κοίτη

a bed, marriage bed

Definition

The Greek word κοίτη (koitē) primarily means 'a bed' in the literal, physical sense, as seen in Luke 11:7 where a man is in bed with his children. Its most significant usage, however, refers to the 'marriage bed' as the place of sexual relations within the covenant of marriage, a meaning highlighted in Hebrews 13:4 which declares the marriage bed honorable. In the plural form, the word can take on a negative connotation, referring to repeated acts of sexual immorality or promiscuity, as used in the list of vices in Romans 13:13. It can also be used metaphorically for the act of conception itself, as in Romans 9:10 where it refers to Rebecca having children by one man, Isaac.

Biblical Usage

Κοίτη is used four times in the New Testament across three different contexts. Its literal use for a sleeping bed appears only in Luke 11:7. Its positive, covenantal meaning for the marriage bed is central in Hebrews 13:4. The word is used negatively in the plural in Romans 13:13, grouped with drunkenness and debauchery. Finally, it is used in a biological sense for the act leading to conception in Romans 9:10. The usage shows a clear pattern: the singular often denotes a legitimate place (a bed, the marriage bed), while the plural denotes illicit sexual activity.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb κεῖμαι (keimai, G2749), meaning 'to lie down' or 'to be laid.' Κοίτη itself is a primary noun meaning 'a lying down,' 'a resting place,' or 'a bed.' This root connection emphasizes the word's fundamental association with reclining or being in a recumbent position, which naturally extended to the place for sleep and, by implication, to sexual relations.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant for its role in defining biblical sexual ethics. In Hebrews 13:4, it anchors the high view of marriage, declaring the 'marriage bed' (κοίτη) as honorable and undefiled, in stark contrast to the sexually immoral. Its negative use in Romans 13:13 helps define behaviors that belong to the 'works of darkness.' Understanding κοίτη enriches reading by clarifying the New Testament's consistent framework: sexual intimacy is sacred within marriage (singular κοίτη) but sinful outside of it (plural κοίται).

In the Greco-Roman world, sexual norms varied widely, with practices like prostitution, concubinage, and pederasty often socially accepted. The New Testament's use of κοίτη, especially in Hebrews 13:4, presented a counter-cultural vision that restricted honorable sexual relations exclusively to the marriage covenant. The positive singular versus negative plural distinction would have challenged common sexual practices, elevating marital fidelity as a sacred duty.

κλίνη (klinē, G2825) — A couch or bed, often for reclining at meals or for sickness; more general than κοίτη. εὐνή (eunē, G2845 alternate form) — Essentially synonymous with κοίτη, also meaning a bed or marriage bed. πορνεία (porneia, G4202) — Sexual immorality; a broader term for illicit sexual acts, which the plural κοῖται (koitai) in Romans 13:13 exemplifies.

Word Details

Scripture References