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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the nuances of New Testament texts and appreciating the cultural context of ancient Greek life. The Greek word κλίνη (klínē) is particularly significant as it appears in passages that describe daily life and personal experiences, such as healing, rest, and death. This term helps bridge the gap between modern readers and the ancient world by shedding light on the ordinary yet meaningful aspects of life, making it a valuable word for both theological reflection and historical understanding.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κλίνη, transliterated as klínē [KLEE-nay].

Etymology: The word κλίνη comes from the Greek verb κλίνω (klínō), meaning “to lean” or “to recline.” This etymology reflects the object’s physical nature, which involves a surface that one can recline on. Over time, the term evolved to signify not only a physical bed but also the act of reclining or resting, as well as contexts involving sickness or death.

Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine. As a feminine noun, κλίνη follows the first declension pattern in Greek grammar. It typically denotes a “bed,” “couch,” or “bier,” often with associations of reclining, resting, or lying down.

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Defining Meanings

1. Bed or Couch: The primary meaning of κλίνη is “bed” or “couch,” referring to a place where one reclines or rests. In many New Testament passages, it describes a bed used for resting or sleeping.
2. Sickbed or Funeral Bier: κλίνη can also refer to a “sickbed” or “funeral bier,” indicating a bed on which someone is laid due to illness or death. This meaning is particularly relevant in healing narratives, where individuals are depicted as bedridden until miraculously healed.
3. Reclining Place at Meals: In some contexts, κλίνη can signify a place of reclining at meals, especially in the Greco-Roman world where people often reclined while eating, highlighting its cultural significance.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Κλίμαξ (klímax) [KLEE-max]: While this word shares the same root, it refers to a “ladder” or “staircase,” indicating something that can be climbed or leaned against. Unlike κλίνη, it does not imply reclining or resting.
2. Κλινίδιον (klinídion) [klee-NEE-dee-on]: This word means “small bed” or “pallet.” It is a diminutive form of κλίνη, emphasizing its smaller size, often used to describe portable beds or mats used by the poor or infirm.
3. Κάθισμα (káthisma) [KAH-thees-mah]: Meaning “seat” or “chair,” κάθισμα is used to denote a sitting place rather than a reclining one. The difference lies in the position associated with the word—sitting versus lying down or reclining.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:
κλίνη is a feminine noun and follows the first declension pattern in Greek grammar.

For more details about Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In the New Testament, κλίνη is often used to depict scenes of healing, where individuals are brought to Jesus on their beds or couches. This reflects the social and cultural practices of the time, where people relied heavily on their “beds” for rest during illness. In classical literature, κλίνη often refers to a reclining place, either in the context of meals or in funerary practices. Theologically, κλίνη signifies not only physical rest but also metaphoric states of rest and restoration through divine intervention. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 9:2: “And behold, they brought to him a paralytic lying on a bed [κλίνη]: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the paralytic; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.”
2. Mark 2:4: “And when they could not come near unto him for the crowd, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed [κλίνη] wherein the paralytic lay.”
3. Luke 5:18: “And, behold, men brought in a bed [κλίνη] a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

κλίνη is a word that captures the essence of everyday life in ancient times, whether it be for rest, sickness, or even death. Its use in the New Testament provides a backdrop for many of Jesus’ healing miracles, serving as a symbol of restoration and hope. Beyond the Bible, κλίνη in classical texts helps us understand ancient social customs, such as reclining during meals or resting during illness.

Did You Know?

1. In the Greco-Roman world, it was common for people to recline on couches (κλίναι) during meals, a practice that influenced early Christian communal meals.
2. κλίνη is frequently used in medical texts from antiquity, where it describes the beds or couches on which patients rested while receiving treatment.
3. The word κλίνη has influenced modern terms like “clinic,” reflecting its associations with places of rest and healing.