ἐπικαθίζω (epikathizō)
epikathizō
to sit on
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epikathizō describes the physical act of sitting upon something, specifically combining the prefix for "upon" with the root for "to sit." In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Matthew 21:7, during the account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Here, the disciples place their garments on the animals, and Jesus sits upon them.
This single usage highlights a deliberate fulfillment of prophecy, echoing the imagery of Zechariah 9:9 where the Messiah arrives humbly yet royally. The word emphasizes the physical reality of the scene—the King taking his seat on the prepared mount—rather than just the movement of riding. It captures the moment of preparation and dignity before the procession begins.
While common in secular Greek to describe sitting on a throne or chair, its biblical occurrence is tightly bound to this specific messianic event. The term underscores the tangible nature of Jesus’ arrival, grounding the spiritual significance of the day in a clear, physical action that witnesses could see and understand.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἐπικαθίζω describes the simple, physical act of sitting upon something. In the New Testament, it appears only once in Matthew 21:7. Here, Jesus sits on the garments laid over the donkey and colt as He enters Jerusalem. This specific verb highlights the tangible reality of the moment. It is not just about riding; it is about taking a seat with purpose and dignity.
For your faith, this detail reminds us that God meets us in real, physical history. Jesus did not arrive in a vague or abstract way. He prepared a place for Himself, honoring the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. This shows that our King is both humble and royal. He accepts the simple preparations of His followers to fulfill a grand divine plan.
When you read this scene, notice how the ordinary becomes sacred. The clothes placed on the animals were likely worn by disciples who recognized Jesus’ identity. Their act of preparation allowed Him to sit in a way that declared His kingship. This word invites us to see how God uses our everyday actions to bring about His purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- He sat1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπεκάθισεν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 21:7
and brought the donkey and the colt and laid their clothes on them; and he sat on them.
This is the only New Testament occurrence of the word, describing Jesus physically sitting on the garments laid over the donkey and colt to fulfill messianic prophecy.