ἀνάκειμαι
anakeimai
to recline
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredBased on the Greek word ἀνάκειμαι (G0345) with a lemma of "to recline," this verb suggests a physical act of lying down or resting. The word's primary meaning is to relax and assume a reclined position, which is distinct from standing or sitting. The 15 occurrences of ἀνάκειμαι in the Bible indicate a recurring theme of reclining, often associated with meals, as seen in cultural practices in the ancient Near East. This context suggests a more ritualistic or symbolic significance to the action, possibly emphasizing the social and communal aspects of dining. The verb may also imply a state of relaxation or leisure. The significance of ἀνάκειμαι lies in its reflection of ancient cultural norms and practices, particularly in the context of meals and social gatherings. By examining the usage of this word, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the daily lives and social dynamics of the people in biblical times.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
15 total occurrences across the text
As he sat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.
Matthew 22:10Those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding was filled with guests.
Matthew 22:11But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who didn’t have on wedding clothing,
Matthew 26:7a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table.
Matthew 26:20Now when evening had come, he was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples.
Mark 5:40They ridiculed him. But he, having put them all out, took the father of the child, her mother, and those who were with him, and went in where the child was lying.
Mark 6:26The king was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of his oaths, and of his dinner guests, he didn’t wish to refuse her.
Mark 14:18As they sat and were eating, Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, one of you will betray me—he who eats with me.”
Mark 16:14Afterward he was revealed to the eleven themselves as they sat at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they didn’t believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
Luke 22:27For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
Luke 22:27For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
John 12:2So they made him a supper there. Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him.
John 6:11Jesus took the loaves; and having given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to those who were sitting down; likewise also of the fish as much as they desired.
John 13:23One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was at the table, leaning against Jesus’ breast.
John 13:28Now nobody at the table knew why he said this to him.