from κατά and the base of ἑδραῖος; to sit down:--sit.
Transliteration:kathézomai
Pronunciation:kath-ed'-zom-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καθέζομαι (kathézomai `{{G2516}}`) is derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning "down" or "against," and the base of ἑδραῖος (hedraios `{{G1476}}`), which signifies "firm" or "steadfast," relating to a seat. Its core meaning is "to sit down" or "to be seated." This term conveys not merely the physical act of resting on a surface, but often implies a settled, established, or even authoritative posture. Unlike some related terms that might emphasize the state of being seated, καθέζομαι can highlight the action of taking a seat, thereby establishing a position, or the resultant state of being firmly seated. Its semantic range thus extends from simple physical rest to positions of instruction, waiting, or judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
καθέζομαι appears in the New Testament primarily in contexts that underscore its nuanced meaning beyond mere physical posture:
* **Teaching Authority:** In [[Matthew 26:55]] (and parallel [[Mark 14:48]], [[Luke 22:52]]), Jesus confronts those who arrest Him, stating, "Day after day I **sat** (καθέζομαι) in the temple teaching." Similarly, [[John 8:2]] records, "Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he **sat down** (καθέζομαι) and began to teach them." This highlights the customary posture of a rabbi or teacher, signifying authority, accessibility, and the formal act of instruction. Jesus's regular sitting in the temple underscores His public and authoritative ministry.
* **Learning and Engagement:** [[Luke 2:46]] describes the twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple, "after three days they found him in the temple, **sitting** (καθέζομαι) among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions." Here, it denotes a posture of engagement, active listening, and participation within a learned assembly, even for one so young.
* **Expectation and Presence:** In [[Acts 2:2]], during the Pentecost event, the disciples were "where they were **sitting** (καθέζομαι)." This portrays a state of being gathered, perhaps waiting, and unified, preceding the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It suggests a settled presence in anticipation of divine action.
* **Judicial Authority:** [[Acts 25:17]] records Festus stating, "So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my **seat** (καθέζομαι) on the judgment seat and commanded Paul to be brought." This usage clearly indicates the assumption of a formal position of authority, specifically for rendering judgment. The act of sitting down on the judgment seat marks the commencement of a solemn judicial proceeding.
### Related Words & Concepts
καθέζομαι (kathézomai `{{G2516}}`) is part of a semantic field of words related to sitting, each with distinct nuances:
* κάθημαι (kathēmai `{{G2521}}`): This verb primarily denotes the state of "being seated" or "to be sitting." While often interchangeable in context, καθέζομαι can emphasize the *action* of taking a seat or the *establishment* of a seated position, whereas κάθημαι more directly describes the ongoing state.
* καθίζω (kathizō `{{G2523}}`): This verb can be transitive, meaning "to cause to sit," "to seat," or "to appoint," and also intransitive, "to sit down." καθέζομαι is often considered the middle voice form of καθίζω, emphasizing the subject's action for themselves ("to seat oneself").
* ἕδρα (hedra `{{G1476}}`): The noun meaning "a seat" or "a chair," from which the base of ἑδραῖος (firm, steadfast) is derived. This connection reinforces the idea of a stable or established position when one καθέζομαι.
* Concepts associated with καθέζομαι include: authority, teaching, rest, waiting, judgment, and stability.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of καθέζομαι extends beyond its literal meaning to encompass profound spiritual implications:
* **Divine Authority in Teaching:** The repeated portrayal of Jesus καθέζομαι to teach underscores His divine authority and the deliberate, settled nature of His instruction. Sitting was the posture of a master, and Jesus's consistent adoption of this posture in the temple and elsewhere affirms His identity as the authoritative Teacher sent from God. His teaching was not casual but delivered with the weight of divine truth.
* **The Posture of Expectation and Reception:** The disciples' posture of καθέζομαι during the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost ([[Acts 2:2]]) suggests a posture of readiness, unity, and receptive expectation. It implies a settled community awaiting and receiving a divine outpouring, highlighting the communal aspect of the Spirit's work.
* **The Gravity of Judgment:** When a judge καθέζομαι on the judgment seat ([[Acts 25:17]]), it signifies the solemnity and finality of the judicial process. This act of sitting down establishes the court and the authority of the one presiding, reminding believers of the ultimate divine judgment where Christ Himself will καθίζω (sit) on His throne of glory ([[Matthew 25:31]]).
* **Stability and Permanence:** The etymological root linking καθέζομαι to "firmness" or "steadfastness" subtly imbues the act of sitting with a sense of stability and permanence. Whether in teaching, waiting, or judging, the posture implies an established, unshakeable position.
### Summary
καθέζομαι (kathézomai `{{G2516}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to sit down" or "to be seated," often emphasizing the action of taking a seat or the established state of being firmly seated. Its usage in the New Testament is rich with theological nuance, extending beyond mere physical posture. It consistently denotes positions of authority, particularly in Jesus's role as an authoritative teacher ([[Matthew 26:55]], [[John 8:2]]), or in the context of judicial proceedings ([[Acts 25:17]]). It also describes a posture of expectation and communal readiness, as seen with the disciples at Pentecost ([[Acts 2:2]]). Closely related to other "sitting" words like κάθημαι (kathēmai `{{G2521}}`) and καθίζω (kathizō `{{G2523}}`), καθέζομαι subtly conveys stability and permanence, underscoring the weight and significance of the actions or states it describes within the biblical narrative.
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