Brief Overview of κάθημαι (Strong’s G2521: kathēmai)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies provides essential insights into the meanings and contexts of New Testament scriptures. The Greek word κάθημαι (kathēmai) is particularly significant due to its frequent usage, often referring to sitting or remaining in a position. This word is crucial for interpreting passages that convey ideas of authority, teaching, and resting, thus offering a glimpse into both New Testament language and ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: κάθημαι (kathēmai), pronounced [KAH-thay-my].
• Etymology: Derived from the preposition κατά (kata, meaning “down”) and the verb ἧμαι (hēmai, meaning “to sit” or “to stay”).
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Indicative Middle/Passive); it does not have a declension pattern as it is a verb.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To sit down: Often used in the literal sense of taking a seat.
• To remain or dwell: Implies staying or residing in a particular place or condition.
• To occupy a position of authority: Connotes someone in a place of leadership or judgment.

Similar Words: ἵστημι (histēmi) [HEE-stay-mee] – This word means “to stand” and is often used in contrast to κάθημαι, which focuses on sitting or being in a position, while ἵστημι focuses on standing or being upright.

Further Insights: κάθημαι is a deponent verb that conveys a state of sitting or residing, often in a figurative or literal sense. It does not follow a standard declension but has variations according to tense and mood in Greek grammar. Its usage ranges from simple actions like sitting to more metaphorical senses like dwelling or presiding. Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: κάθημαι is frequently used in contexts involving physical sitting or dwelling, but it also carries figurative connotations, such as remaining in a state of mind or in authority.
• Thayers: Focuses on its usage in both literal and metaphorical senses, describing physical sitting and residing in a figurative realm, such as a spiritual or moral state.
• Vines: Highlights κάθημαι in passages where it denotes remaining in a place or condition, often with a focus on spiritual or ecclesiastical authority.
• LSJ: Discusses its classical use as both a physical action and a metaphoric stance, often applied to figures in positions of judgment or authority.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists κάθημαι as primarily “to sit” or “to dwell,” emphasizing its broader applications in terms of remaining or residing.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 5:1 – “When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down [κάθημαι], His disciples came to Him.”
• Mark 14:62 – “And you shall see the Son of Man sitting [κάθημαι] at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
• Revelation 3:21 – “He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit [κάθημαι] with Me on My throne.”

Classical Usage

The word κάθημαι is also found in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it describes both literal and figurative actions of sitting, dwelling, or remaining.

Summary of κάθημαι (G2521: kathēmai)

The Greek word κάθημαι (kathēmai) is significant for its versatile usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts in the New Testament. It can mean to sit down, to remain in a place or state, or to occupy a position of authority. Understanding this word provides insight into various passages that emphasize resting, dwelling, or exerting authority. Its presence in classical Greek literature also showcases its broader cultural significance.

Did You Know?

• The word κάθημαι appears frequently in the Gospels to describe Jesus’ actions when teaching or addressing crowds.
• It is also used in legal contexts to refer to judges “sitting” in judgment.
• In ancient Greek culture, sitting was often a posture associated with teaching or authority, reflecting the word’s broader connotations in the New Testament.