κατακλίνω (kataklinō)
kataklinō
to sit
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kataklino describes the act of reclining at a meal, a common posture for dining in the ancient world rather than sitting upright on chairs. In the New Testament, it appears only five times, primarily within the Gospel of Luke, where it captures the physical setting of Jesus’ interactions with others.
It functions in two distinct ways depending on its voice. The active form means to cause someone to recline, as when Jesus instructs his disciples to have the crowd sit down on the grass for the feeding of the five thousand (Luke 9:14-15). The middle or passive form indicates that the subject is reclining themselves, highlighting the intimacy of shared meals, such as when a Pharisee invites Jesus to eat or when the risen Lord breaks bread with his followers on the road to Emmaus (Luke 7:36; 24:30).
This word underscores the relational nature of Jesus’ ministry. By reclining at tables, he enters into the social fabric of daily life, sharing food and conversation with people from all walks of life. The posture signifies rest, fellowship, and the breaking of social barriers, making the meal itself a significant setting for teaching and connection.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word κατακλίνω describes reclining at a meal, a common posture for dining in the ancient world. In Luke’s Gospel, this action highlights the relational nature of Jesus’ ministry. By sharing meals, He entered into daily life, breaking social barriers and creating space for fellowship.
Whether instructing disciples to feed crowds or eating with Pharisees, Jesus used these moments for teaching and connection. This word reminds us that faith is lived out in shared community and simple acts of hospitality.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- reclining1×
- may recline1×
- he sat1×
- do make sit down1×
- He was sat.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατέκλιναν1×
- κατεκλίθη.1×
- κατακλίνατε1×
- κατακλιθῆναι1×
- κατακλιθῇς1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 7:36
One of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered into the Pharisee’s house and sat at the table.
This verse shows Jesus reclining at a Pharisee's table, highlighting His willingness to engage with religious leaders despite potential social tension.
-
Luke 9:14
For they were about five thousand men. He said to his disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.”
Here, Jesus commands the crowd to sit down in groups, using the posture of rest as a precursor to the miracle of feeding five thousand.
-
Luke 24:30
When he had sat down at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, he gave it to them.
The risen Lord reclines with disciples on the road to Emmaus, showing that fellowship continues even after His resurrection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does κατακλίνω mean?
Why is this word significant in Luke’s Gospel?
How does the word function differently in active vs. passive voice?
Where else does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Luke 5 verses
One of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered into the Pharisee’s house and sat at the table.
Luke 9:14For they were about five thousand men. He said to his disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.”
Luke 9:15They did so, and made them all sit down.
Luke 14:8“When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the best seat, since perhaps someone more honorable…
Luke 24:30When he had sat down at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, he gave it to them.