Lexical Summary kathedra: Seat, Chair Original Word: καθέδρα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance seat. From kata and the same as hedraios; a bench (literally or figuratively) -- seat. see GREEK kata see GREEK hedraios NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and the same as hedraios Definition a seat NASB Translation chair (1), seats (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2515: καθέδρακαθέδρα, καθέδρας, ἡ (κατά and ἕδρα), a chair, seat: Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15 (Sir. 12:12; Herodian, 2, 3, 17 (7 edition, Bekker)); of the exalted seat occupied by men of eminent rank or influence, as teachers and judges: ἐπί τῆς Μωϋσέως καθέδρας ἐκάθισαν, sit on the seat which Moses formerly occupied, i. e. bear themselves as Moses' successors in explaining and defending his law, Matthew 23:2. (the Sept. for מושָׁב and שֶׁבֶת. (Xenophon, Aristotle, others.)) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Background Strong’s Greek 2515 refers to a chair or seat, whether literal or figurative. In the Greco-Roman world it could signify an ordinary place to sit, a magistrate’s bench, or the chair of a teacher. Jewish usage followed the same range, extending the idea to an official position of authority within synagogue and temple life. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Matthew 21:12 – a literal seat used by dove-sellers in the temple. Each setting highlights either compromised worship or the burden of man-made tradition. Symbol of Religious Authority “Moses’ seat” (Matthew 23:2) evokes the judicial role Moses exercised in Exodus 18:13-26. In first-century synagogues a stone chair was reserved for the teacher of the Law; sitting there implied stewardship over divine revelation. Jesus acknowledged the office—“The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat”—yet immediately exposed their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:3-4). The passage teaches that biblical authority resides in God’s Word, not in the flawed character of its human custodians, and that teachers must match orthodoxy with obedience (James 3:1). Jesus’ Zeal for Pure Worship The overturning of the dove-sellers’ seats (Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15) fulfilled the prophetic vision: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7, quoted in the cleansing narratives). The seat here represents commercial convenience that had replaced reverent sacrifice. By toppling it, Jesus restored the temple’s focus on holiness and foreshadowed His own priestly mediation (Hebrews 9:11-12). Historical Development in Church Usage Early Christian assemblies adopted the term for the bishop’s chair, the cathedra. It was positioned behind the communion table, signifying continuity with apostolic teaching. A church housing such a chair eventually came to be called a “cathedral.” While the New Testament prescribes shared eldership (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5), the single cathedra became a visible reminder that Christ, not any man, is the true Head of the church (Colossians 1:18). Related Old Testament Parallels Psalm 1:1 warns against “the seat of scoffers,” a negative counterpart to Moses’ seat. Job 29:7-25 portrays righteous leadership “in the seat of honor.” Both passages illuminate the dual potential of a seat: it can serve either godly justice or ungodly mockery. Ministry Implications • Teaching: Those who occupy platforms, pulpits, or lecterns inherit the moral weight of the cathedra. Authority is legitimate only when faithful to Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15). Practical Application for Believers Today 1. Evaluate any “seat” you occupy—at home, work, or church—and ask whether it promotes God-honoring service. Summary The three New Testament appearances of Strong’s 2515 span two vivid scenes—one of corrupted worship, the other of institutional authority. Together they remind the church that every seat derives its legitimacy from the living Word, and that true honor comes when that seat is surrendered to Christ alone. Forms and Transliterations καθέδρα καθέδραν καθεδρας καθέδρας kathedras kathédrasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 21:12 N-AFPGRK: καὶ τὰς καθέδρας τῶν πωλούντων NAS: of the money changers and the seats of those KJV: and the seats of them that sold INT: and the seats of those selling Matthew 23:2 N-GFS Mark 11:15 N-AFP |
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