Brief Overview of συγκαθίζω (Strong’s G4776: sugkathizo)

Strong’s G4776: A compound verb meaning “to cause to sit down together” or “to sit down with.” From σύν (with) and καθίζω (to sit, make to sit). Used both transitively and intransitively in contexts of communal gathering and shared authority. Appears in significant narratives of both judgment and exaltation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκαθίζω carries dual significance as both a transitive verb meaning “to cause others to sit together” and an intransitive verb meaning “to sit down with others.” In the New Testament, it appears in both Peter’s denial narrative and in Ephesians, where believers are described as seated with the Messiah. The early church saw profound theological significance in this word, particularly in its usage describing our spiritual position with the Messiah. Today, it reminds us of both our present spiritual reality of being seated with the Messiah in heavenly places and our responsibility in choosing our associations.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγκαθίζω, sugkathizo, /soong-kath-id’-zo/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – kath (as in “catholic”) – ID (as in “lid”) – zo
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• καθίζω (kathizo) meaning “to sit, to cause to sit”
• Combined meaning: “to sit together” or “cause to sit together”

D – Defining Meanings

• To sit down together with others
• To cause others to sit down together
• To be seated together in authority

For compound words:

• σύν indicates shared action or state
• καθίζω provides the basic meaning of sitting/seating
• Combined they emphasize either joint action or causative effect

Translation Options:

• “To sit down with” – For intransitive use
• “To cause to sit together” – For transitive use
• “To be enthroned with” – For metaphorical/spiritual contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καθίζω (kathizo) /kath-id’-zo/ – to sit, seat See G2523
• συγκάθημαι (sugkathemai) /soong-kath’-ay-mahee/ – to be seated with See G4775
• συνεδριάζω (sunedriazo) /soon-ed-ree-ad’-zo/ – to sit together in council See G4824

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: All persons
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar (Aorist), Progressive (Present)

Examples:

• Present Active: συγκαθίζω (I sit with/cause to sit)
• Aorist Active: συνεκάθισα (I sat with/caused to sit)
• Present Participle: συγκαθίζων (sitting with/causing to sit)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its dual usage as both transitive and intransitive. Thayer’s notes its significance in spiritual contexts. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek for formal assemblies. Vine’s highlights its theological importance in Ephesians. Strong’s connects it to both physical and spiritual seating. LEH notes its use in judicial contexts. Moulton and Milligan demonstrate its use in both literal and metaphorical settings.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 22:55: “And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together [συγκαθίζω], Peter sat down among them.”

Additional References:
Ephesians 2:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγκαθίζω beautifully captures both the physical reality of communal gathering and the spiritual reality of our position in the Messiah. It reminds us that through His grace, we are not only seated together as His church but also seated with Him in heavenly places. This word proclaims the good news that in the Messiah, we are raised and positioned in authority with Him.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in ancient court documents describing official sessions
• It has both literal and deeply spiritual meanings in the New Testament
• Early church fathers used it to describe both earthly fellowship and heavenly position

Strong’s G4776: A compound verb meaning “to cause to sit down together” or “to sit down with.” From σύν (with) and καθίζω (to sit, make to sit). Used both transitively and intransitively in contexts of communal gathering and shared authority. Appears in significant narratives of both judgment and exaltation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: sitting, fellowship, authority, heavenly-position, communal-gathering, spiritual-position, peter’s-denial, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, church-fellowship, spiritual-authority​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​