Lexical Summary kisse or kisseh: Throne, seat, chair Original Word: כִּסֵּא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance seat, stool, throne Or kicceh {kis-say'}; from kacah; properly, covered, i.e. A throne (as canopied) -- seat, stool, throne. see HEBREW kacah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as kese Definition seat of honor, throne NASB Translation authority (1), chair (1), official seat (1), seat (6), sworn* (1), throne (118), throne the thrones (1), thrones (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs כִּסֵּא, כִּסֵּה133 noun masculine2Samuel 7:16 seat of honour, throne (Late Hebrew id.; Phoenician (plural) כרסים; Aramaic כּוּרְסְיָא, 1. a. of king = throne Genesis 41:40 (E), Exodus 11:5; Exodus 12:29 (both J) 1 Kings 2:19; Isaiah 47:1; Ezekiel 26:16; of queen-mother 1 Kings 2:19 b; מַלְכוּתוֺ ׳כ Esther 5:1 his royal throne; of future (Messianic) prince Zechariah 6:13 a (in vb read עליֿמינו ᵐ5 StaZAW 1881, 10); of dead kings in She'ôl Isaiah 14:9; ׳נָתַן כ, in, or against a place, said of king himself, (only Jeremiah) is a sign of conquest (Jeremiah 1:15); so ׳שִׂים כּ Jeremiah 43:10, and (of ׳י) Jeremiah 49:38; in Judges 3:20, though of king, not seat of office; 12t. elsewhere, literal b. throne of ׳י (אלהים) as heavenly king, Isaiah 6:1; Ezekiel 1:26 (twice in verse); Ezekiel 10:1; 1 Kings 22:19 2Chronicles 18:18; Job 26:9; Psalm 11:4; Isaiah 66:1 heaven is my throne; as seat of judgment Psalm 9:5; Psalm 9:8; in oath יָד עַלכּכֵּס יָהּ Exodus 17:16 (compare Di; > Cler JDMich Ges Buhl SS נֵס banner; ᵐ5 κρυφαία √ כסה, favours כס); Jerusalem called throne of ׳י Jeremiah 3:17, so the sanctuary Jeremiah 17:12 (כָּבוֺד מָרוֺם ׳כ), Ezekiel 43:7. 2 of high priest 1 Samuel 1:9; 1 Samuel 4:13,18; of honoured guest 2 Kings 4:10; of governor Nehemiah 3:7; of (unjust) judge הַוּוֺת ׳כ Psalm 94:20; = conspicuous seat (literally) Proverbs 9:14; = seat of distinction, explicitly כָּבוֺד ׳כ Isaiah 22:23; ׳כ alone 2 Kings 25:28 (twice in verse) = Jeremiah 52:32 (twice in verse); Esther 3:1. 3. a. figurative = royal dignity, authority, power, הַמֶּלֶךְ וְכִסְאוֺ נָקִי 2 Samuel 14:9; ׳לְדָוִד וּלְזַרְעוֺ וּלְבֵיתוֺ וּלְכ 1 Kings 2:33; especially kingdom, with verbs of setting up, establishing, ׳י subject, דָוִד ׳הֵקִים כ 2 Samuel 3:10, כִסְאֲךָוּבָנִיתִי Psalm 89:5, so with שִׂים Psalm 89:30; king subject, בַּחֶסֶד כִּסְאוֺסָעַד Proverbs 20:28; passive דָוִד יִהְיֶה נכִון ׳כ 1 Kings 2:45 the throne of David shall be established, compare 2 Samuel 7:16 = 1 Chronicles 17:14; ׳וְהוּכַן בַּחֶסֶד כ Isaiah 16:5 (of Messianic reign); so (in General) ׳בִּצְדָקָה יִכּוֺן כ Proverbs 16:12, compare Proverbs 25:5; Proverbs 29:14; intransitive (with הָיָה) Psalm 