κατάστημα (katastēma)
katastēma
behavior
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun katastēma refers to a person’s outward demeanour or conduct, describing how one carries oneself in daily life. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Titus 2:3, where it is used to describe the behaviour of older women who are to be reverent in their actions. The word captures the visible aspect of character—the way a person’s inner disposition manifests in their physical bearing and social interactions.
Derived from the verb kathistēmi, which means to set or place something down, katastēma literally suggests a settled state or condition. In this context, it points to a stable, consistent pattern of behaviour rather than a momentary action. Translators typically render it as "behaviour" or "demeanour," emphasizing the public visibility of one’s conduct. This usage highlights the importance of living in a way that aligns with one’s faith, particularly in how older believers model respect and piety for the wider community.
The singular occurrence in Titus underscores its specific application to mature Christians who serve as examples. The term does not merely describe moral correctness but encompasses the holistic presentation of oneself in society. By focusing on katastēma, the text invites readers to consider how their daily actions reflect their spiritual convictions, offering a tangible measure of faithfulness in community life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katastēma describes the settled pattern of how we carry ourselves in public. It is not about a single moment of good conduct, but the consistent demeanor that others observe over time. In Titus 2:3, this term points to older women who model reverence through their daily actions. This stability reflects an inner peace and respect that guides every interaction.
For your faith life, this word invites you to consider how your outward behavior mirrors your spiritual convictions. It is not about perfection in every instant, but about cultivating a steady, respectful presence. When our actions align with our beliefs, we offer a quiet witness to those around us. This consistency builds trust and honors God through the ordinary moments of daily life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- behavior1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταστήματι1×
Key Verses
-
Titus 2:3
and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good,
This verse uses katastēma to define the specific, reverent demeanor expected of older women as they teach what is good.