another (active) form for καθέζομαι; to seat down, i.e. set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell):--continue, set, sit (down), tarry.
Transliteration:kathízō
Pronunciation:kath-id'-zo
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καθίζω (kathízō, `{{G2523}}`) is derived from the preposition κατά (katá, "down") and the verb ἵζω (hízō, "to cause to sit" or "to sit"). This etymological root immediately reveals its core semantic range: the act of sitting or causing someone/something to sit.
Its primary meanings can be categorized as follows:
1. **Transitive (to cause to sit):** "to seat," "to set down," "to place." This usage implies an agent causing another person or object to take a seated or fixed position.
2. **Intransitive (to sit):** "to sit down," "to take a seat," "to be seated." This describes the subject's own action of assuming a seated posture.
3. **Figurative (transitive):**
* **To appoint/establish:** Used in the sense of setting someone in a position of authority, power, or responsibility. This extends the idea of "seating" to "establishing" or "ordaining."
* **To settle/dwell:** Implies taking up residence or remaining in a place, suggesting a more permanent or prolonged stay.
4. **Figurative (intransitive):**
* **To continue/tarry:** Denotes remaining in a place for a period, often with a specific purpose or expectation.
The definition notes it as an "active form for καθέζομαι" (kathézomai, `{{G2516}}`). While both can mean "to sit," καθίζω often carries the nuance of initiating the act of sitting (to sit down) or causing someone to sit, whereas καθέζομαι more frequently describes the state of being seated (to be sitting).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word καθίζω appears frequently in the New Testament, encompassing its various semantic nuances:
* **Literal Sitting (Intransitive):** This is the most common usage. Jesus often καθίζω to teach, indicating a posture of authority and instruction, as seen in the Sermon on the Mount: "When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He καθίζω (sat down), His disciples came to Him" [[Matthew 5:1]]. Similarly, disciples are described as sitting on the ground [[Matthew 15:35]] or in a boat [[Mark 4:1]].
* **Causing to Sit/Seating (Transitive):** This highlights an active agent. Jesus commanded the crowds to καθίζω (sit down) on the grass before the feeding of the five thousand [[Matthew 14:19]]. In a significant passage, Jesus tells His disciples, "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will καθίζω (sit) on His glorious throne, you also shall καθίζω (sit) upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" [[Matthew 19:28]]. Here, the first instance is intransitive (Jesus sitting), and the second is transitive in effect, implying Jesus will seat them or enable them to sit.
* **Sitting in Authority/Judgment (Intransitive/Figurative):** This is a crucial application. Pontius Pilate καθίζω (sat down) on the judgment seat (bēma) to render his verdict concerning Jesus [[John 19:13]]. This usage underscores the exercise of official power and judgment. Most profoundly, the word describes Christ's exaltation: "So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and καθίζω (sat down) at the right hand of God" [[Mark 16:19]]. This is echoed throughout the epistles, emphasizing His completed work and sovereign rule (e.g., [[Hebrews 1:3]], [[Hebrews 8:1]], [[Hebrews 10:12]], [[Colossians 3:1]]).
* **Appointing/Establishing (Transitive/Figurative):** This sense is evident when God is described as καθίζω (appointing) David to be king [[Acts 2:30]], signifying divine ordination and establishment of authority.
* **Tarrying/Continuing/Dwelling (Intransitive/Figurative):** In [[Luke 24:49]], Jesus instructs His disciples to "tarry" (καθίζω) in Jerusalem until they are clothed with power from on high, referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit. This denotes a purposeful waiting and remaining in a specific location for a designated period. Similarly, Paul καθίζω (continued) in Corinth for a year and six months, teaching the word of God [[Acts 18:11]], indicating a settled residence for ministry.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of καθίζω includes several closely related terms:
* **καθέζομαι (kathézomai, `{{G2516}}`):** As noted in the base definition, this verb also means "to sit" or "to be seated." While καθίζω can emphasize the act of sitting down, καθέζομαι often describes the state of being seated. They are largely interchangeable in many contexts but can carry subtle differences in nuance.
* **κάθημαι (káthēmai, `{{G2521}}`):** Another common verb meaning "to sit" or "to be seated," often used for a more enduring state of sitting.
* **θρόνος (thrónos, `{{G2362}}`):** "Throne," a seat of authority, power, and kingship. The frequent use of καθίζω in relation to Christ's enthronement directly connects it to this noun.
* **ἕδρα (hédra, `{{G1476}}`):** "Seat" or "chair," a more general term for a place to sit.
* **Concepts:** The word evokes concepts such as authority, rest, judgment, establishment, dwelling, and divine appointment. The act of sitting, especially on a throne or judgment seat, is universally recognized as a posture of power and decision-making.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of καθίζω is profound, particularly in Christology and ecclesiology:
* **Christ's Exaltation and Sovereignty:** The most significant theological application of καθίζω is its use to describe Christ καθίζω (sitting) at the right hand of God in heaven [[Mark 16:19]], [[Ephesians 1:20]], [[Hebrews 1:3]], [[Hebrews 8:1]], [[Hebrews 10:12]]. This signifies:
* **Completed Work:** His redemptive work on the cross and resurrection is finished, allowing Him to "sit down" in divine rest.
* **Supreme Authority:** Sitting at God's right hand is the ultimate position of power, honor, and sovereignty over all creation.
* **Ongoing Intercession:** While in a position of rest, He continues His high priestly ministry of intercession for believers.
* **Anticipated Return:** His current sitting awaits the time for His enemies to be made His footstool [[Hebrews 10:12-13]].
* **Believers' Positional Authority:** Amazingly, believers are said to be καθίζω (seated) with Christ in the heavenly realms [[Ephesians 2:6]]. This does not imply a physical relocation but a spiritual, positional reality. Through union with Christ, believers share in His victory, authority, and heavenly standing, even while still on earth. It speaks to their new identity and spiritual inheritance.
* **Divine Appointment and Judgment:** The use of καθίζω for God "appointing" David as king [[Acts 2:30]] highlights divine sovereignty in establishing human leadership. Similarly, the apostles "sitting on thrones judging" [[Matthew 19:28]] underscores the concept of delegated authority and future judgment.
* **Empowerment for Mission:** In [[Luke 24:49]], the command to "tarry" (καθίζω) in Jerusalem before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit connects the idea of waiting and remaining with the reception of divine power necessary for gospel proclamation. This waiting is not passive but a purposeful preparation for mission.
### Summary
The Greek verb καθίζω (kathízō, `{{G2523}}`) is a versatile term encompassing the literal act of sitting, causing to sit, and powerful figurative meanings of establishing, appointing, settling, and dwelling. Its semantic range extends from the mundane to the profoundly theological. Most notably, it describes the glorious enthronement of Jesus Christ at the right hand of God, signifying His completed redemptive work, supreme authority, and ongoing reign. Furthermore, it highlights the believer's positional union with Christ in the heavenly realms, sharing in His victory and authority. The word also conveys concepts of divine appointment, delegated judgment, and the purposeful waiting for divine empowerment. Thus, καθίζω bridges the physical posture of sitting with profound spiritual realities of authority, rest, and divine purpose within God's unfolding plan.
TRV