89:37; more fully, ׳י subject, מַמְלַכְתּוֺ ׳וְכֹנַנְתִּי אֶתכֿ 2 Samuel 7:13 (כֹּנֵן כסאו in "" 1 Chronicles 17:12), מַמְלַכְתְּךָ עַֿ ׳יִשְׂרָאֵלוַהֲקִמֹתִי אֶתכֿ 1 Kings 9:5, compare "" 2Chronicles 7:18 and ׳וַהֲכִינוֺתִי כ <Times New Roman>מַלְכוּתוֺ עַליִֿשְׂרָאֵל 1 Chronicles 22:10; also ׳מגּר כ Psalm 89:45 cast down throne, of Gentile nations ׳מַמְלָכוֺתוְהָפַכְתִּי כ Haggai 2:22; ׳יָשַׁב עלכֿ sit on the throne of any one (especially David) = be his successor 1 Kings 1:13,17,20,24,27,30,35,48; 1 Kings 2:12; 1 Kings 3:6; 2 Kings 13:13, especially Jeremiah 13:13; Jeremiah 17:25; Jeremiah 22:2 5t. Jeremiah; לָ֑ךְ ׳ֵישְׁבוּ לְכ Psalm 132:12; more fully 1 Chronicles 29:23; causative ׳הוֺשִׁיב עלכֿ 1 Kings 2:24; 1 Kings 5:19; 2 Kings 10:3; ׳הֹשִׁיב לַכּ figurative Job 36:7, of placing in honour; לָ֑ךְ ׳מִמְּרִי בִטְנְךָ אָשִׁית לְכ Psalm 132:11; ישׁב׳עלכֿ also = take one's seat as king, become actual king, possess royalty 1 Kings 16:11, often sit on the throne of Israel 1 Kings 8:20,25 2Chronicles 6:10,16; 1 Kings 10:9; 2 Kings 10:30; 2 Kings 15:12; Jeremiah 33:17; without ישׁב 1 Kings 2:4; 1 Kings 9:5, compare also Isaiah 9:6 (Messiah); ישׁב עלכֿסא מַמְלַכְתּוֺ Deuteronomy 17:18, עלכֿסא הַמְּלוּכָה 1 Kings 1:46, and even עַליִֿשְׂרָאֵללָשֶׁבֶת ׳עַלכִּֿסֵּא מַלְכוּת י 1 Chronicles 28:5; also הַמְּלָכִים ישׁב ׳עַלכֿ 2 Kings 11:19, "" הַמַּמְלָכָה ׳כ2Chron 23:30; of (royal) throne as judgment seat Proverbs 20:8, compare also Psalm 122:5; set one upon the throne of Israel ׳ישׂ ׳עלכֿ ׳נתן פ 1 Kings 10:9 compare "" 2 Chronicles 9:8; in comparative sentence ׳יְגַדֵּל אֶתכִּֿסְאוֺ מִכּ, i.e. make him a more powerful king than, 1 Kings 1:37, compare 1 Kings 1:47; of king of Babylon, מִמַּעַל לְכוֺכְבֵיאֵֿל אָרִים כִּסְאִי Isaiah 14:13. In Psalm 45:7 ׳כִּסְאֲךָ אלהים וגו the text is probably corrupt: AE Hi Ew Bae read thy throne is (a throne) of God; Bi Che insert הקימונכונה יסודתו thy throne [its foundation is firmly fixed], God [has established it]; see further Dr§ 194, Obs.. b. throne of ׳(אלהים) י = his royal dignity, sovereign, Lamentations 5:19; Psalm 93:2; Psalm 103:19 (׳הֵכִין כ; "" מַלְכוּת); כְבוֺדֶ֑ךָ ׳כ Jeremiah 14:21; קָדְשׁוֺ ׳יָשַׁב עַלכֿ Psalm 47:9; צֶדֶק וּמִשְׁמָּט מְכוֺן כִּסְאֶ֑ךָ Psalm 89:15; compare Psalm 97:2. כסא (see Biblical Hebrew כִּסֵּא throne). Topical Lexicon Overview of Usage With roughly 135 attestations, כִּסֵּא functions as the primary Old Testament image for rulership, honor, and judicial authority. It may denote a literal chair, the seat of a king, the heavenly throne of the LORD, or a figurative platform of governance. Context determines whether the emphasis is political, cultic, eschatological, or ethical, yet every occurrence ultimately reinforces