ἵστημι (histēmi)
histēmi
to stand
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 151 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb histēmi covers a wide range of meanings, from the physical act of standing to the abstract idea of establishing something firmly. In its most basic sense, it describes someone taking their place or remaining in position, as when Jesus stands by the sea in Mark 4:1 or when John the Baptist remains where he is in John 1:35. This simple image of stability underpins many of its other uses.
Beyond physical posture, histēmi often carries the weight of authority and permanence. It can mean to set up a ruler, as in Acts 17:31, or to establish a covenant, as seen in Hebrews 10:9. The sources note that it was also used in everyday commerce for weighing money, a detail preserved in Matthew 26:15 where Judas agrees on the price of silver. This blend of physical placement and legal or financial binding shows how the word bridges the concrete and the formal.
Metaphorically, the verb shifts toward spiritual steadfastness. Paul uses it to urge believers to stand firm in their faith, as in Ephesians 6:13-14, or to remain secure in grace, as in Romans 5:2. The word does not just describe a static position but an active resilience. It points to a person who holds their ground against pressure, whether that pressure comes from external forces or internal doubt.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word histēmi describes more than just a physical posture; it speaks to stability and presence. When Jesus stood before Pilate, He did not shrink back but held His ground with quiet authority. This image reminds us that faith is not about remaining untouched by the world, but about standing firm within it. In moments of pressure or uncertainty, we are invited to find our footing in Christ, who remains constant when circumstances shift.
There is also a sense of purpose in this stance. The crowds stood on the beach to hear teaching, and Judas stood in the marketplace to negotiate a price. Our position matters because it defines what we listen to and what we value. We are called to stand in grace, not out of our own strength, but anchored in the truth that God establishes us securely. This steadiness allows us to face daily challenges with peace rather than panic.
Ultimately, histēmi points to a resilience that comes from above. It is an active choice to remain where God has placed us, trusting His timing and His care. Whether we are waiting for answers or standing in the light of truth, this word encourages us to hold fast. May you find strength in knowing that your place in Christ is secure and unshakable.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 151 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- already standing18×
- standing12×
- having stood12×
- stood7×
- had stood7×
- to stand4×
- has stood4×
- do stand4×
- you have stood3×
- will stand3×
- set3×
- have stood3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἑστὼς9×
- ἔστη8×
- ἑστῶτα8×
- ἔστησεν7×
- ἔστησαν7×
- ἑστῶτας6×
- εἱστήκει6×
- ἕστηκεν5×
- εἱστήκεισαν5×
- ἑστῶτες4×
- ἑστηκότων4×
- σταθήσεται4×
Key Verses
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Matthew 27:11
Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “So you say.”
Jesus stands before Pilate, demonstrating calm authority and steadfastness in the face of unjust judgment.
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Mark 3:24
If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
The verb illustrates that internal division leads to collapse, highlighting the necessity of unity for stability.
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Matthew 13:2
Great multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat and sat; and all the multitude stood on the beach.
The crowd stands on the beach, showing a posture of attentive readiness to receive teaching from Jesus.
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Matthew 26:15
and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him to you?” So they weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver.
This occurrence connects the act of standing with financial transaction, grounding the spiritual narrative in concrete historical reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does histēmi mean in the New Testament?
How is histēmi different from other words for standing?
Where does this word appear in key biblical events?
Every Occurrence (151 verses across 16 books)
Matthew 20 verses
They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them until…
Matthew 4:5Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple,
Matthew 6:5“When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the…
Matthew 12:25Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every…
Matthew 12:26If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?
Matthew 12:46While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to him.
Matthew 12:47One said to him, “Behold, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you.”
Matthew 13:2Great multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat and sat; and all the multitude stood on the beach.
Matthew 16:28Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death until they see the Son of Man…
Matthew 18:2Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them
Matthew 18:16But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be…
Matthew 20:3He went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace.
Matthew 20:6About the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle. He said to them, ‘Why do you stand here all day…
Matthew 20:32Jesus stood still and called them, and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Matthew 24:15“When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in…
Matthew 25:33He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Matthew 26:15and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him to you?” So they weighed out for him thirty pieces of…
Matthew 26:73After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, “Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes…
Matthew 27:11Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to…
Matthew 27:47Some of them who stood there, when they heard it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.”