Luke 24:17

The verb ἀντιβάλλω (aor. 2 ἀντέβαλον) literally means “to throw against” and is originally used in the context of physical combat, such as hurling javelins in return (cf. Thucydides 7.25; Plutarch Nicias 25).

Figuratively, it is employed of verbal exchange, meaning “to oppose,” “to set words or arguments against each other,” or “to engage in a dialogic contest” (cf. Luke 24:17, where it denotes mutual conversation). This metaphorical extension conveys the image of words as missiles or “traits” hurled reciprocally between interlocutors, emphasizing the dynamic and often confrontational nature of discourse. The phrase ἀντιβάλλετε πρὸς ἀλλήλους thus captures the idea of “throwing words at one another” or “engaging in reciprocal argumentation.” (LSJ s.v. ἀντιβάλλω)