The Greek word τίθημι (títhēmi), represented by G5087, means to place in its widest literal and figurative application. It appears 104 times across 94 unique verses. The word properly denotes placing something in a passive or horizontal posture, distinguishing it from other Greek verbs for standing or lying down. Its usage in Scripture is broad, encompassing actions such as to appoint, lay down, make, ordain, and set forth.
The Greek word τίθημι (títhēmi), represented by G5087, means to place in its widest literal and figurative application. It appears 104 times across 94 unique verses. The word properly denotes placing something in a passive or horizontal posture, distinguishing it from other Greek verbs for standing or lying down. Its usage in Scripture is broad, encompassing actions such as to appoint, lay down, make, ordain, and set forth.
The core sense of G5087 extends beyond mere physical arrangement to often imply intentionality and the initiation of a state or condition. While it denotes placing in a horizontal posture, the act itself is dynamic, suggesting an agent actively causing something to be in a particular position or status. This active causative nuance is subtly reflected in its etymological kinship with G5088 tíktō, which means "to beget" or "to bring forth." Thus, G5087 can convey the sense of making or establishing something in a way that causes it to exist or function in a new capacity, rather than simply moving an inert object. This deeper sense underpins its use in divine ordination and the setting of spiritual realities.
In the biblical narrative, G5087 is used in several key contexts. It signifies divine appointment and the establishment of authority, as when God appointed His Son as heir of all things Hebrews 1:2 or when the Holy Ghost made believers overseers of the church Acts 20:28. The term is also central to the concept of sacrifice, most notably in Christ's willingness to lay down his life for his friends John 15:13 and as the good shepherd who giveth his life for the sheep John 10:11. Furthermore, it is used to describe the laying of a spiritual foundation, as when God promises to lay a chief corner stone in Sion 1 Peter 2:6.
In the biblical narrative, G5087 is used in several key contexts. It signifies divine appointment and the establishment of authority, as when God appointed His Son as heir of all things Hebrews 1:2 or when the Holy Ghost made believers overseers of the church Acts 20:28. The term is also central to the concept of sacrifice, most notably in Christ's willingness to lay down his life for his friends John 15:13 and as the good shepherd who giveth his life for the sheep John 10:11. Furthermore, it is used to describe the laying of a spiritual foundation, as when God promises to lay a chief corner stone in Sion 1 Peter 2:6.
Beyond its theological applications, G5087 frequently describes practical, everyday acts of placing. This includes the laying down of physical objects, such as garments John 13:4 or the money of those selling possessions, which was laid at the apostles' feet Acts 4:35, Acts 5:2. It is also used for the arrangement of the sick, who were laid on beds in the streets in hopes of healing Acts 5:15, and for the solemn act of laying a body in a tomb, as with John the Baptist Mark 6:29 or Jesus Himself John 19:42, Luke 23:53. These instances highlight the verb's versatility in depicting common human actions with straightforward meaning.
Figuratively, G5087 also communicates the mental or spiritual disposition of placing concepts. Believers are exhorted to settle the saying in their hearts Luke 9:44 or to lay up words in their hearts Luke 1:66, signifying an internal act of retention and commitment. Similarly, the verb describes the divine act of putting a veil over Moses' face 2 Corinthians 3:13 or committing the word of reconciliation to apostles 2 Corinthians 5:19, demonstrating its capacity to convey abstract placement and entrustment.
Several related words expand upon the concepts of placing, giving, and setting in position:
- G2749 keîmai (to lie outstretched): This word is explicitly compared to G5087 and denotes the state of something that has already been placed or laid down. For example, no man can lay G5087 a foundation other than that which is laid G2749, Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 3:11.
- G1325 dídōmi (to give): While G5087 can mean to appoint or ordain, G1325 often describes what is bestowed as a result. Believers are ordained G5087 by Christ so that the Father may give G1325 them what they ask in His name John 15:16.
- G2007 epitíthēmi (to lay upon, put on): As a compound of G5087, this word emphasizes the act of placing something on another. In a parable, a candle is not meant to be put G5087 under a bushel but to be set G2007 on a candlestick Mark 4:21.
Several related words expand upon the concepts of placing, giving, and setting in position:
- G2749 keîmai (to lie outstretched): This word is explicitly compared to G5087 and denotes the state of something that has already been placed or laid down. For example, no man can lay G5087 a foundation other than that which is laid G2749, Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 3:11.
