Lexical Summary epikathizó: To sit upon, to settle upon Original Word: ἐπικαθίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sit uponFrom epi and kathizo; to seat upon -- set on. see GREEK epi see GREEK kathizo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and kathizó Definition to sit upon NASB Translation sat (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1940: ἐπικαθίζωἐπικαθίζω: 1 aorist ἐπεκαθισα; 1. to cause to sit upon, to set upon: Matthew 21:7 Rec.elz 2. intransitive, to sit upon: Matthew, the passage cited (Rec.st) G L T Tr WH, others Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 1940 is used only once in the New Testament, yet its single appearance is pivotal. It describes Jesus Christ taking His seat upon the colt during the Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:7). The verb crystallizes a prophetic moment that joins Old Testament expectation to New Testament fulfillment and displays the character of the King who willingly comes in humility. New Testament Occurrence Matthew 21:7: “They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.” The action of sitting climaxes a carefully orchestrated scene: disciples obey, garments form an impromptu saddle, and Jesus positions Himself to enter Jerusalem exactly as foretold. The verb signals decisive royal action—He is not being placed; He seats Himself with authority, yet in meekness. Old Testament Foreshadowing • Zechariah 9:9 pre-announces a king “humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Taken together, these passages associate donkey-riding with legitimate, peaceful rule in contrast to warlike conquest on horses (Zechariah 9:10). When the Gospel records Jesus performing the exact act, the verb at Matthew 21:7 seals the prophetic alignment. Messianic Significance By choosing to sit upon the colt, Jesus: 1. Publicly claims the prophetic identity of the humble Messianic King. Theological Implications • Kingship and Humility: The same person who will one day ride a white horse in judgment (Revelation 19:11) first enters Jerusalem on a beast of burden. The verb highlights the paradox of sovereign majesty expressed through lowliness. Historical Reception • Early Church: Fathers such as Irenaeus and Eusebius cited the Triumphal Entry to prove Jesus’ authentic messianic credentials. Practical Ministry Applications • Leadership Model: Christian leaders are called to “sit” in positions of authority like their Lord—marked by gentleness, not domination (Matthew 11:29; 1 Peter 5:2–3). Related Scriptures for Study • Matthew 12:18–21 – Servant King foretold by Isaiah. Conclusion Though Strong’s 1940 surfaces only once, its solitary usage bears immense weight. It portrays the moment Jesus intentionally positions Himself to fulfill prophecy, manifest His kingdom’s character, and invite response. The humble seating over the colt becomes a living sermon: true greatness is found in obedient service to the will of God, a message as urgent today as on the first Palm Sunday. Forms and Transliterations επεκάθητο επεκάθισαν επεκαθισεν επεκάθισεν ἐπεκάθισεν επικαθίση επικαθιώ epekathisen epekáthisenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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