In biblical times, the concept of a "chair" as we understand it today was not common. The term "chair" in the Bible is often synonymous with a seat of authority or a place of honor, rather than a piece of everyday furniture. The Hebrew and Greek words translated as "chair" or "seat" often refer to thrones or places of judgment and teaching.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the idea of a chair is closely associated with authority and judgment. For instance, in 1 Samuel 4:13, Eli the priest is described as sitting on a chair by the side of the road, watching for news of the Ark of the Covenant. This chair signifies his position as a leader and judge over Israel. The Hebrew word used here is "kisse," which is often translated as "throne" in other contexts, emphasizing its role as a seat of authority.

The "seat of Moses" mentioned in Matthew 23:2 refers to a position of teaching and authority within the Jewish synagogue. Although this specific term does not appear in the Old Testament, the concept is rooted in the tradition of Moses as the lawgiver and leader of Israel.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the term "chair" is less frequently used, but the concept of a seat of authority continues. Jesus refers to the "seat of Moses" in Matthew 23:2 : "The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat." Here, the "seat" symbolizes the authority to teach and interpret the Law of Moses, which the scribes and Pharisees claimed.

The New Testament also uses the imagery of a throne to describe the authority of Christ and the apostles. In Revelation 3:21 , Jesus promises, "To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne." This promise highlights the ultimate authority and honor bestowed upon the faithful.

Symbolism and Significance

Chairs or seats in the Bible often symbolize authority, judgment, and teaching. They are not merely functional items but carry significant weight in terms of leadership and governance. The imagery of a chair or throne is used to convey the power and sovereignty of God, as well as the delegated authority given to human leaders.

In biblical symbolism, the chair or throne is a reminder of the divine order and the responsibility of those who are called to lead and teach. It underscores the importance of righteous judgment and faithful stewardship in positions of authority.

Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, chairs or thrones were typically reserved for kings, judges, and high-ranking officials. Common people would sit on the ground or on simple stools. The use of a chair or throne was a visible sign of status and power, often intricately designed and placed in prominent locations to reflect the dignity of the office.

The biblical use of the term "chair" reflects this cultural understanding, emphasizing the role of leaders as representatives of God's authority on earth. Whether in the context of a king's throne or a teacher's seat, the chair serves as a powerful symbol of leadership and responsibility in the biblical narrative.1. (n.) A movable single seat with a back.

2. (n.) An official seat, as of a chief magistrate or a judge, but esp. that of a professor; hence, the office itself.

3. (n.) The presiding officer of an assembly; a chairman; as, to address the chair.

4. (n.) A vehicle for one person; either a sedan borne upon poles, or two-wheeled carriage, drawn by one horse; a gig.

5. (n.) An iron block used on railways to support the rails and secure them to the sleepers.

6. (v. t.) To place in a chair.

7. (v. t.) To carry publicly in a chair in triumph.

CHAIR

char.

See SEAT; SEATS, CHIEF.

2515. kathedra -- a seat
... a seat. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: kathedra Phonetic Spelling:
(kath-ed'-rah) Short Definition: a seat, chair Definition: a seat, chair. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2515.htm - 6k

968. bema -- a step, raised place, by impl. a tribunal
... a platform to which someone walked up to receive ; (figuratively) the administration
of justice -- literally, given from "a tribunal-chair" (throne) where ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/968.htm - 7k

668. appiryon -- a sedan, litter, palanquin
... 667, 668. appiryon. 669 . a sedan, litter, palanquin. Transliteration: appiryon
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-pir-yone') Short Definition: chair. ...
/hebrew/668.htm - 5k

3678. kisse -- seat of honor, throne
... Word Origin from the same as kese Definition seat of honor, throne NASB Word Usage
authority (1), chair (1), official seat (1), seat (6), sworn* (1), throne ...
/hebrew/3678.htm - 6k

A Steamer Chair for his Friend.
... Worry: A Hindrance to Service. (Psalm xxxvii:1-11; Matthew vi:19-34, Philippians
iv:6-7. American Revision.) A Steamer Chair for His Friend. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on service/a steamer chair for his.htm

