συγκαθίζω (sugkathizō)
sugkathizō
to sit down with
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sugkathizō literally means to sit down together or to place someone in a seat alongside another. It combines the prefix sug- (“with”) with kathizo (“to cause to sit”). In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both in the Gospel of Luke, describing scenes where people gather closely around Jesus.
In Luke 22:55, it describes the guards sitting down together around a fire in the courtyard while Peter stands nearby. The image is one of casual intimacy and shared space, yet it also highlights the tension of the moment as those surrounding Jesus are unaware of his impending betrayal. The word emphasizes physical proximity and the act of settling into a group setting.
While its usage is rare, sugkathizō captures a simple but powerful idea: the human need for companionship and shared presence. In biblical narratives, sitting together often signals fellowship, rest, or communal identity. Here, it underscores the contrast between the warmth of the fire and the coldness of the situation unfolding around Jesus.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sugkathizō paints a vivid picture of shared presence. In Luke 22:55, it describes guards sitting down together around a fire. This simple act of gathering highlights how deeply humans crave connection and community. Even in tense moments, we find comfort in being near others.
Yet the New Testament offers a deeper hope. Ephesians 2:6 speaks of believers being made to sit with Christ in heavenly places. This is not just physical proximity but spiritual union. It reminds us that our truest companionship is found in Him, regardless of earthly circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- when having sat down together1×
- He seated [us] together1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνεκάθισεν1×
- συγκαθισάντων1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 22:55
When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat among them.
This verse uses the word to describe the physical act of guards gathering around a fire, highlighting the tension between their casual intimacy and Jesus' impending betrayal.
-
Ephesians 2:6
and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
Here the term signifies a spiritual reality where believers are seated with Christ in heavenly places, emphasizing union with Him rather than mere physical presence.