Original Word: κάθημαι
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: kathémai
Pronunciation: kah'-thay-my
Phonetic Spelling: (kath'-ay-mahee)
KJV: dwell, sit (by, down)
NASB: sitting, sit, sat, sits, seated, sat down, sitting down
Word Origin: [from G2596 (κατά - according) and hemai "to sit" (akin to the base of G1476 (ἑδραῖος - steadfast))]

1. to sit down
2. (figuratively) to remain, reside

dwell, sit

From kata; and hemai (to sit; akin to the base of hedraios); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside -- dwell, sit (by, down).

see GREEK kata

see GREEK hedraios

Word Origin
from kata and hémai (to sit)
Definition
to be seated
NASB Translation
dwell (1), live (1), sat (15), sat down (4), seated (5), sit (16), sit down (1), sits (12), sitting (33), sitting down (3).

STRONGS NT 2521: κάθημαι

κάθημαι, 2 person singular κάθῃ a later form for κάθησαι (Acts 23:3), imperative κάθου for κάθησο (yet cf. Kühner, as below) (cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 359; Krüger, § 38, 6f i., p. 147; Kühner, § 301 i., p. 671; Winers Grammar, § 14, 4; (Buttmann, 49 (42))) (subjunctive 2 person plural κάθησθε, Luke 22:30 Tr marginal reading; but WH text κάθησθε; see Veitch, under the word; Krüger, § 38, 6, 1 (cf. καθίζω), infinitive καθῆσθαι, participle καθήμενος); imperfect ἐκαθήμην; and once the rare (cf. Veitch, p. 347) future καθήσομαι, Luke 22:30 T Tr text WH marginal reading (so WH in Matthew 19:28 also; cf. καθίζω, at the end); (ἧμαι); a verb of which only the present and imperfect are in use in classical Greek (cf. Buttmann, 60 (52)); the Sept. for יָשַׁב;

1. to sit down, seat oneself: followed by ἐν with the dative of place (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 52, 4, 9), Mark 4:1; Luke 22:55 (here T Tr WH μέσος); εἰς, Mark 13:3 (Buttmann, § 147, 16); μετά with the genitive of person, Matthew 26:58; κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, i. e. be a partner of my power, Matthew 22:44; Mark 12:36 (Tr text WH marginal reading κάθισον); Luke 20:42; Acts 2:34; Hebrews 1:13 (Psalm 109:1 ()); κάθου ὧδε ὑπό with the accusative, James 2:3. παρά with the accusative of place, Matthew 13:1; ἐπάνω with the genitive of place, Matthew 28:2; with ἐκεῖ, Matthew 15:29; John 6:3 (Tdf. ἐκαθέζετο); the place to be supplied from the context, Matthew 13:2.

