" (Matt. 20:28); "this is my body which is given for (ἀντί) you" (Mark 10:45). In these two passages the preposition ἀντί indisputably denotes substitution. Passages like "Archelaus reigned in the room (ἀντί) of his father Herod" (Matt. 2:22), "an eye for an eye" (ἀντί) (Matt. 5:38), and "will he for a fish give him a serpent?" (ἀντί) (Luke 11:11)
The Greek preposition "ἀντί" (anti), which fundamentally means "instead of" or "in place of." In biblical usage, it often denotes substitution, indicating that something is given or exchanged in place of something else.
Here are key points to understand the meaning of "anti" in this context:
Substitutionary Concept: In the passages mentioned (e.g., Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45), "anti" conveys the idea that Jesus Christ gave His life as a ransom "in place of" many. This highlights the substitutionary nature of Christ's atonement, where He took the place of sinners, bearing the punishment they deserved.
Biblical Examples: The cited verses demonstrate this substitutionary use:
- Matthew 20:28: "The Son of Man came to give his life as a ransom for (ἀντί) many."
- Mark 10:45: "This is my body which is given for (ἀντί) you."
- Matthew 2:22: "Archelaus reigned in the place of (ἀντί) his father Herod."
- Matthew 5:38: "An eye for (ἀντί) an eye."
- Luke 11:11: "Will he for (ἀντί) a fish give him a serpent?"
Theological Implication: The use of "anti" underscores the doctrine that Christ's atonement was vicarious. He did not die for His own sins, as He was sinless, but for the sins of others. His sacrifice satisfied divine justice, providing redemption and reconciliation for those who believe in Him.
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