The Greek verb antechomai (ἀντέχομαι) means to hold firmly to, to be devoted to, to help, or to cling to. It combines anti (against/in return) and echo (to have/hold). It appears four times in the New Testament (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Titus 1:9).
Antechomai appears in two very different contexts. In Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13, Jesus says no one can serve two masters: he will hate one and hold to the other — you cannot serve God and money. The word captures the exclusive loyalty that authentic devotion demands. In 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Paul commands believers to "hold fast to the weak" — supporting and clinging to those who are struggling, a pastoral embrace. In Titus 1:9, elders must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as taught. The word thus frames the whole Christian life: hold to the truth, hold to the weak, do not divide your devotion.