### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G2749 keîmai is the middle voice of a primary verb, fundamentally meaning "to lie" or "to be laid." Unlike active verbs that emphasize the action of placing, keîmai denotes the *state* of being placed, set, or lying. It often functions as the perfect passive of `{{G5087}}` τίθημι (to place, put), signifying "to have been placed, and thus to be lying."
Its semantic range extends from the literal to the highly figurative:
* **Literal:** To lie outstretched (e.g., a body, an object).
* **Figurative:**
* To be appointed, destined, or ordained for a specific purpose or outcome.
* To be laid up, stored, or reserved (e.g., treasure, hope).
* To be set forth, exposed, or revealed.
* To be established, fixed, or founded.
* To be subjected to or under the power of something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G2749 keîmai appears in various contexts, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Physical Lying/Placement:**
* [[Luke 23:53]] describes Jesus' body being "laid" in a tomb.
* [[John 20:5-7]] refers to the linen cloths "lying" in the empty tomb, a detail that suggested resurrection.
* [[Matthew 3:10]] depicts the axe "laid" at the root of the trees, signifying imminent judgment.
* [[John 2:6]] mentions water jars "standing" (or literally "lying" in place) for purification.
* **Figurative Lying/Placement (State of Being):**
* **Divine Appointment/Destiny:** Perhaps most significantly, [[Luke 2:34]] states, "This child is appointed [κεῖται] for the fall and rising of many in Israel." Here, keîmai conveys a divine ordination or pre-established purpose for Jesus.
* **Foundation/Cornerstone:** In [[1 Peter 2:6]], Christ is described as the "chosen and precious stone, laid [κεῖται] in Zion." This highlights His foundational and permanent role in God's redemptive plan, echoing [[Isaiah 28:16]].
* **Stored/Reserved:** [[Colossians 1:5]] speaks of "the hope laid up [ἀποκειμένην] for you in heaven," referring to a secure, reserved future blessing. Similarly, [[2 Timothy 4:8]] mentions the "crown of righteousness laid up [ἀπόκειται]" for Paul and all who love Christ's appearing.
* **Exposure/Revelation:** [[1 Corinthians 14:25]] describes how "the secrets of his heart are laid bare [φανερὰ γίνεται]," revealing inner thoughts.
* **Subjection/Control:** A powerful and sobering use is in [[1 John 5:19]]: "the whole world lies [κεῖται] in the power of the evil one." This signifies a state of being subjected to or enveloped by the dominion of Satan.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G5087}}` τίθημι (tithēmi):** As noted, this verb means "to place, put." keîmai often denotes the resultant state of an action performed by tithēmi. One *places* (tithēmi) something, and it then *lies* (keîmai) in that position.
* **`{{G2825}}` κλίνω (klinō):** To recline, lean, or lay down. While related in meaning to "lying," keîmai emphasizes the state of being laid, whereas klinō can describe the action of reclining.
* **`{{G2827}}` κλίνη (klinē):** A couch or bed, a place where one might keîmai.
* **Concepts:** Rest, position, foundation, destiny, storage, security, revelation, subjection, divine purpose.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of G2749 keîmai is considerable, particularly in its non-literal uses:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Christ's Mission:** The declaration in [[Luke 2:34]] that Jesus is "appointed for the fall and rising of many" underscores God's sovereign plan and the preordained nature of Christ's redemptive work. His very being and mission are not accidental but divinely established and purposed.
* **Security of Salvation and Hope:** The concept of spiritual blessings and hope being "laid up" ([[Colossians 1:5]], [[2 Timothy 4:8]]) in heaven speaks to their enduring, incorruptible, and secure nature. Believers' eternal rewards are not fleeting but eternally reserved by God.
* **Christ as Foundation:** Describing Christ as the "stone laid in Zion" ([[1 Peter 2:6]]) highlights His indispensable role as the unshakeable foundation of the Church and the cornerstone of salvation. His position is fixed and eternal.
* **The Pervasiveness of Evil:** The stark reality presented in [[1 John 5:19]]—that "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one"—is a profound theological statement. keîmai here depicts a pervasive, entrenched state of spiritual bondage and subjection to Satan's influence, emphasizing the dire need for divine liberation through Christ.
* **Divine Revelation and Judgment:** The idea of secrets being "laid bare" ([[1 Corinthians 14:25]]) points to the ultimate transparency before God and the certainty of divine judgment, where all hidden things will be revealed.
### Summary
G2749 keîmai is a dynamic Greek verb signifying "to lie" or "to be laid," primarily denoting a state or condition rather than an active placement. While it describes literal physical positioning, its profound theological significance emerges in its figurative uses. It powerfully conveys divine ordination and destiny, as seen in Christ being "appointed for the fall and rising of many" ([[Luke 2:34]]). It underscores the foundational role of Christ as the "laid stone" ([[1 Peter 2:6]]) and the secure nature of spiritual hope and rewards "laid up" in heaven ([[Colossians 1:5]]). Crucially, keîmai also vividly portrays the dire spiritual reality that "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one" ([[1 John 5:19]]), highlighting humanity's fallen state and the urgent necessity of divine intervention. The distinction from `{{G5087}}` τίθημι (to place) emphasizes keîmai as the resultant, often permanent, state of being placed, underscoring position, inherent condition, and divine purpose.
TRV