Understanding ἀνάκειμαι (anakeimai) Strong’s G345: The Sacred Act of Reclining at Table – From Ancient Custom to Divine Fellowship

Pronunciation Guide: ah-NAH-kay-my

Basic Definition

Strong’s G345: ἀνάκειμαι (anakeimai) describes the act of reclining at a table for a meal, particularly in a formal or festive setting. This posture, common in the ancient Mediterranean world, involved reclining on one’s left elbow while eating with the right hand. In the New Testament, this term carries special significance as it often describes fellowship meals and situations where people reclined at table with Jesus.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀνά (up, back) + κεῖμαι (to lie)
• Primary usage in narrative passages describing meals and fellowship
• Common in Synoptic Gospels and John
• Middle/passive deponent verb
• Classical and Koine Greek origins

ἀνάκειμαι Morphology:

• ἀνάκειμαι (present indicative) – I recline at table
• ἀνακείμενος (present participle) – reclining at table
• ἀνέκειτο (imperfect) – was reclining at table
• ἀνακείμενοι (nominative plural participle) – those reclining at table

Origin & History

The practice of reclining at meals emerged in Persian culture and was adopted by Greeks during the Hellenistic period. Plutarch, in his “Moralia,” discusses the custom extensively, noting its significance in symposia and formal dining. The term appears in classical works like Xenophon’s “Symposium,” where it describes the posture of distinguished guests at philosophical discussions over meals.

In Septuagint usage, ἀνάκειμαι translates Hebrew words related to formal dining, particularly in Esther and other Persian-period texts. The Early Church Fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Paedagogus,” used the term when discussing proper Christian conduct at communal meals.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To recline at table for a meal
• To be positioned as an honored guest at a formal dinner
• To participate in a communal fellowship meal
• To occupy a place at table (particularly in a ceremonial context)

ἀνάκειμαι Translation Options:

• “to recline at table” – most accurate for historical context
• “to dine” – simplified modern equivalent
• “to be seated at table” – contemporary cultural adaptation
• “to recline as a guest” – emphasizing social status aspect

Biblical Usage

The term first appears in Matthew 9:10, where Jesus reclines at table with tax collectors and sinners, demonstrating His radical inclusivity. Throughout the Gospels, ἀνάκειμαι often marks significant moments of fellowship and teaching, particularly in scenes involving meals where Jesus reveals important spiritual truths.

The word carries special weight in descriptions of the Last Supper and other intimate fellowship meals. It emphasizes not just the physical act of eating but the deeper significance of table fellowship in biblical culture.

• “And it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table [ἀνακειμένου] in the house” Matthew 9:10
• “Now one of His disciples was reclining [ἀνακείμενος] on Jesus’ bosom” John 13:23
• “So there were many lights in the upper room where we were gathered [ἀνακείμενοι] together” Acts 20:8

Cultural Insights

In ancient Mediterranean culture, the position of reclining guests at a formal meal carried significant social meaning. The host would recline at the head of the table, with honored guests positioned to his right. The custom of reclining, rather than sitting, distinguished formal meals from everyday eating and indicated leisure, intimacy, and status.

Jewish tradition adapted this Greco-Roman custom while maintaining distinctive dietary laws and blessing rituals. The Passover Seder, in particular, prescribed reclining as a symbol of freedom, contrasting with the hasty eating while standing that marked the original Exodus.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀνάκειμαι in Gospel narratives powerfully illustrates the Messiah’s ministry of table fellowship. Jesus consistently used meals as occasions for teaching, relationship-building, and demonstrating the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom. His willingness to recline at table with tax collectors and sinners challenged social boundaries and revealed divine grace.

The intimacy suggested by ἀνάκειμαι finds its ultimate expression in the Last Supper, where this posture enabled the beloved disciple to lean on Jesus’ breast. This physical closeness symbolizes the spiritual intimacy possible between believers and their Lord.

Personal Application

When we understand the cultural significance of reclining at table, we gain deeper appreciation for Jesus’ radical table fellowship. This insight should inspire us to practice inclusive hospitality and recognize meals as opportunities for meaningful spiritual connection.

Consider how your own table fellowship might reflect the Messiah’s example. Are our homes and dining tables places where others can experience God’s welcome and grace?

Related Words

• συνανάκειμαι (synanakeimai) – to recline at table with someone else, emphasizing shared fellowship and communion See G4873
• κατάκειμαι (katakeimai) – to lie down, often used of sick persons or in general reclining See G2621
• ἀνακλίνω (anaklino) – to cause to recline, make someone recline at table See G347
• κατακλίνω (kataklino) – to make recline at table, particularly as a host’s action See G2625

Did you Know?

• The practice of reclining at meals was so ingrained in Jewish culture by the first century that the Mishnah states even the poorest person in Israel should recline while eating the Passover meal as a sign of freedom.
• Archaeological discoveries of Roman triclinia (dining rooms) show that typical dining couches were arranged in a U-shape, allowing servants access to the open end for serving food. This arrangement facilitated both intimate conversation and hierarchical seating arrangements.
• Modern Passover Seders still maintain the tradition of reclining, with participants often using pillows to lean to their left while drinking the four cups of wine, explicitly connecting to this ancient practice.

Remember This

ἀνάκειμαι reminds us that in God’s kingdom, the table becomes a place of divine encounter where social barriers dissolve and fellowship with the Messiah transforms lives.