κοιτών (koitōn)
koitōn
bedroom/chamberlain
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun koitōn refers to a sleeping room or bedchamber, derived from the root for lying down. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 12:20, where it describes the private quarters of King Herod Agrippa I.
While the primary meaning is architectural, the context reveals a specific social role. The text speaks of the "chamberlain" (ho epì tou koitōn), an official who managed access to the king’s inner sanctum. This usage highlights the word’s association with privacy and restricted access, distinguishing it from general rooms like domos (house) or oikia (home). The chamberlain acted as a gatekeeper, controlling who could approach the ruler in his most personal space.
Translators typically render this term as "bedchamber" to preserve its intimate connotation. The single occurrence underscores how political power operated through control of private spaces, where influence was often exercised not in public halls but behind closed doors.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word koitōn points to a private sleeping chamber, but in Acts 12:20 it describes the innermost circle of King Herod’s power. Blastus was not just a servant; he was the gatekeeper who controlled access to the ruler’s most personal space. This shows how influence often works behind closed doors, away from public view.
For your faith, this reminds us that God sees what happens in private. While people may try to gain favor through connections or hidden channels, our relationship with God is open and direct. We do not need a chamberlain to approach the King of Kings. His grace is available to everyone who seeks Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- bedchamber1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κοιτῶνος1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 12:20
Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They came with one accord to him and, having made Blastus, the king’s personal aide, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food.
This verse identifies Blastus as the king's personal aide, showing how the word describes the private space where political influence was exercised.