Lexical Summary kataklinó: To recline, to lay down Original Word: κατακλίνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance make lie down or recline at mealsFrom kata and klino; to recline down, i.e. (specially) to take a place at table -- (make) sit down (at meat). see GREEK kata see GREEK klino NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and klinó Definition to make to lie down NASB Translation reclined (2), sit down (2), take (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2625: κατακλίνωκατακλίνω: 1 aorist κατεκλινα; 1 aorist passive κατεκλιθην; from Homer down; in the N. T. in reference to eating, to make to recline: τινα, Luke 9:14 (also 15 T Tr WH) (ἐπί τό δεῖπνον, Xenophon, Cyril 2, 8, 21); middle, with 1 aorist passive, to recline (at table): Luke 7:36 L T Tr WH; Topical Lexicon Overview of New Testament Usage Strong’s Greek 2625 appears exclusively in Luke’s Gospel, five times, each scene involving table-fellowship or an ordered gathering. Luke emphasizes both the physical posture of reclining and the spiritual posture of trust, humility, and revelation that accompanies it. Cultural Background: Reclining at Table In the first-century Mediterranean world guests did not normally sit in chairs for formal meals; they reclined on low couches, leaning on the left elbow with feet extended outward. This posture communicated acceptance, honor, and relational closeness. Luke’s consistent choice of this verb highlights how Jesus enters ordinary cultural practices to reveal extraordinary truth. Christ’s Provision for the Multitude (Luke 9:14-15) “For there were about five thousand men. And He told His disciples, ‘Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.’” (Luke 9:14) The deliberate act of causing the crowd to recline transforms a chaotic throng into orderly communities ready to receive provision. The imagery recalls Psalm 23:2—“He makes me lie down in green pastures”—portraying Jesus as the Shepherd who provides rest and sustenance. Ministry application: leadership often begins by guiding people into a posture of restful expectancy before the Lord supplies their need. Humility and Honor at the Banquet (Luke 14:8) “When you are invited to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you has been invited.” Here reclining is tied to social status. Jesus teaches kingdom values that invert worldly honor codes: choose the lower place, allow God to exalt. The verb therefore becomes a practical call to humility that guards against self-promotion in ministry and fellowship. Hospitality and Forgiveness (Luke 7:36) When a Pharisee invites Jesus to eat, He reclines, opening the door for a sinful woman’s act of devotion. The scene underscores that genuine repentance and forgiveness occur where Jesus is welcomed. Reclining embodies vulnerability; feet are exposed, inviting both service (washing) and critique. Believers are encouraged to cultivate hospitable spaces where grace can be openly displayed. Revelation in Communion (Luke 24:30) “While He was reclining at the table with them, He took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to them.” (Luke 24:30) Post-resurrection, the disciples on the road to Emmaus recognize Jesus only after He assumes the host’s role at table. Reclining here becomes the backdrop for unveiling Scripture’s fulfillment and for sacramental fellowship that opens spiritual eyes. Each gathering around the Lord’s Table echoes this moment of unveiled glory. Theological Themes 1. Rest in the Shepherd’s Care: Reclining symbolizes faith’s repose, trusting Christ to provide. Old Testament Resonance Reclining imagery aligns with prophetic banquet motifs (Isaiah 25:6) and shepherding passages (Psalm 23). Luke’s usage invites readers to see Jesus as the promised host and shepherd who gathers, feeds, and protects His flock. Ministry Implications • Structure gatherings so that people can “recline” spiritually—unhurried, expectant, orderly. Summary Strong’s 2625, though a simple verb of reclining, carries rich narrative weight. Luke employs it to frame moments where Jesus feeds the hungry, teaches humility, welcomes sinners, and unveils resurrection life. Reclining thus becomes a lived parable: rest in Christ, receive His provision, walk in humility, and recognize His presence until the final consummation at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Forms and Transliterations κατακλιθείς κατακλιθή κατακλιθηναι κατακλιθήναι κατακλιθῆναι κατακλιθης κατακλιθής κατακλιθῇς κατακλιθώμεν Κατακλινατε Κατακλίνατε κατάκλιτα κατεκλιθη κατεκλίθη κατεκλιναν κατέκλιναν Kataklinate Kataklínate kataklithêis kataklithē̂is kataklithenai kataklithênai kataklithēnai kataklithē̂nai kataklithes kataklithēs kateklinan katéklinan kateklithe kateklithē kateklíthe kateklíthēLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 7:36 V-AIP-3SGRK: τοῦ Φαρισαίου κατεκλίθη NAS: house and reclined [at the table]. INT: of the Pharisee he reclined [at table] Luke 9:14 V-AMA-2P Luke 9:15 V-AIA-3P Luke 14:8 V-ASP-2S Luke 24:30 V-ANP Strong's Greek 2625 |
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