The Greek word keîmai, represented by G2749, is a primary verb meaning to lie outstretched, either in a literal or figurative sense. Its various translations include "be appointed," "laid up," "made," "set," "lay," and "lie." It appears 27 times across 26 unique verses in the Bible and is noted for its relationship to the word G5087 títhēmi, which means to place something in a position.
The inherent passivity of G2749 keîmai often implies a preceding active placement, even when the agent is unstated. It describes a state of being "laid" or "set" which is the result of an action, rather than the action itself. This distinguishes it from verbs of active positioning like G5087 títhēmi, highlighting a resultant condition or a fixed reality. Thus, when something keîtai, it is not merely existing in a certain position, but has been brought into that position and remains there, suggesting stability, permanence, or a settled condition.
In scripture, G2749 is used to describe a state of being or a fixed position. It can refer to a literal, physical position, such as the infant Jesus lying in a manger Luke 2:12, the linen clothes lying in the empty tomb John 20:5, or the body of Jesus which had lain there John 20:12. Figuratively, it denotes an established state or purpose. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden Matthew 5:14, and the apostle Paul declares he am set for the defense of the gospel Philippians 1:17. It is also used to describe a state of judgment, where an axe is laid to the root of the trees Matthew 3:10, and a pervasive spiritual condition, as the whole world lieth in wickedness 1 John 5:19.
Beyond describing animate and inanimate objects in a fixed position, G2749 is employed to illustrate objects specifically arranged for a purpose. For instance, in John's Gospel, there were six waterpots of stone set John 2:6 for purification, and a vessel full of vinegar set John 19:29 during the crucifixion. Similarly, on the shore after the resurrection, the disciples saw a fire of coals with fish laid thereon John 21:9, indicating a deliberate arrangement for sustenance. The word also denotes goods being stored or preserved, as in the parable where a rich man boasts of his much goods laid up for many years Luke 12:19, signifying a state of secure possession. This broadens the understanding of G2749 to include items intentionally positioned for their function or for future use.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of G2749 through context and contrast:
- G5087 títhēmi (to place): This word is explicitly compared to keîmai. While títhēmi is the active placement of something, keîmai is the resulting state of being laid down. This relationship is seen in 1 Corinthians 3:11, which states no one can lay G5087 a foundation other than the one that is laid G2749.
- G1453 egeírō (to waken, rouse, raise): This word provides a direct contrast to the stillness implied by keîmai. In the account of the resurrection, the angel proclaims that Jesus is risen G1453 and invites the women to see the place where the Lord lay G2749 Matthew 28:6.
- G2521 káthēmai (to sit down; to remain, reside): This word describes a different posture. In Revelation, a throne was set G2749 in heaven, and one sat G2521 on it, distinguishing between the placement of the throne and the action of the one upon it Revelation 4:2.
- G1581 ekkóptō (to exscind... cut down): This term often follows keîmai to show consequence. When the axe is laid G2749 to the root of a tree, that tree is then hewn down G1581 and cast into the fire Luke 3:9.
- G2795 kinéō (to move): This word directly contrasts with the stative nature of keîmai. While keîmai describes something that is lying still or fixed in place, kinéō refers to the act of setting in motion, stirring, or causing to move. The one denotes an absence of motion, the other its presence, thereby highlighting the settled, often unalterable, condition implied by keîmai.
The theological significance of G2749 is centered on the concepts of divine appointment, established reality, and ultimate states of being.
- Divine Appointment: The word is used to express a divinely ordained purpose or destiny. Jesus is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel Luke 2:34, and believers are appointed to face afflictions 1 Thessalonians 3:3, indicating a pre-determined position within God's plan.
- Established Foundation: Keîmai signifies a fixed, unalterable truth. Christ is the foundation that is laid 1 Corinthians 3:11, which cannot be replaced. Similarly, the law is made not for the righteous but for the lawless, establishing it as a fixed standard 1 Timothy 1:9.
- The State of Rest and Death: The word is consistently used to describe the position of a body after death, such as that of Lazarus John 11:41 and Jesus Luke 23:53. This connects the term to the finality and stillness of the grave, which precedes the resurrection.
- Spiritual Obscurity: G2749 can also denote a state of spiritual covering or impediment to understanding. In the context of the Old Covenant, Paul laments that "even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon G2749 their heart" 2 Corinthians 3:15. Here, keîmai portrays a spiritual condition where a barrier prevents perception of divine truth, a fixed state of blindness that hinders true spiritual insight.
The Greek verb G2749 keîmai is foundational for understanding states of being and established realities within the New Testament. Its core meaning of "to lie outstretched" evolves to encompass a wide semantic range, from literal physical positions to profound figurative and theological implications. Crucially, keîmai typically describes a passive, resultant state—something that has been laid or set and now remains in that fixed position, distinguishing it from the active placement implied by G5087 títhēmi.
In its biblical occurrences, G2749 paints vivid pictures of both mundane and miraculous events. It details the infant Jesus lying in a manger Luke 2:12, the linen clothes lying in the empty tomb John 20:5, and the very body of Jesus which had lain there John 20:12. Beyond these physical descriptions, it extends to objects intentionally arranged for a specific purpose, such as the waterpots set for purification John 2:6 or the fire with fish laid upon it John 21:9. Figuratively, it denotes immutable truths, like a city set on a hill Matthew 5:14, or the pervasive spiritual condition where the whole world lieth in wickedness 1 John 5:19.
Theologically, keîmai underscores concepts of divine appointment, established foundations, and ultimate states. Christ is set for the fall and rising of many Luke 2:34, and believers are appointed to afflictions 1 Thessalonians 3:3, revealing pre-ordained positions in God's sovereign plan. It also highlights Christ as the unalterable foundation that is laid 1 Corinthians 3:11. Furthermore, the word signifies the stillness of death and the grave, as seen in the accounts of Lazarus John 11:41 and Jesus Luke 23:53. A significant additional theological nuance is its use in depicting a state of spiritual obscurity or blindness, where a veil is upon the hearts of those who read Moses 2 Corinthians 3:15, preventing them from grasping spiritual truth.
In essence, G2749 keîmai is far more than a simple verb of position. It communicates a fixed, settled, and often divinely ordained reality, whether physical or spiritual. It defines the stable ground upon which events unfold, truths are established, and destinies are determined, consistently conveying a sense of permanence that contrasts sharply with movement or change.
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