Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and comprehending ancient Greek culture. The Greek word καθέζομαι (kathezomai) is significant because it describes the act of sitting down or settling oneself. This word carries connotations of rest, presence, and sometimes authority. Knowing how καθέζομαι was used in both secular and sacred contexts helps us better understand the social and spiritual nuances present in ancient texts.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: καθέζομαι (kathezomai), pronounced [ka-THEH-zo-mai].
- Etymology: Derived from the prefix κατά (kata, meaning “down”) and the verb ἕζομαι (hezomai, meaning “to sit”), creating a verb that literally means “to sit down.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; middle or passive voice in Greek grammar.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To Sit Down: The primary meaning is the literal action of sitting down, taking a seat, or settling in a place.
- To Stay or Remain: It can also imply a sense of dwelling or remaining in a location, emphasizing a prolonged presence.
- To Establish or Settle: Less frequently, it conveys the notion of establishing oneself in a place, often with an authoritative or decisive action.
Similar Words: κάθημαι (kathemai) [KAH-theh-mai] – meaning “to sit” or “be seated.” While καθέζομαι focuses more on the action of sitting down, κάθημαι typically denotes the state of being seated.
Further Insights: The verb καθέζομαι appears in the middle or passive voice forms, which is common in Greek for reflexive actions like sitting down. This verb does not have a fully conjugated declension table like nouns but changes form depending on tense, voice, and mood. Below is a conjugation chart for καθέζομαι in the present indicative tense:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | καθέζομαι | καθέζομεθα |
| 2nd Person | καθέζη | καθέζεσθε |
| 3rd Person | καθέζεται | καθέζονται |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines καθέζομαι primarily as “to sit down,” noting its use in various contexts, including teaching, rest, and judgment.
- Thayers: Explains καθέζομαι as to “sit down” or “set oneself,” particularly when indicating a position of authority or intention.
- Vines: Focuses on the word’s usage to describe both literal and metaphorical actions of sitting or settling.
- LSJ: Lists καθέζομαι as a verb meaning “to seat oneself,” with applications in social, political, and religious settings.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes καθέζομαι as “to sit down” or “to settle,” emphasizing its reflexive and sometimes passive connotations.
Related Scripture References
- Luke 24:49 – “And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay [καθέζεσθε] in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
- Acts 2:3 – “And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributing themselves, and they rested [καθέζετο] on each one of them.”
Classical Usage
The term καθέζομαι appears in various classical Greek texts, often with meanings related to sitting, dwelling, or establishing oneself.
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “And he καθέζετο (sat down) beside the great ship, pondering his strategy.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The leader καθέζετο (settled) in the newly founded city to establish his rule.” |
| Aristotle | Politics | “When one καθέζεσθαι (is seated), it is not only the body that rests, but the mind prepares.” |
Summary of καθέζομαι (G2516: kathezomai)
The Greek verb καθέζομαι (kathezomai) holds a vital place in understanding both New Testament and classical Greek literature. It describes the action of sitting down or settling oneself and appears in various contexts, from resting and staying to establishing oneself in a location. Its use in the New Testament emphasizes positions of authority, reflection, and the reception of divine experiences, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. Knowing how καθέζομαι is used broadens our appreciation of the cultural and theological depth found in ancient Greek texts.
Did You Know?
- The verb καθέζομαι is often used in connection with disciples sitting down to learn from a teacher, underscoring its link to positions of learning and authority.
- In ancient Greek dramas, characters often καθέζονται (sit down) to symbolize reflection or decision-making moments.
- The root of καθέζομαι, ἕζομαι (hezomai), is one of the oldest verbs in the Greek language, found in early epic poetry such as Homer’s Iliad.
Understanding καθέζομαι provides a richer context for both Biblical interpretation and the study of ancient Greek language and culture.
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