2. to sit, be seated, of a place occupied: followed by ἐν with the dative of place (Winer's Grammar, as under 1), Matthew 11:16; Matthew 26:69; ἐν τῇ δεξιά τοῦ Θεοῦ, Colossians 3:1; ἐν τοῖς δεξιοῖς, Mark 16:5; ἐπί τίνος, Matthew 24:3; Matthew 27:19; (Acts 20:9 R G); ἐπί τοῦ θρόνου (but also, especially in the critical editions, with the dative and the accusative (see below); cf. Alford on the following passages), Revelation 4:2 etc.; τῆς νεφέλης (or with the accusative), Revelation 14:15, and in other examples; ἐπί τίνι, Acts 3:10; ἐπί τί (cf. Buttmann, 338 (291)), Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27; John 12:15; Revelation 4:4; Revelation 6:2 (R dative (as in the following)) Revelation 6:4; Revelation 11:16; Revelation 17:3; Revelation 19:11; παρά τήν ὁδόν, Matthew 20:30; Mark 10:46; Luke 18:35; πρός τό φῶς, Luke 22:56; ἐπάνω τίνος, Matthew 23:22; Revelation 6:8; περί τινα, Mark 3:32, 34; ἀπέναντι τίνος, Matthew 27:61; ἐκ δεξιῶν τίνος, Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 22:69; ἐκεῖ, Mark 2:6; οὗ, where, Acts 2:2 (L καθεζόμενοι); Revelation 17:15; without specification of place, Mark 5:15; Luke 5:17; Luke 8:35; John 2:14; John 9:8; 1 Corinthians 14:30. κάθημαι as descriptive of a certain state or condition is used of those who sit in discharging their office, as judges, κάθῃ κρίνων, Acts 23:3; of a queen, equivalent to to occupy the throne, to reign (A. V. I sit a queen), Revelation 18:7; of money-changers, John 2:14; of mourners and penitents: ἐν σάκκῳ, clothed in sackcloth, ἐν σποδῷ, covered with ashes, Luke 10:13; of those who, enveloped in darkness, cannot walk about, Matthew 4:16; Luke 1:79 (Isaiah 42:7); of a lame man, Acts 14:8. equivalent to to have a fixed abode, to dwell: ἐπί πρόσωπον τῆς γῆς, Luke 21:35; Revelation 14:6 (where Rec. κατοικοῦντας); ἐπί θρόνον, Revelation 20:11 G T (WH marginal reading; but see above); ἐν Ἱερουσαλήμ, Nehemiah 11:6; (ἐν ὄρει Σαμαρείας, Sir. 50:26. Compare: συγκάθημαι).

καθημέρανκαθημέραν, equivalent to καθ' ἡμέραν, see ἡμέρα, 2, p. 278{a}.

Overview

Strong’s Greek 2521 (καθήμαι, kathēmai) depicts the act of sitting, remaining seated, or taking a seat. In Scripture the posture of sitting is far more than a detail of body language; it communicates authority, discipleship, judgment, rest, enthronement, and, at times, complacency. Its 91 New Testament occurrences span narrative, teaching, prophecy, and doxology, revealing layers of historical and theological meaning.

Physical Posture in Daily Life

Many texts employ καθήμαι in ordinary settings. Bartimaeus was “sitting by the road” when Jesus passed by (Mark 10:46). Matthew himself was “sitting at the tax booth” when summoned (Matthew 9:9). Such references remind readers that Christ entered real moments of common life, calling people as they were found.

Symbol of Instruction and Discipleship

First-century rabbis taught while seated, and learners gathered around them. Jesus “sat by the sea” before delivering kingdom parables (Matthew 13:1-2). Inside a packed house He “was sitting” when forgiveness and healing were offered to the paralytic (Mark 2:6). Luke notes “Pharisees and teachers of the Law were sitting there” (Luke 5:17), highlighting a posture that presumed expertise yet often resisted revelation. The epistle command in James 2:3—“You sit here in a good place”—recognizes synagogue custom, warning against partiality.

Judicial and Royal Authority

Sitting also marks judgment. The Sanhedrin “sat, looking intently” at Paul (Acts 23:3). Jesus foretold that His apostles would “sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28). In Greco-Roman courts, the presiding official sat to issue verdicts; Scripture adopts that imagery to frame eschatological justice.

Messianic Fulfillment and Heavenly Session

Psalm 110:1 is echoed repeatedly: “Sit at My right hand.” Jesus applied it to Himself (Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 22:69). After His ascension He is “seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). This session signifies completed atonement, ongoing intercession, and supreme sovereignty. Believers are exhorted to “seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated.”

Enthronement Motifs in Revelation

John’s Apocalypse uses καθήμαι more than any other book, portraying divine rule and cosmic opposition.
• Revelation 4:2-3—“One seated on the throne” radiates jasper and carnelian.
• Revelation 5:13; 7:10—Praise rises “to Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.”
• Revelation 6:2, 4, 5, 8—Horsemen “sitting” symbolize conquest, war, famine, and death.
• Revelation 17:3, 9, 15—The harlot “sits” on the scarlet beast and on many waters, a counterfeit reign.
• Revelation 20:11—The Judge sits on a “great white throne.”

