Lexical Summary parakathizo: To sit beside, to sit down near Original Word: παρακαθίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sit. From para and kathizo; to sit down near -- sit. see GREEK para see GREEK kathizo Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3869: παρακαθίζωπαρακαθίζω: 1 aorist participle feminine παρακαθίσασα, to make to sit down beside ((παρά, IV. 1)); to set beside, place near ; intransitive, to sit down beside: παρά τί, Luke 10:39 R G L (but L marginal reading πρός) (the Sept. Job 2:13; Plutarch, Marius 17; Cleomedes ( Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 3869 (παρακαθέζομαι) describes the deliberate act of taking a seat close beside another. In the New Testament it appears once—Luke 10:39—where Mary of Bethany “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message” (Luke 10:39). Though a single occurrence, the verb captures a timeless pattern of devoted, receptive discipleship. Biblical Context Luke 10:38-42 presents a vivid contrast between two sisters. Martha is “distracted with much serving,” while Mary chooses to place herself beside Jesus, giving undivided attention to His word. Jesus affirms Mary’s choice as “the good portion” that will not be taken from her (Luke 10:42). The solitary use of 3869 therefore becomes the narrative hinge on which the episode turns: genuine fellowship with Christ centers first on listening, then on labor. Cultural Background In first-century Judaism, “sitting at the feet” was idiomatic for becoming a disciple of a rabbi (compare Acts 22:3, Paul “educated at the feet of Gamaliel”). The posture signified humility, submission, and eagerness to learn. That Luke applies this to a woman is striking; the Master welcomes Mary into the circle of learners without reservation, underscoring the inclusive call of the gospel. Theological Significance 1. Priority of Word over Work: The verb highlights that relationship with Christ is founded on hearing His teaching before engaging in service (Romans 10:17). Implications for Ministry and Discipleship • Teaching ministries must cultivate environments where believers can “sit beside” the Lord through Scripture before they are mobilized for tasks. Historical Reception Early commentators—including Origen and Augustine—read Mary as the allegory of the contemplative life and Martha as the active. Medieval monasticism often cited Luke 10:39 to defend the necessity of prayer preceding service. Reformers such as Martin Luther used the scene to emphasize sola Scriptura, urging believers to hear Christ in the written Word with Mary’s attentiveness. Practical Application 1. Personal Devotion: Daily Scripture reading is not peripheral but central; believers emulate Mary each time they silently attend to God’s voice (Psalm 1:2). Related Scriptural Themes • “At His feet” as a place of instruction or restoration: Deuteronomy 33:3; Ruth 3:4; Matthew 15:30. Summary Though Strong’s 3869 appears only once, its lone use crystallizes a crucial biblical principle: the disciple’s life begins and is sustained by a posture of nearness and submission to Jesus, attentively receiving His word. Every generation of believers is called to echo Mary of Bethany—deliberately taking a seat beside the Savior, confident that such fellowship is both privileged and permanent. Forms and Transliterations παρακαθεσθεισα παρακαθεσθεῖσα παρακαθίσασα παρεκάθισαν parakathestheisa parakathestheîsaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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