### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katákeimai**, represented by `{{G2621}}`, is derived from κατά and κεῖμαι and literally means **to lie down**. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning extends from the simple act of reclining to eat a meal to the state of being confined by sickness or paralysis.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2621}}` is used in two primary contexts. First, it describes the posture of reclining for a meal, a common custom of the time. Jesus is often depicted as he **sat at meat** `{{G2621}}` in fellowship with others, including publicans and sinners in his own house [[Mark 2:15]] and at a great feast hosted by Levi [[Luke 5:29]]. This same posture is referenced in Paul's warning to believers about being seen as they **sit at meat** `{{G2621}}` in an idol's temple [[1 Corinthians 8:10]]. Second, the word denotes a state of physical helplessness due to illness. The father of Publius **lay** `{{G2621}}` sick with a fever [[Acts 28:8]], and a paralytic **lay** `{{G2621}}` on his bed before being lowered through a roof to be healed by Jesus [[Mark 2:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the contexts in which one might lie down:
* `{{G2895}}` **krábbatos** (bed): This word for a mattress is often found in connection with `{{G2621}}`, describing the object on which a sick person would **lie**. For example, a man sick of the palsy **kept** `{{G2621}}` his bed for eight years [[Acts 9:33]].
* `{{G3886}}` **paralýō** (sick of the palsy): This term, meaning to be paralyzed or enfeebled, describes the condition that forces a person to **lie** `{{G2621}}` down, as seen with Aeneas, who was healed by Peter [[Acts 9:33]].
* `{{G4873}}` **synanákeimai** (sit ... together with): Meaning to recline in company with at a meal, this word clarifies the social nature of the act. It is used alongside `{{G2621}}` to describe how many sinners **sat also together with** Jesus and his disciples at a meal [[Mark 2:15]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G2621}}` carries significant theological weight, illustrating key aspects of Christ's ministry and our relationship to Him.
* **Posture of Fellowship:** To **sit at meat** `{{G2621}}` with someone signified acceptance and communion. By reclining with publicans and sinners, Jesus demonstrated his ministry of inclusion and grace ([[Mark 2:15]], [[Luke 5:29]]).
* **Position of Helplessness:** To **lie** `{{G2621}}` down in sickness represents a state of human vulnerability and the need for divine intervention. Individuals who **lay** sick with paralysis [[Mark 2:4]] or other long-term ailments [[John 5:6]] were positioned to receive miraculous healing from Jesus, demonstrating His power over physical affliction. After his healing, one man takes up the bed where he formerly **lay** `{{G2621}}` and departs, glorifying God [[Luke 5:25]].
* **Context for Worship:** The reclining posture at meals provided the setting for profound acts of devotion. A woman was able to anoint Jesus' head with **very precious** ointment precisely because he **sat at meat** `{{G2621}}`, an act of honor and worship [[Mark 14:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2621}}` **katákeimai** does more than describe a physical position. It frames two contrasting but central scenes in the Gospels: the intimacy of fellowship at a meal and the desperation of sickness. The word places individuals in a state of either social communion or profound need, both of which are met by the presence and power of Jesus Christ. It vividly portrays scenes of both communal celebration and personal restoration.
TRV