from κατά and ἵστημι; to place down (permanently), i.e. (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy:--appoint, be, conduct, make, ordain, set.
Transliteration:kathístēmi
Pronunciation:kath-is'-tay-mee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καθίστημι (kathístēmi, `{{G2525}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (katá, `{{G2596}}`), meaning "down" or "against," and the verb ἵστημι (hístēmi, `{{G2476}}`), meaning "to stand," "to set," or "to place." This etymology reveals the core semantic range of καθίστημι: to set down firmly, to establish, or to place in a stable, permanent position.
From this foundational sense of physical placement, the word extends figuratively to encompass several crucial meanings:
1. **To Appoint/Designate:** This is arguably its most frequent and significant usage in the New Testament. It denotes the act of formally selecting and placing someone in an office, position, or role of authority. The appointment implies a deliberate act of commissioning and entrusting responsibility.
2. **To Constitute/Establish:** It can refer to the act of bringing something into being or establishing a state, condition, or law. This implies a foundational act that creates a new reality or order.
3. **To Make/Render:** In some contexts, it means to cause someone or something to be in a particular state or condition.
4. **To Conduct/Bring:** Less common, but present, is the sense of leading or bringing someone to a particular place or situation.
The underlying emphasis across these meanings is a firm, authoritative, and often permanent placement or establishment, rather than a temporary or casual one.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb καθίστημι (kathístēmi, `{{G2525}}`) appears approximately 21 times in the New Testament, with its usage illuminating various aspects of divine and human ordering.
One prominent use is in the context of **appointing leaders or officials within the community**. For instance, in [[Titus 1:5]], Paul instructs Titus, "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you." Here, καθίστημι clearly conveys the authoritative act of commissioning spiritual leaders. Similarly, in [[Acts 6:3]], the apostles instruct the community to "pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this task," referring to the selection of the first deacons. This highlights the process of formal designation for service.
Another significant application is in the sense of **setting someone over a household or responsibility**. Jesus uses this imagery in parables concerning faithful stewardship. In [[Matthew 24:45]] and [[Luke 12:42]], He asks, "Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master will put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?" The word emphasizes the master's authority in entrusting significant oversight to a servant. This points to the concept of delegated authority and accountability.
The word also describes **Christ's appointment to His priestly office**. [[Hebrews 8:3]] states, "For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer." This underscores the divine commissioning of Christ as the ultimate High Priest, fulfilling the Old Covenant types. Similarly, [[Hebrews 3:2]] speaks of Christ being "faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house."
Perhaps one of the most profound theological uses is found in [[Romans 5:19]], where Paul writes, "For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous." Here, καθίστημι (translated as "were made" or "were constituted") describes a fundamental change in humanity's spiritual status. Adam's disobedience *constituted* humanity as sinners, establishing a state of condemnation. Conversely, Christ's obedience *constitutes* believers as righteous, establishing a state of justification. This is not merely an act of becoming, but of being fundamentally established in a new spiritual reality.
Finally, a less common but present usage is to **conduct or bring someone to a place**. In [[Acts 17:15]], those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens. While less theologically loaded, it retains the sense of purposeful placement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of καθίστημι (kathístēmi, `{{G2525}}`) overlaps with several other Greek words that convey notions of setting, placing, or appointing, yet each carries its own nuance.
* **ἵστημι (hístēmi, `{{G2476}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to stand," "to set," or "to cause to stand." While καθίστημι implies a more definitive or permanent placement, ἵστημι can be more general.
* **τίθημι (títhēmi, `{{G5087}}`):** Meaning "to place," "to lay," or "to appoint." This word is often used for the physical placement of objects (e.g., [[John 19:42]] - laying Jesus in the tomb) but also for appointing (e.g., [[1 Timothy 2:7]] - Paul appointed a preacher). While sharing the sense of appointment, καθίστημι often carries a stronger connotation of formal, authoritative establishment.
* **τάσσω (tássō, `{{G5021}}`):** Meaning "to arrange," "to order," or "to appoint." This word emphasizes arrangement and order, as seen in [[Acts 13:48]] where Gentiles "were appointed to eternal life." It speaks to divine pre-arrangement.
* **προχειρίζω (procheirízō, `{{G4384}}`):** Meaning "to choose beforehand" or "to appoint." This word highlights a prior selection, as in [[Acts 3:20]] where God "preached Jesus as the Christ, who was appointed for you before."
* **διατάσσω (diatássō, `{{G1303}}`):** Meaning "to arrange through," "to command," or "to appoint." This word often implies a command or authoritative instruction, as in [[1 Corinthians 7:17]] where Paul "directs" or "arranges" for all the churches.
Conceptually, καθίστημι is deeply linked to themes of:
* **Authority and Delegation:** The act of placing someone in a position of authority.
* **Order and Structure:** The establishment of systems, laws, or leadership roles.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's prerogative to appoint and establish.
* **Representation:** The idea of someone being constituted to act on behalf of others (e.g., Christ as High Priest).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of καθίστημι (kathístēmi, `{{G2525}}`) is profound, touching upon the nature of God's ordering of creation and redemption, the structure of the church, and the fundamental state of humanity.
Firstly, it underscores **God's sovereign authority in appointment and establishment**. God is the ultimate one who "sets" or "constitutes." He appointed Christ as High Priest ([[Hebrews 3:2]], [[Hebrews 8:3]]) and as judge ([[Acts 10:42]]). This highlights the divine initiative and purpose behind roles and offices within salvation history. It removes any notion of human self-appointment to positions of spiritual authority; true authority flows from God's designation.
Secondly, the word is crucial for understanding **the constitution of humanity in sin and righteousness** in [[Romans 5:19]]. This verse is not merely about individuals *becoming* sinners or righteous through their actions, but about a fundamental *state* or *identity* that is established or constituted by the actions of Adam and Christ. Through Adam's disobedience, humanity was *constituted* as being under the dominion of sin, inheriting a fallen nature. Conversely, through Christ's perfect obedience, believers are *constituted* as righteous, fundamentally placed into a new relationship with God. This speaks to the federal headship of Adam and Christ and the imputed nature of sin and righteousness, a cornerstone of Pauline theology.
Thirdly, in the context of the **early church**, καθίστημι emphasizes the **divine ordering of leadership and ministry**. The appointment of elders ([[Titus 1:5]]) and deacons ([[Acts 6:3]]) was not a mere organizational convenience but a Spirit-led act of establishing roles for the health and growth of the community. This points to the importance of qualified, divinely recognized leadership for the proper functioning and witness of the church. It implies a structured, not chaotic, body of Christ.
Finally, the word speaks to **human stewardship and accountability**. When individuals are "set over" responsibilities (e.g., [[Matthew 24:45]]), it implies a trust given by a higher authority and a future reckoning for how that trust was managed. This encourages faithful and diligent service in whatever capacity one has been "appointed."
### Summary
The Greek verb καθίστημι (kathístēmi, `{{G2525}}`) carries the core meaning of firmly placing, establishing, or constituting. Its etymological roots in "down" and "to stand" underscore a sense of permanence and authoritative placement. In the New Testament, its primary applications include the formal appointment of individuals to positions of authority or service within the church (e.g., elders, deacons), the divine commissioning of Christ for His priestly and judicial roles, and the profound theological concept of humanity being "constituted" or "made" sinners through Adam's disobedience and righteous through Christ's obedience. The word highlights God's sovereign authority in establishing order, delegating responsibility, and fundamentally altering the spiritual state of humanity. It is a term that speaks to divine purpose, established order, and the foundational realities of salvation, calling believers to recognize God's appointments and to live faithfully within the roles to which they have been called.
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