KJV term for one who contradicts, opposes, or speaks against — particularly a teacher who distorts sound doctrine and must be silenced. Titus 1:9 uses the word of elder-qualifications: Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Romans 10:21 applies it to Israel: But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. The Greek antilego (literally speak against) carries both the active sense (speaking up in opposition) and the deeper disposition (settled posture of contradicting God's word). The elder's task in Titus 1:9 is two-edged: positively to exhort with sound doctrine, negatively to refute the gainsayer. The biblical pastor cannot only build up; he must also tear down false teaching when it threatens the flock. Gainsayer-handling is part of the office.