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Unveiling the Word

Understanding the nuances of Greek words in the Bible can reveal deeper meanings that are often lost in translation. The Greek word κοίτη (koitē), appearing in Luke 11:7, is one such word that carries layers of significance. It is not merely a term for “bed,” but it also has connotations related to rest, sleep, and even marital relations. In the context of ancient Greek culture and New Testament interpretation, koitē provides a rich understanding of domestic life, social norms, and ethical teachings, especially when it comes to discussions about purity and behavior.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κοίτη, transliterated as koitē [KOY-tay].

Etymology: The word koitē is derived from the verb κεῖμαι (keimai), which means “to lie down” or “to be laid.” This root reflects the idea of reclining, resting, or lying in a bed, which evolved to include implications of sleeping and the place where one sleeps.

Part of Speech: Noun. Koitē is a feminine noun and is commonly used to refer to a bed, marriage bed, or, by extension, sexual relations. It falls under the first declension in Greek grammar, which is typical for many feminine nouns.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Bed or Couch: The primary meaning of koitē is a bed or couch, a place for resting or sleeping, as mentioned in Luke 11:7 where it simply describes the physical object.
2. Marriage Bed: In a broader sense, koitē is used metaphorically to refer to the marriage bed, representing intimacy and conjugal relations between a husband and wife.
3. Metaphorical Use: The term is sometimes used metaphorically to speak of sexual relations in general, often carrying ethical implications, especially in moral teachings found in the New Testament.

Exploring Similar Words

1. κλίνη (klinē) [KLEE-nay]: Refers to a bed or couch, often used interchangeably with koitē, but without the explicit connotation of marriage or sexual relations.
2. κοιμάω (koimaō) [koy-MAH-oh]: Meaning “to sleep” or “to put to sleep.” While koitē refers to the place where one sleeps, koimaō focuses on the act of sleeping.
3. λεχών (lechōn) [LEH-khon]: Refers specifically to a childbed or the state of being in bed during childbirth. It has a different focus from koitē, which is broader in its meaning.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Koitē is a first-declension feminine noun. Its form changes based on the case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) and number (singular, plural) to indicate its grammatical role in a sentence.

Declension: Below is a declension table for koitē in the singular and plural forms:

For a more detailed understanding of Greek nouns and declensions, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Koitē is a word rich in meaning that appears in various contexts in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature. In the New Testament, it often symbolizes the literal bed but can also imply marital and sexual relationships. For instance, in Romans 13:13, it is used metaphorically to address moral behavior, warning against improper conduct related to the “bed.” In classical contexts, the term also describes a resting place or the marriage bed, indicating a more extended social and ethical connotation. Theological implications of the word revolve around the sanctity of marriage and ethical conduct. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 11:7: “And he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in [bed] [κοίτη]. I cannot get up and give you anything.'”
2. Romans 13:13: “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality [κοίταις] and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.”
3. Hebrews 13:4: “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage [bed] [κοίτη] be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

Koitē is more than just a word for “bed” in the New Testament. It carries significant cultural, ethical, and theological weight, particularly in how it conveys the sanctity of marriage and moral conduct. Its usage across various contexts in both Biblical and classical Greek literature highlights its importance in understanding social norms and behaviors in ancient times.

Did You Know?

1. The word koitē is the root of the English word “coitus,” which refers to sexual intercourse, emphasizing its connotation of marital intimacy.
2. In ancient Greek households, beds (koitē) were often multifunctional, used for both sleeping and sitting during the day, reflecting their importance in daily life.
3. In Biblical interpretation, the term koitē is sometimes used metaphorically to speak about spiritual purity and moral living, showing its flexibility in conveying deeper meanings.