the truth that all authority originates with God. The Throne of the LORD The Scriptures repeatedly present God as enthroned, sovereign over creation and history. These statements ground every earthly authority in the permanent kingship of YHWH. In worship, this vision shapes reverence (Psalms 11:4), consolation for the oppressed (Psalms 9:7-8), and confidence in prayer (Psalms 103:19). The Davidic Throne and Messianic Hope God’s covenant with David centers on an everlasting throne. Human Kings and Civil Administration Earthly rulers sit on כִּסֵּא as stewards of divine justice. Narratives of the united and divided kingdoms are punctuated with throne succession notes (1 Kings 1:46; 2 Chronicles 9:8). Proverbs applies the image to moral governance: “A king who sits on a throne of justice disperses all evil with his eyes” (Proverbs 20:8). Failures in righteousness jeopardize the throne (1 Kings 9:7; Psalms 94:20), underscoring that moral integrity, not mere heredity, secures authority. Judicial and Administrative Halls Solomon constructed “the Hall of the Throne” (1 Kings 7:7), where the monarch rendered verdicts. Judges also had “seats” at the city gate (Psalms 122:5). The throne motif therefore embraces the entire judicial system, calling public officials to impartiality (Proverbs 16:12; 25:5). The Ark and Cultic Enthronement The Ark of the Covenant is described as the place where the LORD “is enthroned between the cherubim” (1 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 6:2). In temple theology, the Ark supplied a visible locus for the invisible King’s throne. This cultic usage bridges heaven and earth, allowing the worshiping community to address God as present Monarch in liturgy and prayer (Psalms 80:1; 99:1). Poetic and Sapiential Imagery Psalms and Proverbs employ כִּסֵּא to teach wisdom: Such verses turn the throne into a moral barometer, inviting readers to test leadership by righteousness and steadfast love. Prophetic and Apocalyptic Visions Prophets lift the throne image into future judgment and restoration. Stability, Covenant, and Permanence Because God’s throne is “established in the heavens” (Psalms 103:19), earthly crises cannot nullify covenant promises. Jeremiah 17:12 calls the sanctuary “a glorious throne, exalted from the beginning,” while the exile lament in Psalms 89:44-46 interprets the apparent collapse of David’s throne as disciplinary, not terminal. The post-exilic community clings to the word that the throne will yet be restored (Haggai 2:22-23; Zechariah 6:13). Spiritual and Pastoral Implications 1. Worship: Believers approach a King who invites confident access (compare Hebrews 4:16) because His throne is also “a throne of grace.” Representative