The contrast between the true King and pretenders underscores the certainty of divine triumph.

Rest Versus Complacency

While sitting can indicate peaceful trust, it can also expose indifference. Jesus likened unresponsive contemporaries to children “sitting in the marketplaces” (Luke 7:32). Those “sitting in darkness” (Matthew 4:16; Luke 1:79) picture spiritual inertia awaiting messianic light. Disciples are therefore urged not merely to sit but to watch, pray, and go.

Evangelistic Implications

Encounters often begin with someone seated: the eunuch reading Isaiah in his chariot (Acts 8:28), the healed demoniac “sitting at Jesus’ feet” (Luke 8:35). The posture signifies receptivity; messengers of the gospel meet seekers where they are, inviting them to rise and follow Christ.

Pastoral and Liturgical Applications

Early church gatherings featured both standing praise and seated instruction. Recognition of the seated Christ shapes worship—adoration directed “to Him who sits on the throne.” It also informs pastoral authority: teachers sit under Scripture’s authority even as they expound it.

Historical-Cultural Background

In Jewish courts, elders sat at the gate; in Roman life, magistrates sat on the bema. Teachers in synagogues sat on Moses’ seat (Matthew 23:2). Understanding these customs sharpens interpretation: when Jesus sits, He claims the very place others presumed to hold.

Theological Significance

1. Completion: His seated position verifies a finished redemption (Hebrews 1:3).
2. Intercession: From the throne He advocates for believers (Hebrews 7:25).
3. Participation: Saints will share His reign (Revelation 3:21).
4. Warning: Those who sit self-assuredly “as queen” (Revelation 18:7) face sudden ruin.
5. Mission: Light breaks upon “those sitting in the shadow of death” (Luke 1:79), compelling proclamation.

Key Passages for Study

Matthew 13:1-2; 19:28; 26:64; Mark 10:46; Luke 22:69; John 6:3; Acts 2:34-35; Colossians 3:1; Revelation 4:2-11; 7:9-17; 20:11.

See Also

Strong’s Greek 2516 (kathizō, to seat, cause to sit), Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 10:12-13.

εκαθήμην εκάθηντο εκαθητο εκάθητο ἐκάθητο εκάθου καθη κάθη κάθῃ Καθημαι Κάθημαι καθήμεθα καθημεναι καθήμεναι καθημένη καθημενην καθημένην καθημενης καθημένης καθημενοι καθημένοι καθήμενοι καθημενοις καθημένοις καθημενον καθήμενον καθημενος καθήμενος Καθημενου Καθημένου καθημενους καθημένους καθημενω καθημένω καθημένῳ καθημενων καθημένων κάθηνται κάθησαι καθησεσθε καθήσεσθε καθήσεται καθήση καθησθαι καθήσθαι καθῆσθαι κάθησθε καθήσομαι καθήσονται καθήσονταί καθηται κάθηται καθίσασθε Καθου Κάθου ekatheto ekathēto ekátheto ekáthēto kathe kathē káthei káthēi Kathemai Kathēmai Káthemai Káthēmai kathemenai kathēmenai kathḗmenai kathemenen katheménen kathēmenēn kathēménēn kathemenes katheménes kathēmenēs kathēménēs kathemeno kathēmenō kathemenoi katheménoi kathēmenoi kathēménōi kathḗmenoi kathemenois katheménois kathēmenois kathēménois kathemenon katheménon kathēmenon kathēmenōn kathēménōn kathḗmenon kathemenos kathēmenos kathḗmenos Kathemenou Katheménou Kathēmenou Kathēménou kathemenous katheménous kathēmenous kathēménous kathesesthe kathēsesthe kathḗsesthe kathesthai kathêsthai kathēsthai kathē̂sthai kathetai kathētai káthetai káthētai Kathou KáthouInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts