κάθημαι (kathēmai)
kathēmai
to sit
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 89 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kathēmai describes the act of sitting or being seated, often carrying a sense of permanence that distinguishes it from more transient postures. While it simply means to sit in many contexts, its usage frequently implies taking up residence or remaining in a specific place. This static quality is evident when Jesus sits by the sea to teach crowds (Mark 4:1) or when the woman at the well remains where she is after her encounter (John 4:6). The word appears regularly in the Gospels and Revelation, capturing both physical posture and settled existence.
Its etymology combines a prefix with a root related to sitting, reinforcing the idea of being fixed in place. In the New Testament, it often marks a shift from movement to rest or authority. For instance, Matthew 22:44 quotes Psalm 110, depicting the Messiah seated at God’s right hand—a position of power and stability. Similarly, Revelation uses the term to describe figures enthroned in judgment, emphasizing their established status rather than mere physical location.
Translators typically render kathēmai as "sit" or "sitting," though the underlying sense of dwelling or abiding occasionally shines through. In Acts 2:2, Peter’s address occurs while the disciples are gathered and settled, hinting at a community rooted in place. The word’s versatility allows it to describe everything from a casual seat by the road (Mark 10:46) to the divine throne room imagery that defines apocalyptic literature. Its enduring presence in Scripture highlights the biblical theme of finding rest or authority in a fixed position.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Scripture describes someone sitting, it often signals more than just physical rest. The Greek word kathēmai suggests a settled presence, a place where movement stops and attention focuses. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently uses this posture to teach or to reveal His identity. He sits by the sea not merely to rest, but to engage with the crowds in a stable, authoritative way. This image invites us to see sitting as an act of readiness and connection rather than idleness.
For your daily life, this word offers a gentle reminder to find your center in Christ. Just as Jesus sat by the sea to speak truth into chaotic moments, you can find stability when you pause amidst life’s noise. It is not about doing less, but about being present with God and others. When you feel overwhelmed, consider that sitting still can be a powerful way to listen for His voice and receive His peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 89 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sitting50×
- do sit7×
- was sitting6×
- sitting,3×
- will sit2×
- is sitting2×
- he was sitting2×
- When was sitting2×
- He was sitting2×
- when is sitting1×
- were sitting1×
- was sitting,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καθήμενος14×
- καθήμενον11×
- ἐκάθητο10×
- κάθου7×
- καθήμενοι7×
- καθημένῳ7×
- καθημένου7×
- καθημένους4×
- καθημένοις3×
- καθήσεσθε2×
- καθημένους,2×
- Καθημένου2×
Key Verses
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Mark 4:1
Again he began to teach by the seaside. A great multitude was gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat in the sea and sat down. All the multitude were on the land by the sea.
Jesus sits in the boat to establish a stable platform for teaching, showing how this posture facilitates focused instruction amidst a crowd.
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Matthew 9:9
As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him, “Follow me.” He got up and followed him.
Matthew is described as sitting at his tax booth when called, highlighting a moment of transition from a stationary life to following Jesus.
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Matthew 22:44
‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’?
This verse quotes Psalm 110 to depict the Messiah seated at God's right hand, emphasizing His established authority and victory over enemies.
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Mark 5:15
They came to Jesus, and saw him who had been possessed by demons sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, even him who had the legion; and they were afraid.
The healed demoniac is found sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, illustrating that true restoration brings a settled and peaceful state of being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between kathēmai and other Greek words for sit?
Why does Jesus sit so often in the Gospels?
Does sitting in Scripture always mean rest?
Every Occurrence (89 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 18 verses
the people who sat in darkness saw a great light; to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has…
Matthew 9:9As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him,…
Matthew 11:16“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their…
Matthew 13:1On that day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the seaside.
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 15:29Jesus departed from there and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up on the mountain and sat there.
Matthew 19:28Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man…
Matthew 20:30Behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on…
Matthew 22:44‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’?
Matthew 23:22He who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by him who sits on it.
Matthew 24:3As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be?…
Matthew 26:58But Peter followed him from a distance to the court of the high priest, and entered in and sat with the officers, to…
Matthew 26:64Jesus said to him, “You have said so. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the…
Matthew 26:69Now Peter was sitting outside in the court, and a maid came to him, saying, “You were also with Jesus, the Galilean!”
Matthew 27:19While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man,…
Matthew 27:36and they sat and watched him there.
Matthew 27:61Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.
Matthew 28:2Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky and came and rolled away the…