Lexical Summary béma: Judgment seat, tribunal, platform Original Word: βῆμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance judgment seat, throne. From the base of basis; a step, i.e. Foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e. A tribunal -- judgment-seat, set (foot) on, throne. see GREEK basis HELPS Word-studies 968 bḗma (from bainō, "to step, ascend") – properly, a platform to which someone walked up to receive judgment; (figuratively) the administration of justice – literally, given from "a tribunal-chair" (throne) where rewards and punishments are meted out. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as basis Definition a step, raised place, by impl. a tribunal NASB Translation ground (1), judgment seat (7), rostrum (1), tribunal (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 968: βῆμαβῆμα, βήματος, τό (from ΒΑΩ, βαίνω) (fr. Homer (h. Merc.), Pindar down); 1. a step, pace: βῆμα ποδός the space which the foot covers, a foot-breadth, Acts 7:5 (for כַּף־רֶגֶל, Deuteronomy 2:5, cf. Xenophon, an. 4, 7, 10; Cyril 7, 5, 6). 2. a raised place mounted by steps; a platform, tribune: used of the official seat of a judge, Matthew 27:19; John 19:13; Acts 18:12, 16; Acts 25:6, 10,(17); of the judgment-seat of Christ, Romans 14:10 (L T Tr WH τοῦ Θεοῦ); 2 Corinthians 5:10; of the structure, resembling a throne, which Herod built in the theater at Caesarea, and from which he used to view the games and make speeches to the people, Acts 12:21; (of an orator's pulpit, 2 Macc. 13:26; Nehemiah 8:4. Xenophon, mem. 3, 6, 1; Herodian, 2, 10, 2 (1, Bekker edition)). In the Greco-Roman world a βῆμα was a raised platform approached by one or more steps. In civic life it served as the public tribunal where magistrates rendered decisions, announced edicts, or addressed assemblies. Synagogues sometimes copied the idea with an elevated reading desk, and Hellenistic kings adapted it as a royal dais. Because it was both conspicuous and authoritative, the term naturally became shorthand for the “judgment seat.” Occurrences in the New Testament 1. A single instance refers simply to “a foot of ground” (Acts 7:5), highlighting Abraham’s lack of even the smallest foothold in Canaan. βῆμα in the Passion Narratives John 19:13: “When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement (in Aramaic, Gabbatha).” Matthew records Pilate’s wife sending a warning “while he was seated on the judgment seat” (Matthew 27:19). The evangelists purposely set the rejection of Christ in the place that symbolizes legal authority, underscoring the miscarriage of justice and fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that He would be “taken from judgment” (Isaiah 53:8). βῆμα in Acts: The Church before Human Tribunals Paul stands before Gallio in Corinth (Acts 18) and before Festus in Caesarea (Acts 25), illustrating Christ’s prediction that His witnesses would be “brought before governors and kings” (Matthew 10:18). Gallio’s indifference and Festus’ political maneuvering show that earthly benches can be swayed by convenience, yet God uses even flawed courts to advance the gospel (Acts 25:11-12). Acts 12:21 portrays Herod Agrippa I arrayed in royal splendor upon his βῆμα, receiving the blasphemous praise of being a god. The immediate judgment that follows (Acts 12:23) provides a sobering contrast: God’s tribunal eclipses man’s. Pauline Theology: The Future βῆμα Romans 14:10: “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.” Paul applies the familiar civic image to Christ’s final evaluation of believers. The context is not condemnation (Romans 8:1) but accountability. Works are tested, motives revealed, and rewards dispensed (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). The judicial metaphor lends weight to everyday choices, urging holiness and sincere service. Doctrinal and Ministry Implications Accountability: Every believer’s stewardship will be measured. Spiritual leaders should teach a balanced view of grace and responsibility, encouraging congregations to “make it [their] aim to be pleasing to Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). Comfort in Persecution: Luke’s narratives remind suffering Christians that earthly verdicts are temporary. The ultimate βῆμα belongs to Christ, who vindicates His servants and judges oppressors (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Evangelistic Urgency: Awareness of the coming tribunal compels persuasion (2 Corinthians 5:11). The same seat that evaluates believers will sentence the unrepentant (Revelation 20:11-15). Worship Perspective: Public reading desks and pulpits echo the ancient platform concept. Every proclamation of Scripture carries the authority of the heavenly bench, calling hearers to obedient faith. Summary Whether describing a single “step” of promised land or the tribunals of Pilate, Gallio, and Christ Himself, βῆμα highlights the theme of judgment and rightful authority woven throughout Scripture. The term urges believers to live transparently before God, encourages steadfastness under human courts, and fixes the hope of ultimate justice in the sovereign hands of Jesus Christ. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 27:19 N-GNSGRK: ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος ἀπέστειλεν πρὸς NAS: While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife KJV: on the judgment seat, his INT: on the judgment seat sent to John 19:13 N-GNS Acts 7:5 N-ANS Acts 12:21 N-GNS Acts 18:12 N-ANS Acts 18:16 N-GNS Acts 18:17 N-GNS Acts 25:6 N-GNS Acts 25:10 N-GNS Acts 25:17 N-GNS Romans 14:10 N-DNS 2 Corinthians 5:10 N-GNS Strong's Greek 968 |
    |