κεῖμαι (keimai)
keimai
to lay/be appointed
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 25 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb keimai describes a state of being laid down, lying outstretched, or resting in place. It functions as the passive form of the verb for "to put" or "to set," indicating that something has been positioned by an agent and remains there. In the New Testament, this word applies to both people and objects, capturing a sense of stability or fixed location rather than active movement.
The sources highlight its concrete usage in vivid scenes: it describes the infant Jesus lying in a manger (Luke 2:12), the body of Jesus resting in the tomb after burial (Matthew 28:6), and the linen cloths left behind in the empty grave (John 20:5-7). It also refers to physical objects, such as a city set on a hill (Matthew 5:14) or vessels placed for use (John 2:6).
Beyond physical location, keimai carries significant metaphorical weight. It can mean "appointed" or "destined," as when Paul speaks of his own suffering being appointed to him (Philippians 1:16). The sources also note its use for foundations (1 Corinthians 3:11) and laws that are laid down (1 Timothy 1:9), emphasizing that the word often implies a purposeful placement established by God or authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word keimai describes a state of being laid down or resting in a fixed place. It is the passive form of "to put," suggesting that someone else has positioned us and we remain there. This image offers comfort when life feels chaotic, reminding us that our position before God is secure because He has placed us there.
In Luke 2:12, the baby Jesus lies in a feeding trough, showing God’s humility in entering our world. In John 20, the linen cloths lie undisturbed in the empty tomb, marking the reality of the resurrection. These scenes show that what is laid down by God remains stable, whether it is a child in a manger or a foundation in our faith.
This stability is not passive inactivity but a resting in divine purpose. When we feel worn out, we can remember that we are held in place by His hand. This peace allows us to rest without anxiety, trusting that our position in Christ is unshakable and safe.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 25 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lying5×
- lying [there]2×
- laid.2×
- we are destined;1×
- was set [there]1×
- was set1×
- was laying1×
- standing,1×
- lying;1×
- lies;1×
- lies.1×
- lies,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔκειτο4×
- κείμενα4×
- κείμενον3×
- κεῖται·2×
- κεῖται.2×
- κεῖται,2×
- κεῖται1×
- κείμενος.¶1×
- κείμενον,1×
- κείμεναι,1×
- κείμεθα·1×
- κειμένος.1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:12
This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.”
This verse uses the word to describe the humble physical location of Jesus, establishing the sign of His incarnation.
-
John 20:5
Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he didn’t enter in.
The linen cloths are described as lying there, providing visual evidence that the body was not stolen but risen.
-
I Corinthians 3:11
For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Paul uses this term metaphorically to state that Jesus Christ is the only foundation laid for the church.
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Luke 23:53
He took it down and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid.
This occurrence records the careful placement of Jesus' body in the tomb, fulfilling burial customs and prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word keimai mean?
How is keimai different from other words for lying?
Where does this word appear in the New Testament?
Does this word imply passivity?
Every Occurrence (25 verses across 9 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and…
Matthew 5:14“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.
Matthew 28:6He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.