### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **káthēmai**, represented by `{{G2521}}`, means **to sit down**. It appears **89 times** across **87 unique verses**. While often denoting a simple physical posture, its figurative uses extend to concepts of remaining, residing, or holding a position of honor and authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2521}}` is used to convey a position of supreme authority and divinity. In the book of Revelation, a central image is of one who **sat** on the throne in heaven [[Revelation 4:2]], receiving worship from the elders [[Revelation 4:10]]. Jesus speaks of the Son of man **sitting** on the right hand of power [[Mark 14:62]]. The term also describes a person's spiritual or physical state, such as people who **sat** in darkness before seeing a great light [[Matthew 4:16]] or a man healed of a legion of demons being found **sitting** and in his right mind [[Mark 5:15]]. In more common contexts, it simply describes Jesus as he **sat** upon the Mount of Olives to teach his disciples [[Matthew 24:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context to the act and state of sitting:
* `{{G4352}}` **proskynéō** (to prostrate oneself in homage): This word is often linked to the one who sits on the throne, as the twenty-four elders **fall down** and **worship** him that **sat** on the throne [[Revelation 4:10]].
* `{{G2919}}` **krínō** (to distinguish, i.e. decide): The act of sitting is connected to judgment. Paul challenges the high priest, asking, "sittest{G2521} thou{G4771} to **judge** me?" [[Acts 23:3]], and the one who **sat** on the white horse is one who does **judge** in righteousness [[Revelation 19:11]].
* `{{G2064}}` **érchomai** (to come or go): The position of sitting is often contrasted with future movement, as when Jesus tells the high priest they will see the Son of man **sitting** on the right hand of power, and **coming** in the clouds of heaven [[Matthew 26:64]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2521}}` is significant, establishing key doctrines about authority, judgment, and spiritual condition.
* **Divine Authority:** The Father invites the Son to **Sit** on His right hand, a position of ultimate honor and power, until His enemies are made His footstool ([[Matthew 22:44]], [[Hebrews 1:13]]). Christ **sitteth** on the right hand of God, and believers are to seek the things which are above where He is [[Colossians 3:1]].
* **Judgment:** The posture of sitting is directly associated with divine judgment. John **saw** a great white throne and him that **sat** on it, from whose face the earth and heaven fled away [[Revelation 20:11]].
* **Figurative Residence:** The word is used figuratively for those who **dwell** or reside in a certain state. It describes those who **sit** in darkness and the shadow of death [[Luke 1:79]], as well as all who **dwell** on the face of the whole earth [[Luke 21:35]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2521}}` transcends its literal definition of a physical action. It is a powerful term used to illustrate concepts from the mundane to the divine. From a blind man **sitting** by the highway side [[Mark 10:46]] to Christ **sitting** at the right hand of God [[Colossians 3:1]], the word conveys states of being, positions of judgment, and the ultimate, sovereign authority of God.
TRV