- G1325 dídōmi (to give): While G5087 can mean to appoint or ordain, G1325 often describes what is bestowed as a result. Believers are ordained G5087 by Christ so that the Father may give G1325 them what they ask in His name John 15:16.
- G2007 epitíthēmi (to lay upon, put on): As a compound of G5087, this word emphasizes the act of placing something on another. In a parable, a candle is not meant to be put G5087 under a bushel but to be set G2007 on a candlestick Mark 4:21.
- G5088 tíktō (to beget, produce): This verb, sharing a common root with G5087, emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence or causing it to be. While G5087 describes the intentional placing or setting of what already exists or is newly formed, G5088 focuses on the generation or production itself, providing a foundational aspect to the "making" or "ordaining" senses of G5087.
The theological weight of G5087 is significant, particularly in establishing core Christian doctrines.
- Divine Appointment and Ordination: The word underscores God's sovereignty in establishing roles and purposes. He set some in the church as apostles and prophets 1 Corinthians 12:28, ordained Paul as a preacher 1 Timothy 2:7, and appointed Christ as heir over creation Hebrews 1:2.
- Sacrificial Love: The concept of one laying down their life is a definitive theme. Christ's action to lay down his life John 10:15 is the ultimate demonstration of love, and believers are likewise called to lay down their lives for the brethren 1 John 3:16.
- Establishing a Foundation: G5087 is used to illustrate the very basis of faith. God is the one who lays the cornerstone, Jesus Christ, in Sion 1 Peter 2:6. This act of setting a foundation provides the stability upon which the church is built Luke 6:48.
The theological weight of G5087 is significant, particularly in establishing core Christian doctrines.
- Divine Appointment and Ordination: The word underscores God's sovereignty in establishing roles and purposes. He set some in the church as apostles and prophets 1 Corinthians 12:28, ordained Paul as a preacher 1 Timothy 2:7, and appointed Christ as heir over creation Hebrews 1:2.
- Sacrificial Love: The concept of one laying down their life is a definitive theme. Christ's action to lay down his life John 10:15 is the ultimate demonstration of love, and believers are likewise called to lay down their lives for the brethren 1 John 3:16.
- Establishing a Foundation: G5087 is used to illustrate the very basis of faith. God is the one who lays the cornerstone, Jesus Christ, in Sion 1 Peter 2:6. This act of setting a foundation provides the stability upon which the church is built Luke 6:48.
- Divine Sovereignty over Time and Circumstance: G5087 underscores God's ultimate control by describing His act of putting the times and seasons "in his own power" Acts 1:7. This usage emphasizes that the unfolding of history and specific events are not random but are sovereignly arranged and established by God, reinforcing His omnipotence and wise governance over creation.
- Christ's Ultimate Dominion: The verb powerfully conveys the eschatological victory of Christ, repeatedly used in the Septuagintal citations where God promises to make His enemies His footstool Hebrews 1:13, Hebrews 10:13, 1 Corinthians 15:25. This imagery depicts Christ's complete triumph and subjugation of all opposing forces, establishing His supreme authority and reign.
G5087 títhēmi is a verb of profound depth in the New Testament, extending far beyond its literal sense of "to place." It encapsulates the intentional and active establishment of things, whether physically or conceptually. From the physical act of laying down a body in a sepulchre John 19:42 or money at the apostles' feet Acts 4:35, to the internal act of settling words in one's heart Luke 9:44, the word consistently conveys a deliberate placement or commitment. Its semantic range, further enriched by its connection to verbs of generation like G5088 tíktō, underscores the causative aspect of making something to be in a particular state or role.
The theological significance of G5087 is foundational to Christian doctrine. It powerfully illustrates God's sovereign authority in appointing Christ as heir Hebrews 1:2 and setting leaders within the church 1 Corinthians 12:28. It is central to understanding Christ's ultimate sacrificial love, as he laid down his life for humanity John 10:15, a love believers are called to emulate 1 John 3:16. Furthermore, G5087 speaks to the unshakable foundation of faith, with Christ as the chief cornerstone laid in Sion 1 Peter 2:6, upon whom the church is built.
Beyond these core tenets, G5087 also highlights God's dominion over all creation and history, as He puts times and seasons in His own power Acts 1:7, and assures Christ's ultimate victory by making all enemies His footstool 1 Corinthians 15:25. This versatile verb thus paints a comprehensive picture of God's active involvement in His creation, from the minute details of human action to the grand sweep of redemptive history and the consummation of His kingdom. It reveals how a simple act of "placing" can convey complex truths about divine purpose, love, and sovereignty.
TRV