παρακαθίζω

I sit down beside

Definition

The verb παρακαθίζω means to sit down beside someone, specifically taking a position next to or alongside them. It implies a deliberate act of drawing near to be in close proximity, often for a purpose like listening, learning, or attending to someone. In its single New Testament occurrence in Luke 10:39, it describes Mary sitting at the Lord's feet to listen to his teaching. The word combines the idea of physical posture ('sit') with relational closeness ('beside').

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 10:39, describing Mary's action: 'who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word.' It is used in a narrative context to depict a disciple's posture of attentive learning. The usage highlights a position of submission and readiness to receive instruction from a teacher, a common cultural practice for students.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition παρά (para, G3844), meaning 'beside, alongside,' and the verb καθίζω (kathizō, G2523), meaning 'to sit down, to seat.' It is a compound verb that literally means 'to sit down beside.' The root καθίζω itself comes from κάθημαι (kathēmai), a common verb for sitting. The compound emphasizes the specific location or relational positioning of the sitting.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, this word is theologically significant as it visually captures the posture of a disciple. Mary 'sitting beside' Jesus at his feet (Luke 10:39) symbolizes the attitude of humble submission, attentive listening, and prioritization of Christ's word over other duties. It enriches the reading of this passage by emphasizing intentional proximity to Jesus as the source of teaching, contrasting with Martha's distracted service, and modeling the heart of true discipleship.

In the 1st-century Jewish and Greco-Roman world, students would literally sit at the feet of a rabbi or teacher to learn. This was a recognized posture for a disciple. For a woman to assume this position was somewhat counter-cultural, as formal rabbinic instruction was typically for men. Mary's action signifies her taking on the role of a committed learner, breaking social convention to prioritize spiritual instruction.

κάθημαι (kathēmai, G2521) — a more general term for 'to sit, be seated.' | καθίζω (kathizō, G2523) — the root verb meaning 'to sit down, to cause to sit.' | παρακαθέζομαι (parakathezomai, G3868) — a very close synonym, also meaning 'to sit beside,' used in Luke 10:39 in some manuscript variants.

Word Details

Scripture References