### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συγκαθίζω (transliterated synkathízō, `{{G4776}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together with," and the verb καθίζω (kathízō, `{{G2523}}`), meaning "to sit down," "to cause to sit down," or "to settle." The combination thus conveys the sense of "to sit together" or "to cause to sit together."
Its semantic range encompasses both an intransitive sense, where individuals simply sit in company with others, and a transitive sense, where someone causes another or others to be seated alongside them. The core emphasis is on shared posture or position, implying companionship, participation, or shared status. While it can refer to a literal, physical act of sitting, its theological application extends to a metaphorical, spiritual co-positioning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word συγκαθίζω (`{{G4776}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, each instance offering a distinct contextual nuance:
1. **[[Luke 22:55]]**: "And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the court, and were *set down together*, Peter sat down among them."
In this passage, συγκαθίζω is used in its literal, intransitive sense. It describes the physical act of the servants and officers sitting together around a fire in the high priest's courtyard after Jesus' arrest. Peter, seeking warmth and perhaps anonymity, joins this group. The word here simply denotes a shared physical space and activity, setting the scene for Peter's subsequent denials. It underscores Peter's presence *among* those who are not disciples, highlighting his vulnerable position in that moment.
2. **[[Ephesians 2:6]]**: "and raised us up with him and *seated us with him* in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
Here, the verb is used in a profound theological and metaphorical sense, transitively. God is the subject, having "seated us" (believers) "with him" (Christ Jesus). This passage is part of Paul's rich exposition on the believer's new identity and status in Christ. Following the declarations that God "made us alive together with Christ" ([[Ephesians 2:5]]) and "raised us up with him" ([[Ephesians 2:6a]]), the act of being "seated together" signifies a shared position of authority, triumph, and rest. This is a present spiritual reality, not merely a future hope, indicating that believers are already, in Christ, participating in His ascended and exalted status.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical relationships are with its constituent parts:
* καθίζω (kathízō, `{{G2523}}`): The base verb, meaning "to sit," "to cause to sit," or "to settle." The addition of σύν transforms a solitary or general act of sitting into one of shared companionship or position.
* σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`): The prepositional prefix, which consistently denotes association, companionship, or union. Its presence in συγκαθίζω is crucial for conveying the "togetherness" aspect.
Conceptually, συγκαθίζω in Ephesians 2:6 is deeply interwoven with the broader Pauline theology of "union with Christ." This includes:
* **Co-resurrection (συνεγείρω, synegeirō, `{{G4891}}`)**: Being raised together with Christ.
* **Co-crucifixion (συνσταυρόω, synstauroō, `{{G4957}}`)**: Being crucified together with Christ.
* **Co-burial (συνθάπτω, synthaptō, `{{G4934}}`)**: Being buried together with Christ.
* **Co-heirship (συγκληρονόμος, sygklēronomos, `{{G4789}}`)**: Being a joint heir with Christ.
These "syn-" compounds emphasize the believer's complete identification and participation in the saving acts and exalted status of Jesus Christ. The concept of "sitting" also relates to the idea of rest from labor (as in the Sabbath rest, or Christ's completed work on the cross) and the exercise of authority (as kings sit on thrones).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of συγκαθίζω (`{{G4776}}`) is overwhelmingly concentrated in [[Ephesians 2:6]]. This verse articulates a profound truth about the believer's present spiritual reality in Christ:
1. **Union and Identification with Christ**: Being "seated with Him" signifies an unbreakable spiritual union with the resurrected and ascended Christ. Believers are not merely beneficiaries of Christ's work but are, by grace, participators in His exalted status. This is a positional truth: in God's eyes, because Christ is seated in heavenly places, so too are those united with Him.
2. **Present Spiritual Authority and Victory**: To be "seated" implies a position of rest, authority, and completed work. Christ, having triumphed over all powers and principalities, is seated at the right hand of God ([[Ephesians 1:20-21]]). By being seated with Him, believers share in His victory over sin, death, and spiritual forces. This is not a future hope but a present spiritual reality that empowers believers to live victoriously in the here and now.
3. **Divine Initiative and Grace**: The verb is in the aorist tense (συνεκάθισεν), indicating a completed action by God. It is God who "made us alive," "raised us up," and "seated us." This underscores that our exalted position is entirely a gift of divine grace, not earned by human merit. It stands in stark contrast to the prior state of being "dead in trespasses and sins" ([[Ephesians 2:1]]).
4. **Heavenly Citizenship and Perspective**: Being seated "in the heavenly places" shifts the believer's primary identity and allegiance from earthly concerns to heavenly realities. It calls for a life lived from a divine perspective, recognizing that ultimate citizenship and spiritual resources are found in Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word συγκαθίζω (synkathízō, `{{G4776}}`) literally means "to sit together" or "to cause to sit together." While it describes a simple physical act in [[Luke 22:55]], its profound theological significance emerges in [[Ephesians 2:6]]. Here, it reveals the astonishing truth that God has, by His grace, not only made believers alive and raised them with Christ but has also "seated them with Him in the heavenly places." This signifies the believer's present spiritual union with the exalted Christ, sharing in His authority, victory, and heavenly position. συγκαθίζω thus powerfully articulates the believer's new identity and exalted status, wholly a gift of God's sovereign grace, inviting a life lived in accordance with this divine reality.
TRV