Brief Overview of ἐπικαθίζω (Strong’s G1940: epikathízō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for deepening our comprehension of Biblical texts and their contexts. The word ἐπικαθίζω (epikathízō), Strong’s G1940, is significant because it conveys the idea of “sitting upon” or “dwelling upon.” This verb is particularly relevant in New Testament interpretation, especially in passages that describe positions of authority, judgment, or habitation. In ancient Greek culture, the concept of “sitting” or “settling” often carried connotations of rule, teaching, or abiding, reflecting the cultural understanding of presence and authority.

Key Information

The Greek Word: ἐπικαθίζω (epikathízō) [eh-pee-ka-THEE-zo]
Etymology root words and their meanings: From ἐπί (epi, “upon”) and καθίζω (kathízō, “to sit” or “to set”), meaning “to sit upon” or “to settle upon.”
Part of Speech: Verb. This word follows regular Greek verb conjugation patterns.
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Primary Meanings

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To sit upon or settle upon.
To dwell or remain in a place.
To establish oneself in a position, often with a sense of authority or permanence.

Similar Words: Related Greek words include καθίζω (kathízō) [ka-THEE-zo], meaning “to sit” or “to place,” and ἐπικαθέζομαι (epikathézomai) [eh-pee-ka-THE-zo-mai], which also means “to sit upon” but emphasizes a reflexive action. While καθίζω is more general and simply means “to sit” or “to place,” ἐπικαθίζω (epikathízō) involves the nuance of “sitting upon” or “settling upon” something, often implying authority or a deliberate decision to remain in a place. ἐπικαθέζομαι, being in the middle voice, focuses on the subject’s action upon itself, such as a person choosing to sit upon a throne or seat of authority.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπικαθίζω is a compound formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon,” and the verb καθίζω (kathízō), which means “to sit” or “to set.” This combination creates a more intensified action, suggesting not just sitting but “sitting upon” with a sense of intent or purpose. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as physically sitting upon a chair or throne, or metaphorically dwelling in a position of authority or influence.
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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Describes ἐπικαθίζω as “to sit upon, to take a seat upon,” often in contexts where there is an emphasis on assuming a position or authority. It is sometimes used metaphorically to indicate remaining or dwelling in a place or state.
Thayers: Defines ἐπικαθίζω as “to sit upon,” particularly in reference to sitting on a seat or chair of authority, such as a throne or judgment seat. It is also used in more general contexts to indicate dwelling or residing.
Vines: Highlights that ἐπικαθίζω implies “to sit or settle upon,” with an emphasis on the permanence or authority associated with the act. It is often found in New Testament passages that describe authoritative positions.
LSJ: In classical Greek literature, ἐπικαθίζω is noted to mean “to sit upon” or “to take a seat,” frequently used in legal or official contexts where someone assumes a seat of authority or judgment.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes it as “to sit upon” or “to dwell,” emphasizing the sense of establishing oneself in a place, often for an extended period or with authority.

Related Scripture References

Luke 4:20: “And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down (ἐπικαθίσας); and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him.”
Acts 2:3: “Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat (ἐπικαθίσεν) upon each of them.”
Acts 8:40: “But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea and settled (ἐπικαθίσας) there.”

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Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English Text
Herodotus	Histories	“He sat upon (ἐπικαθίσας) the throne and declared his authority over the land.”
Aristophanes	The Birds	“The gods chose to sit upon (ἐπικαθίζειν) the highest mountains, watching mankind.”
Xenophon	Anabasis	“The commander decided to sit upon (ἐπικαθίσας) the hill to oversee the battle.”
Septuagint	Isaiah	“He who sits (ἐπικαθίζων) upon the throne of justice will judge the nations.”
Septuagint	Psalms	“The Lord sits (ἐπικαθίζει) enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as King forever.”
Septuagint	Jeremiah	“Woe to him who builds his house on unrighteousness, and sits (ἐπικαθίζει) on bloodshed.”

Summary of ἐπικαθίζω (G1940)

The Greek word ἐπικαθίζω (epikathízō) is a verb that means “to sit upon,” “to settle,” or “to dwell.” It holds significant importance in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, where it describes not only the physical act of sitting but also conveys a sense of establishing authority or permanence in a place or position. In the New Testament, it is used to depict scenes where someone sits in a position of authority or remains in a specific location for a purpose. Its use in classical texts reflects its broader application in contexts of governance, judgment, and abiding presence.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, the act of sitting (καθίζω) or sitting upon (ἐπικαθίζω) often symbolized authority, judgment, or teaching. This is why many statues of gods, leaders, or philosophers were depicted in a seated position, emphasizing their wisdom, authority, or contemplative nature. In Biblical contexts, “sitting upon” often conveys a message of divine authority or presence, as in the imagery of God sitting enthroned over creation. This cultural symbolism carries through into the New Testament, where Jesus and His apostles use this imagery to communicate spiritual truths and authority.