References Genesis 41:40; Exodus 11:5; Deuteronomy 17:18; 1 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 3:10; 1 Kings 10:18-20; 2 Chronicles 23:20; Ezra 7:24; Psalms 9:7; 45:6; 89:44; 94:20; 97:2; 103:19; Proverbs 16:12; Isaiah 16:5; 66:1; Jeremiah 13:13; 17:12; Lamentations 5:19; Ezekiel 10:1; Daniel 7:9; Zechariah 6:13. Summary Whether referring to the Lord’s heavenly seat or an earthly monarch’s chair, כִּסֵּא consistently affirms that true authority is moral, covenantal, and ultimately divine. Every appearance beckons believers to worship the enthroned God, exercise righteous leadership, and anticipate the consummation of His kingdom. Forms and Transliterations הַ֠כִּסֵּא הַכִּסֵּ֔א הַכִּסֵּ֖א הַכִּסֵּ֜א הַכִּסֵּֽא׃ הַכִּסֵּא֙ הכסא הכסא׃ וְ֝כִסְא֗וֹ וְכִסְא֕וֹ וְכִסְא֖וֹ וְכִסֵּ֣א וְכִסֵּ֥א וּלְכִסְא֜וֹ וכסא וכסאו ולכסאו כִּ֝סְא֗וֹ כִּ֝סְא֗וֹת כִּ֝סֵּ֗א כִּ֫סְא֥וֹ כִּֽסְאֲךָ֔ כִּסְא֑וֹ כִּסְא֔וֹ כִּסְא֖וֹ כִּסְא֗וֹ כִּסְא֜וֹ כִּסְאֲךָ֖ כִּסְאֲךָ֣ כִּסְאִ֑י כִּסְאִ֔י כִּסְאִ֖י כִּסְאִ֗י כִּסְאִֽי׃ כִּסְאֶ֑ךָ כִּסְאֶ֔ךָ כִּסְאֽוֹ׃ כִּסְאוֹ֙ כִּסְאוֹתָ֗ם כִּסֵּ֑א כִּסֵּ֔א כִּסֵּ֖א כִּסֵּ֛א כִּסֵּ֣א כִּסֵּ֤א כִּסֵּ֥א כִּסֵּ֧א כִּסֵּ֨א כִּסֵּ֬א כִּסֵּֽא׃ כִּסֵּא֙ כִּסֵּא־ כִסְא֔וֹ כִסְא֣וֹת כִסְאִ֖י כִסֵּ֑ה כסא כסא־ כסא׃ כסאו כסאו׃ כסאות כסאותם כסאי כסאי׃ כסאך כסה לְ֝כִסֵּ֗א לְכִסֵּ֕א לְכִסֵּ֥א לְכִסֵּ֧א לְכִסֵּא־ לַ֠כִּסֵּא לַכִּסֵּ֑א לַכִּסֵּ֗ה לַכִּסֵּא֙ לַכִּסֵּה֙ לכסא לכסא־ לכסה מִ֨כִּסֵּ֔א מִכִּסְא֔וֹ מִכִּסְאֶ֑ךָ מִכִּסְאוֹתָ֔ם מכסא מכסאו מכסאותם מכסאך chisI chisO chisot chisSeh hak·kis·sê hakkisSe hakkissê kis’ăḵā kis’eḵā kis’î ḵis’î kis’ōw ḵis’ōw kis’ōwṯ ḵis’ōwṯ kis’ōwṯām kis·’ă·ḵā kis·’e·ḵā kis·’î ḵis·’î kis·’ō·w·ṯām kis·’ō·wṯ ḵis·’ō·wṯ kis·’ōw ḵis·’ōw kis·sê kis·sê- ḵis·sêh kisaCha kisEcha kisI kisO kisot kisoTam kisSe kissê kissê- ḵissêh lak·kis·sê lak·kis·sêh Lakkisse lakkissê lakkisSeh lakkissêh lə·ḵis·sê lə·ḵis·sê- lechisSe ləḵissê ləḵissê- mik·kis·’e·ḵā mik·kis·’ō·w·ṯām mik·kis·’ōw mik·kis·sê mikkis’eḵā mikkis’ōw mikkis’ōwṯām mikkisEcha mikkisO mikkisoTam mikkisSe mikkissê ū·lə·ḵis·’ōw ulechisO ūləḵis’ōw vechisO vechisSe wə·ḵis·’ōw wə·ḵis·sê wəḵis’ōw wəḵissêLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 41:40 HEB: עַמִּ֑י רַ֥ק הַכִּסֵּ֖א אֶגְדַּ֥ל מִמֶּֽךָּ׃ NAS: only in the throne I will be greater KJV: be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater INT: my people in the throne will be greater than Exodus 11:5 Exodus 12:29 Deuteronomy 17:18 Judges 3:20 1 Samuel 1:9 1 Samuel 2:8 1 Samuel 4:13 1 Samuel 4:18 2 Samuel 3:10 2 Samuel 7:13 2 Samuel 7:16 2 Samuel 14:9 1 Kings 1:13 1 Kings 1:17 1 Kings 1:20 1 Kings 1:24 1 Kings 1:27 1 Kings 1:30 1 Kings 1:35 1 Kings 1:37 1 Kings 1:37 1 Kings 1:46 1 Kings 1:47 1 Kings 1:47 135 Occurrences |