καθέζομαι (kathezomai)
kathezomai
to sit down
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kathezomai simply means to sit down or take a seat. It describes the physical action of moving from a standing position to rest on a surface, rather than the state of being seated, which is often covered by other Greek words. In the New Testament, this term appears in seven verses, primarily within the Gospels and Acts, grounding the narrative in tangible, everyday movement.
Its usage highlights specific moments of transition or pause. For instance, Jesus sits down to teach, as seen in Matthew 5:1 and Luke 4:20, marking a shift from travel to instruction. In John 20:12, Mary Magdalene sees angels sitting at the tomb, emphasizing their stationary presence. The sources note that it is often followed by prepositions like "in" or "on," specifying where the person settles, such as Jesus sitting on the well in John 4:6.
This word provides a concrete anchor for biblical scenes, reminding readers that spiritual encounters happen in physical spaces. By choosing this specific verb, the Gospel writers emphasize the real, bodily presence of the characters involved. It serves as a simple but essential detail that situates the reader in the immediate context of the story.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kathezomai captures the simple, physical act of sitting down. It marks a shift from movement to rest, or from travel to teaching. In the Gospels, Jesus often uses this action to signal a moment of pause and connection. When He sits by Jacob’s well in John 4:6, tired from His journey, it shows His humanity and willingness to meet people where they are.
This verb grounds spiritual truths in real life. It reminds us that faith is not just abstract ideas but happens in tangible moments. Whether teaching in the temple or resting after a long day, these scenes show God entering our everyday routines. The act of sitting can be a place of listening, learning, or simply being present with others.
In your own life, you might find meaning in these pauses. Taking time to sit and listen can open space for reflection and peace. It invites us to slow down and notice the presence of God in ordinary moments, rather than rushing through our days without stopping.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sitting4×
- was sitting.1×
- was sitting1×
- I was sitting1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκαθέζετο.1×
- ἐκαθέζετο1×
- ἐκαθεζόμην1×
- καθεζόμενος1×
- καθεζόμενον1×
- καθεζόμενοι1×
- καθεζομένους1×
Key Verses
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John 4:6
Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
This verse highlights Jesus' physical exhaustion and His deliberate choice to rest by the well, setting the stage for a personal encounter with the Samaritan woman.
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Luke 2:46
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.
Here, the young Jesus is found sitting among teachers, illustrating His engagement in learning and dialogue within the temple context.
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Matthew 26:55
In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and you didn’t arrest me.
Jesus contrasts His daily teaching sessions with the sudden arrest, using 'sat' to emphasize His consistent, public ministry versus the covert action against Him.