κεῖμαι

I lie, recline, am laid

Definition

The verb κεῖμαι primarily means 'to lie, recline, or be placed.' It describes a state of being positioned, often passively, such as an object lying somewhere (Luke 2:12) or a person reclining at a meal. It extends to figurative meanings, including being set or appointed, like a foundation being laid (1 Corinthians 3:11) or a city set on a hill (Matthew 5:14). In some contexts, it conveys a sense of being destined or appointed, as in Simeon's prophecy that the child Jesus is 'appointed' for the fall and rising of many (Luke 2:34).

Biblical Usage

κεῖμαι appears 26 times in the New Testament, used across Gospels, Pauline letters, and Revelation. It often describes physical placement: the baby Jesus lying in a manger (Luke 2:12, 16), the body of Jesus lying in the tomb (Matthew 28:6), or treasure stored up (Luke 12:19). Figuratively, it denotes something established or destined: the axe lying at the root of the trees (Matthew 3:10, Luke 3:9) signifies imminent judgment, and the foundation laid in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11) speaks to spiritual building. In Revelation, it describes the state of the dead (Revelation 21:16).

Etymology

κεῖμαι is a common Greek verb meaning 'to lie' or 'be placed.' It is the middle/passive form of the verb τίθημι (tithēmi, G5087), which means 'to put' or 'place.' Thus, κεῖμαι often conveys the resultant state of having been placed. It is related to other Greek words like κλίνω (klinō, G2827) 'to recline' and κατάκειμαι (katakeimai, G2621) 'to lie down,' sharing a semantic field of positioning.

Semantic Range

κεῖμαι is theologically significant as it often describes the state or position ordained by God. In Luke 2:34, Simeon says the child is 'appointed' (κεῖται) for the fall and rising of many, highlighting Jesus' divinely ordained mission. In 1 Corinthians 3:11, the foundation 'laid' (κεῖται) is Christ Himself, central to the doctrine of the church. Understanding this word enriches reading by revealing how physical descriptions (like Jesus lying in the tomb) can carry deeper implications of divine appointment and purpose.

In the Greco-Roman world, reclining (κεῖμαι) at meals was a common practice for formal dining, signifying leisure, fellowship, and social status. This contrasts with modern sitting, adding cultural depth to passages about banquet settings (e.g., Luke 2:16). The word's use for being 'laid' or 'set' also reflects an ancient context where objects and people were often positioned with intentionality, whether in a manger, a tomb, or as a foundation.

τίθημι (tithēmi, G5087) — means 'to put' or 'place' actively, whereas κεῖμαι is the resultant state of being placed. κατάκειμαι (katakeimai, G2621) — a compound of κεῖμαι, often meaning 'to lie down,' especially for reclining at meals or being sick in bed. κλίνω (klinō, G2827) — means 'to recline' or 'incline,' focusing more on the action of leaning or lying down.

Word Details

Scripture References