Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies, as it reveals the layers of meaning embedded in the original texts. The Greek word κατάκειμαι (katakeimai) is particularly significant because it pertains to the act of lying down or reclining. This verb appears in the New Testament in contexts that describe physical rest, reclining at meals, or even lying sick. By examining κατάκειμαι, we gain insight into how early Christians and ancient Greek culture expressed concepts of rest, hospitality, and illness, which were crucial to understanding the social and spiritual life of the time.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: κατάκειμαι (katakeimai) [ka-TA-kei-mai]
• Etymology Root Words and Their Meanings: Derived from κατά (kata, meaning “down” or “against”) and κεῖμαι (keimai, meaning “to lie” or “to be laid”).
• Part of Speech: Verb; it is in the middle/passive form and is typically used in the present indicative mood.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To lie down, especially in a reclining position.
• To be laid up, such as lying sick or bedridden.
• To recline at a table, particularly during meals.

Similar Words: A related Greek word is κεῖμαι (keimai) [KEI-mai], which also means “to lie” or “to be placed.” However, while κεῖμαι refers broadly to the state of lying or being positioned, κατάκειμαι, with its prefix κατά, emphasizes a specific action of lying down or reclining, often in a more intentional or sustained manner, such as reclining at a banquet.

Further Insights: The verb κατάκειμαι combines the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” with κεῖμαι (keimai), meaning “to lie.” This combination suggests a more definitive state of lying down or reclining. Below is a table showing the present indicative middle/passive form of κατάκειμαι:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines κατάκειμαι as “to lie down” or “to recline,” particularly in contexts of reclining at meals or being laid up due to illness. The verb is often used to describe someone in a state of rest or incapacity.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Describes κατάκειμαι as “to lie down” or “to be laid up,” emphasizing its use in the New Testament to depict those who are sick or bedridden, as well as those reclining at meals in a social context.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on the verb’s meaning of “to lie down” or “to recline,” highlighting its use in passages where reclining for meals or resting is discussed, reflecting the cultural practices of the time.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Notes that κατάκειμαι was used in classical Greek to indicate “lying down” or “reclining,” whether due to illness, rest, or social customs like banqueting, where people reclined while eating.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Simply defines κατάκειμαι as “to lie down” or “to recline,” underscoring its application in both literal and metaphorical senses of lying or resting.

Related Scripture References

• Mark 1:30 – “Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying [κατέκειτο] sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her.”
• Luke 5:25 – “Immediately he got up before them, picked up what he had been lying on [κατέκειτο], and went home glorifying God.”
• John 5:3 – “In these lay [κατέκειτο] a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, waiting for the moving of the waters.”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατάκειμαι (G2621: katakeimai)

The Greek verb κατάκειμαι, meaning “to lie down” or “to recline,” is significant for understanding social customs, health conditions, and hospitality practices in both Biblical and classical contexts. It is used in the New Testament to describe states of rest, sickness, or social dining, reflecting the physical and cultural environment of the time. Its use in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint further illustrates its importance in depicting rest, reclining during meals, or being bedridden due to illness. By studying κατάκειμαι, readers gain a deeper understanding of the daily life, social interactions, and cultural norms that shaped ancient texts.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The prefix “kata-” in κατάκειμαι intensifies the verb, suggesting a fixed or settled state of lying down, which is different from the simpler κεῖμαι, which merely means “to lie.”
• Fact 2: In ancient Greek culture, reclining at meals was a common practice among the upper classes, symbolizing leisure, status, and social interaction, reflected in the use of κατάκειμαι.
• Fact 3: In the New Testament, κατάκειμαι is used both literally, such as for those lying sick, and metaphorically, illustrating the flexibility of Greek verbs in expressing different states of being.

Understanding κατάκειμαι provides valuable insights into the Biblical narrative and classical Greek literature, showing how language conveys themes of rest, hospitality, and human condition through the concept of lying down or reclining.