The Episcopal Chair of James.
... Book VII. Chapter XIX."The Episcopal Chair of James. The chair of James,
who first received the episcopate of the church at Jerusalem ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xix the episcopal chair of.htm

Discerning Prayer.
... He asked of the agent if a deck chair had arrived for him from New York. ... His reply
was, "No, my brother, Our Heavenly Father will send the chair from New York. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/discerning prayer.htm

The Circumcision of Jesus
... She brought with her a chair specially kept for these occasions, and a
thick octagonal stone slab containing what was necessary. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xii the circumcision of jesus.htm

The Potency of Prayer Hath Subdued the Strength of Fire...
... About half-an-hour before the tender was to take the passengers to the ship, he
asked of the agent if a deck chair had arrived for him from New York. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter iv the potency of.htm

How those are to be Admonished who Sin from Sudden Impulse and ...
... Contrariwise, it is well said through the Prophet in describing a blessed man, And
he sitteth not in the chair of pestilence (Psalm 1:1). For a chair is wont ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxxii how those are.htm

When God Withdraws Himself
... A mother sat quietly in her easy chair. ... Presently the mother quietly slipped from
her chair and went into an adjoining room, out of the baby's sight. ...
/.../naylor/heart talks/talk twenty-six when god withdraws.htm

Introductory Notice to Hippolytus.
... Lawrence at Rome, on the Tiburtine Road, there was found an ancient statue, in marble,
of a figure seated in a chair, and wearing over the Roman tunic the ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/introductory notice to hippolytus.htm

Vision First. Against Filthy and Proud Thoughts, and the ...
... shall I ask the Lord to be merciful to me?" While I was thinking over these things,
and discussing them in my mind, I saw opposite to me a chair, white, made ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/vision first against filthy and.htm

Letter iv. Personal Habits.
... A wicker rocking-chair had a cushion of bright-colored satine firmly tied in, and
matching the ribbons which were drawn through the bordering interstices of ...
/.../letter iv personal habits.htm

Chair (6 Occurrences)
... that of a professor; hence, the office itself. 3. (n.) The presiding officer of
an assembly; a chairman; as, to address the chair. ... 6. (vt) To place in a chair. ...
/c/chair.htm - 9k

Seat (256 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The place or thing upon which one sits; hence; anything made to be sat
in or upon, as a chair, bench, stool, saddle, or the like. ...
/s/seat.htm - 41k

Throne (181 Occurrences)
... (Hebrews kiss'e), a royal chair or seat of dignity (Deuteronomy 17:18; 2 Samuel
7:13; Psalm 45:6); an elevated seat with a canopy and hangings, which cover it. ...
/t/throne.htm - 48k

Rock (176 Occurrences)
... 8. (vt) To cause to sway backward and forward, as a body resting on a support beneath;
as, to rock a cradle or chair; to cause to vibrate; to cause to reel or ...
/r/rock.htm - 49k

Bottom (33 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The part of anything which is beneath the contents and supports them, as
the part of a chair on which a person sits, the circular base or lower head of ...
/b/bottom.htm - 20k

Sedan (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A portable chair or covered vehicle for carrying
a single person, -- usually borne on poles by two men. Called also sedan chair. ...
/s/sedan.htm - 6k

Use (620 Occurrences)
... 10. (vt) To make use of; to convert to one's service; to avail one's self of; to
employ; to put a purpose; as, to use a plow; to use a chair; to use time; to ...
/u/use.htm - 8k

Lift (283 Occurrences)
... sometimes implying a continued support or holding in the higher place; -- said of
material things; as, to lift the foot or the hand; to lift a chair or a burden ...
/l/lift.htm - 41k

Fill (126 Occurrences)
... in, as an incumbent; to occupy; to hold; as, a king fills a throne; the president
fills the office of chief magistrate; the speaker of the House fills the chair...
/f/fill.htm - 36k

Tidy (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (n.) A cover, often of tatting, drawn work, or other ornamental work, for the
back of a chair, the arms of a sofa, or the like. 5. (n.) A child's pinafore. ...
/t/tidy.htm - 7k

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