from κατά and κεῖμαι; to lie down, i.e. (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal:--keep, lie, sit at meat (down).
Transliteration:katákeimai
Pronunciation:kat-ak'-i-mahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κατάκειμαι (katákeimai, `{{G2621}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (katá), meaning "down" or "against," and the verb κεῖμαι (keimai, `{{G2749}}`), meaning "to lie" or "to be laid." Etymologically, it signifies "to lie down" or "to be laid down." This core meaning extends into two primary semantic ranges within the New Testament, both implying a state of being in a recumbent position. The first denotes physical prostration, often due to illness or infirmity, where one is "lying sick" or "confined to bed." The second, culturally significant for the ancient world, refers to the practice of "reclining at a meal" or "sitting at meat." This latter usage reflects the common custom of dining while reclining on couches, a posture indicative of fellowship and hospitality rather than illness. The verb thus captures both states of vulnerability and intimacy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κατάκειμαι occurs approximately 20 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels and Acts, illustrating its dual semantic range:
1. **Lying Sick/Confined by Illness:** This usage highlights human suffering and the need for divine intervention.
* In [[Mark 1:30]], Simon's mother-in-law is found "lying sick with a fever," setting the stage for Jesus' immediate and compassionate healing. This context emphasizes the debilitating nature of her condition.
* [[Mark 2:4]] and [[Luke 5:25]] describe the paralytic who is "lying" on his mat, a state of complete helplessness that Jesus dramatically reverses, commanding him to "rise, take up your mat, and go home." Here, κατάκειμαι underscores the severity of the man's paralysis and the power of Christ's healing.
* [[Acts 9:33]] mentions Aeneas, who "had been lying paralyzed for eight years," again illustrating chronic illness and the miraculous nature of Peter's healing, empowered by Jesus Christ. In these instances, κατάκειμαι paints a picture of physical incapacitation, often preceding a profound encounter with divine healing.
2. **Reclining at a Meal:** This usage reflects ancient dining customs and often signifies fellowship, hospitality, and significant social interaction.
* [[Mark 14:3]] describes Jesus "reclining" at table in the house of Simon the leper, where Mary anoints Him. The context is one of intimate fellowship and devotion.
* [[Luke 5:29]] states that Levi (Matthew) held a great feast for Jesus in his house, and "a large company of tax collectors and others were reclining with them." This scene is crucial, as Jesus' willingness to κατάκειμαι with "sinners" challenges social norms and underscores His mission of inclusion and grace.
* At the Last Supper, [[John 13:23]] notes that "one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus' side." This intimate posture facilitated private conversation and revelation, emblematic of the deep bond between Jesus and His disciples.
* [[John 21:20]] also mentions the beloved disciple "reclining at table" during the Last Supper, further solidifying the image of close communion.
The contextual occurrences of κατάκειμαι thus provide vivid snapshots of both human vulnerability and divine compassion, as well as the profound social and spiritual dynamics of Jesus' ministry and the early church.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of κατάκειμαι is κεῖμαι (keimai, `{{G2749}}`), which means "to lie," "to be laid," or "to be situated." The addition of the prefix κατά (katá) specifies the downward orientation.
Another closely related word, often used synonymously in the context of dining, is ἀνάκειμαι (anákeimai, `{{G345}}`), which also means "to recline at table." While κατάκειμαι emphasizes the act of "lying down," ἀνάκειμαι often focuses on the "reclining" posture itself, especially for meals. Both verbs capture the same cultural practice.
Concepts associated with κατάκειμαι include:
* **Illness and Suffering:** Highlighting human frailty and the need for healing (e.g., paralysis, fever).
* **Healing and Miracles:** The state of "lying sick" often serves as the precursor to a demonstration of divine power and compassion.
* **Hospitality and Fellowship:** The act of "reclining at a meal" is central to ancient hospitality, symbolizing shared life, intimacy, and community.
* **Table Fellowship:** Jesus' willingness to recline with various individuals, including marginalized groups, signifies His inclusive mission and the breaking down of social barriers.
* **Intimacy and Revelation:** The close proximity implied by reclining at table, especially in the context of the Last Supper, provides a setting for profound teaching and personal revelation.
### Theological Significance
The dual usage of κατάκειμαι carries significant theological weight.
In its sense of "lying sick," the word underscores the reality of human suffering and the pervasive impact of sin on the physical body. It provides the necessary backdrop against which the power and compassion of Jesus are most clearly demonstrated. When Jesus heals those who κατάκειμαι, He is not merely performing a physical cure; He is manifesting the Kingdom of God, where sickness and death are ultimately overcome. The act of healing someone who is "lying paralyzed" or "lying with a fever" is a tangible sign of Christ's authority over all forms of human brokenness, pointing to His divine nature and His mission to restore creation. It reveals a God who cares deeply for the afflicted and intervenes actively in their suffering.
In its sense of "reclining at a meal," κατάκειμαι speaks powerfully to the nature of fellowship, community, and inclusion in the Kingdom of God. Jesus' frequent practice of κατάκειμαι with diverse groups, including tax collectors and sinners, was revolutionary. It broke down rigid social and religious barriers, demonstrating that God's grace extends to all, regardless of their social standing or past actions. This "table fellowship" became a primary means by which Jesus embodied His message of radical love and reconciliation. The Last Supper, where Jesus κατάκειμαι with His disciples, is the pinnacle of this theological theme, symbolizing the new covenant, intimate communion with Christ, and the spiritual nourishment found in His presence. It prefigures the heavenly banquet, where believers will eternally recline with their Lord. Thus, κατάκειμαι in this context signifies divine hospitality, the breaking of bread as a sign of spiritual unity, and the profound intimacy available to those who enter into relationship with Christ.
### Summary
The Greek verb κατάκειμαι (katákeimai, `{{G2621}}`) is a versatile term meaning "to lie down," encompassing both a state of physical prostration due to illness and the cultural practice of reclining at a meal. In its first sense, it vividly portrays human vulnerability and suffering, serving as the setting for Jesus' compassionate and authoritative healing miracles, which signify the breaking in of God's Kingdom. In its second, equally significant sense, κατάκειμαι highlights the intimate and inclusive nature of fellowship, particularly Jesus' revolutionary table fellowship with all manner of people. This posture at meals symbolizes hospitality, community, and the profound spiritual communion offered in Christ. Whether depicting human need or divine intimacy, κατάκειμαι enriches our understanding of the Gospel narratives, revealing the compassionate power of Christ and the inclusive embrace of His Kingdom.
TRV