καθέζομαι

kathézomai /kath-ed'-zom-ahee/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom κατά and the base of ἑδραῖος
Meaningto sit down
KJV usagesit.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word kathézomai, represented by G2516, means to sit down. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. The term describes the physical act of sitting, but its significance is often derived from the context in which it occurs, such as teaching, resting, or waiting.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical accounts, G2516 is used to frame important scenes. Jesus is found sitting in the temple among the doctors G1320, both listening and asking questions Luke 2:46. He later references this common practice, stating he sat daily in the temple to teach Matthew 26:55. The term also depicts Jesus' humanity, as when he, being wearied from a journey, sat by Jacob's well John 4:6. In a moment of divine revelation, two angels are seen sitting at the empty tomb of Jesus John 20:12.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide deeper context for the act of sitting:

  • G1320 didáskalos (an instructor): These were the teachers among whom the young Jesus sat, demonstrating a posture of learning and engagement from an early age Luke 2:46.
  • G1321 didáskō (to teach): This action is explicitly linked to Jesus sitting in the temple, a common posture for authoritative teaching Matthew 26:55.
  • G4892 synédrion (council): This term denotes the formal assembly where members sat to hear the testimony of Stephen before his martyrdom Acts 6:15.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2516 is revealed through its contextual uses.

  • Posture of Teaching: Jesus sitting to teach establishes a model of rabbinic authority and instruction. His action in the temple underscores his role as the ultimate teacher G1320 Matthew 26:55.
  • Embodiment of Humanity: By sitting at the well due to weariness, Jesus demonstrates his full humanity. This act of rest precedes a significant spiritual conversation, highlighting his dual nature John 4:6.
  • Witness and Revelation: The posture of sitting is also adopted by celestial beings. Angels are found sitting at the empty tomb, signifying a settled divine presence and bearing witness to the resurrection John 20:12. Mary sat in the house, a picture of stillness that contrasts with her sister's activity, perhaps indicating grief or contemplation John 11:20.

Summary

In summary, G2516 conveys more than the simple physical act of being seated. Depending on the context, it can signify authority, weariness, contemplation, or divine witness. From Jesus sitting as a teacher in the temple to angels sitting at the site of his resurrection, the word helps to establish the tone and significance of a scene.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 7 occurrences, inflected in 6 grammatical forms.

  • Imperfect Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Imperfect Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Accusative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Passive Deponent
Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 6 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in John (3 verses).

1
Matthew
1
Luke
3
John
1
Acts

Verse Explorer

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