כִּסֵּא (kis.se)
kis.se
throne
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 109 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun kis.se refers to a seat of honor, specifically a throne. It denotes a lofty chair often covered by a canopy, reflecting its root meaning of being covered or hidden. This imagery distinguishes it from ordinary stools, marking it as the place where royal dignity and authority are displayed.
In Scripture, kis.se appears frequently in historical books like 1 Kings and Chronicles to describe the physical thrones of kings, such as Solomon’s throne made of ivory and gold (1 Kings 10:19). It also describes the seat of judges and even the high priest (1 Samuel 1:9), emphasizing a position of decision-making power.
The word carries significant theological weight when applied to God. Prophets like Jeremiah speak of the throne of the Lord (Jeremiah 3:17), portraying God’s sovereign rule over Israel. This usage connects earthly royal authority with divine kingship, suggesting that human rulers derive their legitimacy from a higher source.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word kis.se points to a seat of honor, specifically a throne. It is not just any chair but a lofty place often covered by a canopy, marking it as the spot where royal dignity and authority are displayed. In Scripture, this imagery distinguishes the throne from ordinary stools, highlighting its role as the center of decision-making power. When we read about kings sitting on their thrones, we see a tangible sign of order and governance.
Theologically, kis.se carries deep weight when applied to God. Prophets speak of the throne of the Lord, portraying His sovereign rule over all things. This connection between earthly royal authority and divine kingship reminds us that human leaders derive their legitimacy from a higher source. It offers comfort knowing that ultimate justice and care rest with the One who holds the highest seat.
For your faith, this word invites you to look beyond visible structures to the spiritual reality behind them. Whether in the stories of judges like Eli or the promises to David, the throne represents stability and divine purpose. You can trust that God’s authority is constant, even when earthly powers shift. This perspective helps anchor your heart in the hope that true justice will prevail.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 109 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] throne of37×
- throne/ his28×
- throne/ my8×
- a throne of4×
- a throne4×
- throne/ your3×
- the/ throne3×
- the/ seat3×
- [belonged] to the/ throne3×
- to/ throne2×
- to the/ throne2×
- thrones2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כִּסֵּ֣א20×
- כִּסֵּ֥א10×
- כִּסְא֔/וֹ10×
- כִּסְא֜/וֹ4×
- כִּסְא֑/וֹ4×
- כִּסֵּא\־3×
- כִּסֵּ֧א3×
- כִּסֵּ֖א3×
- כִּסְאֽ/וֹ\׃3×
- כִּסְא֖/וֹ3×
- לְ/כִסֵּא\־2×
- כִּסֵּא֙2×
Key Verses
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II Samuel 7:13
He will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
This verse establishes the eternal nature of David's throne, linking it directly to God's promise and pointing toward a future messianic fulfillment.
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I Kings 1:30
most certainly as I swore to you by Yahweh, the God of Israel, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place;’ I will most certainly do this today.”
Here David reaffirms his oath that Solomon will sit on his throne, showing how the throne serves as the symbol of legitimate succession and divine choice.
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I Samuel 2:8
He raises up the poor out of the dust. He lifts up the needy from the dunghill to make them sit with princes and inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are Yahweh’s. He has set the world on them.
This poetic passage highlights God's power to lift the needy to inherit the throne of glory, emphasizing that honor comes from Yahweh rather than human status.
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II Samuel 7:16
Your house and your kingdom will be made sure forever before you. Your throne will be established forever.”’”
God promises that David's throne will be established forever, underscoring the permanence of His covenant with the Davidic line.