from σύν and κάθημαι; to seat oneself in company with:--sit with.
Transliteration:synkáthēmai
Pronunciation:soong-kath'-ay-mahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συγκάθημαι (synkáthēmai, `{{G4775}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn, "with, together with") and the verb κάθημαι (kathēmai, `{{G2521}}`, "to sit, to be seated"). Its core meaning is therefore "to sit with," "to be seated together," or "to sit in company with." The prefix σύν denotes association, companionship, or shared action, indicating that the sitting is not merely in proximity but in a shared context or group. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing specifically on the act of being seated alongside others, implying a shared space and, often, a shared experience or purpose, whether active or passive.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word συγκάθημαι (synkáthēmai, `{{G4775}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances describing the actions of Peter during the night of Jesus' arrest and trial:
* **[[Mark 14:54]]**: "And Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he *sat with* the officers and warmed himself by the fire."
* **[[Luke 22:55]]**: "And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter *sat down among them*."
In both contexts, the verb describes Peter's physical presence among the servants and officers in the courtyard of the high priest, a place of hostility towards Jesus. Peter's "sitting with" them signifies his attempt to blend in or remain inconspicuous while observing the events unfolding. This act of being seated in the company of those who are not aligned with Christ's cause immediately precedes his three denials of Jesus. The choice of this verb highlights Peter's physical proximity and a superficial integration into a group that was antithetical to his Master, underscoring the precariousness of his position and the temptation he faced. It is a subtle yet potent detail, revealing Peter's vulnerability and the dangerous compromise of his association at a critical moment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb κάθημαι (kathēmai, `{{G2521}}`), meaning "to sit" or "to be seated." Other related terms include καθίζω (kathizō, `{{G2523}}`), "to cause to sit down, to sit down," which can also imply a position of authority or rest. The prefix σύν (syn) is prolific in the New Testament, forming numerous compound verbs that emphasize shared action or companionship (e.g., συνέρχομαι (synerchomai, `{{G4905}}`, "to come together"), συνάγω (synagō, `{{G4863}}`, "to gather together")).
Conceptually, συγκάθημαι (synkáthēmai, `{{G4775}}`) relates to themes of:
* **Association and Companionship**: The choice of one's company.
* **Proximity and Presence**: Being physically near others.
* **Compromise and Temptation**: The danger of being in environments that challenge one's faith or loyalty.
* **Discernment**: The need to wisely choose one's social context.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of συγκάθημαι (synkáthēmai, `{{G4775}}`) is primarily derived from its specific and limited use in the narratives of Peter's denial. It serves as a powerful cautionary motif. Peter's act of "sitting with" the servants in the high priest's courtyard is more than a mere physical posture; it symbolizes a dangerous spiritual proximity and a temporary, albeit subtle, alignment with those who were hostile to Jesus.
This seemingly innocuous act of seeking warmth and blending in ultimately places Peter in a position where he is directly confronted and tempted to deny his Lord. The word thus underscores:
* **The Peril of Compromising Associations**: Even a seemingly passive presence in ungodly company can lead to spiritual compromise and outright sin. It highlights the subtle ways one can drift from allegiance to Christ by seeking comfort, anonymity, or acceptance in the wrong environment.
* **Vulnerability in Crisis**: It reveals the human weakness and susceptibility to fear and peer pressure, even among devoted disciples, when faced with intense pressure or persecution.
* **The Importance of Discerning Company**: The narrative implicitly warns against placing oneself in situations or among people whose values and allegiances are contrary to one's faith, as such contexts can become a breeding ground for temptation and denial.
The verb, therefore, carries a profound message about the importance of spiritual vigilance and the critical role of one's chosen company in maintaining faithfulness, especially during trials.
### Summary
The Greek verb συγκάθημαι (synkáthēmai, `{{G4775}}`) means "to sit with" or "to be seated in company with," emphasizing shared presence and association. Its two occurrences in the New Testament ([[Mark 14:54]], [[Luke 22:55]]) exclusively describe Peter's actions in the courtyard of the high priest, where he sat with the servants and officers just before his denial of Jesus. This specific usage imbues the word with significant theological weight. It highlights the subtle yet profound danger of compromising associations, demonstrating how Peter's physical proximity and attempt to blend in with those hostile to Christ created an environment conducive to his spiritual wavering and eventual denial. Theologically, συγκάθημαι (synkáthēmai, `{{G4775}}`) serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of even committed believers to temptation when seeking comfort or acceptance in ungodly company, underscoring the critical importance of discerning one's companions and maintaining spiritual vigilance, particularly in times of trial.
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