In biblical times, the act of reclining was a common posture during meals and social gatherings, particularly in the context of significant events such as feasts and banquets. This practice is frequently mentioned in the New Testament, providing insight into the cultural and social customs of the period.

Cultural Context

Reclining at meals was a practice adopted from Greco-Roman customs, where diners would lie on couches around a low table, leaning on their left elbow and eating with their right hand. This posture was a sign of leisure and freedom, often associated with formal dining and special occasions. It symbolized a relaxed and intimate setting, conducive to conversation and fellowship.

Biblical References

1. The Last Supper: One of the most notable instances of reclining in the Bible is during the Last Supper. In the Gospel of John, it is recorded that the disciples reclined at the table with Jesus. John 13:23 states, "One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side." This setting underscores the intimacy and significance of the moment, as Jesus shared His final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion.

2. Feeding of the Five Thousand: In the account of the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus instructs the crowd to sit down, which can also be understood as reclining. Mark 6:39-40 notes, "Then Jesus directed them to have the people sit in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties." The act of reclining in this context highlights the orderly and communal nature of the miraculous meal.

3. Parables and Teachings: Reclining is also mentioned in various parables and teachings of Jesus. In the Parable of the Great Banquet, Jesus describes guests reclining at a feast, illustrating the joy and abundance of the Kingdom of God. Luke 14:10 advises, "But when you are invited, go and recline in the least important place, so that your host will come and tell you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in front of everyone at the table with you."

4. Anointing of Jesus: The act of reclining is present in the account of Jesus being anointed by a sinful woman. In Luke 7:36-38 , it is written, "Then one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume." This scene emphasizes the humility and devotion of the woman, as well as the openness of Jesus to receive her act of worship.

Symbolic Significance

Reclining in the biblical narrative often symbolizes rest, fellowship, and the breaking of social barriers. It reflects the hospitality and acceptance that Jesus extended to all, regardless of their social status or past sins. The posture of reclining during meals with Jesus signifies a deeper spiritual rest and communion with Him, inviting believers to partake in the spiritual nourishment and fellowship He offers.

Conclusion

The practice of reclining in biblical times provides a rich backdrop for understanding the social and spiritual dynamics of the New Testament. It serves as a reminder of the intimate and inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry, inviting all to share in the fellowship and blessings of His Kingdom.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Recline.

2. (a.) Bending or curving gradually back from the perpendicular.

3. (a.) Recumbent.

RECLINING

re-klin'-ing (John 13:23).

See MEALS, III; TRICLINIUM.

2828. klisia -- a place for reclining
... a place for reclining. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: klisia Phonetic
Spelling: (klee-see'-ah) Short Definition: a dining couch, group of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2828.htm - 6k

2621. katakeimai -- to lie down, recline
... Word Origin from kata and keimai Definition to lie down, recline NASB Word Usage
bedridden* (1), dining (1), lay (1), lying (4), lying sick (1), reclining (4). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2621.htm - 7k

345. anakeimai -- to be laid up, to recline
... Word Origin from ana and keimai Definition to be laid up, to recline NASB Word Usage
dinner guests (3), reclined (1), reclines (2), reclining (7), seated (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/345.htm - 7k

2825. kline -- a small couch
... kline Phonetic Spelling: (klee'-nay) Short Definition: a couch, bed, mat, bier
Definition: a couch, bed, portable bed or mat, a couch for reclining at meals ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2825.htm - 6k

4873. sunanakeimai -- to recline with (at table)
... Word Origin from sun and anakeimai Definition to recline with (at table) NASB Word
Usage dining (2), dinner guests (2), reclining (2), table (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4873.htm - 7k

377. anapipto -- to fall back
... I lie down, recline, fall back upon Definition: I lie down, recline (at a
dinner-table), fall back upon (the breast of another person reclining at dinner). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/377.htm - 6k

4411. protoklisia -- the chief place (at the table)
... From protos and klisia; a reclining first (in the place of honor) at the
dinner-bed, ie Preeminence at meals -- chief (highest, uppermost) room. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4411.htm - 6k

4769. marbets -- (place of) lying down
... couching place, place to lie down. From rabats; a reclining place, ie Fold (for
flocks) -- couching place, place to lie down. see HEBREW rabats. 4768, 4769. ...
/hebrew/4769.htm - 6k

While the King was Reclining Upon his Couch, My Spikenard Sent ...
... COMMENTARY. CHAPTER I. 11. While the King was reclining upon his couch,
my spikenard sent forth the smell thereof. The Spouse is ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/11 while the king was.htm

This is He who Took a Bodily Form in the virgin
... Thou, O Israel, wast giving commands, and He was being crucified; thou wast rejoicing,
and He was being buried; thou wast reclining on a soft couch, and He was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/v this is he who.htm

The Five Thousand Fed.
... had become common among the Jews, being adopted from the Greeks and Romans; and
hence the frequent reference, in the New Testament, to reclining at meals. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the five thousand fed.htm

Song of Songs of Solomon
... 10. We will make thee chains of gold inlaid with silver. 11. While the King was
reclining upon his couch, my spikenard sent forth the smell thereof. 12. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/

Christ and his Table-Companions "And when the Hour was Come, He ...
... did not kneel,"there is no sign of that,"but He sat down, I doubt not, after the
Oriental mode of sitting, that is to say, by a partial reclining, He sat ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/christ and his table-companions and.htm

Arria and Her Brother were Far from the Shores of Hellas and Near ...
... Tepas knew that a few leagues more would bring him in sight of the familiar cliffs.
Brother and sister were reclining on the deck of their trireme. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 21 arria and her.htm

Wesleyan Mission Commenced at Goobbe.
... Occasionally, a shepherd's boy, reclining on the ground near his sheep, played sweetly
on an instrument, newly made by himself out of some hollow vegetable ...
/.../hodson/old daniel/chapter thirteen wesleyan mission commenced.htm

Judas.
... The disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom He spake. There was at the
table reclining in Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/vii judas.htm

The Betrayal Foretold at the Supper
... 30. * * * *. NOTE BY THE ARTIST. Comment has already been made upon the
custom prevailing at this time of reclining at meat. We ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the betrayal foretold at the.htm

A Child of God Longing to See Him Beloved
... None hears what I express; Delivered from the scorner,. What peace do I possess!
Beneath the boughs reclining,. Or roving o'er the wild,. I live as undesigning. ...
/.../a child of god longing.htm

Reclining (25 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. RECLINING. re-klin'-ing (John 13:23). See MEALS,
III; TRICLINIUM. Multi-Version Concordance Reclining (25 Occurrences). ...
/r/reclining.htm - 14k

Eating (151 Occurrences)
... 11). The Hebrews originally sat at table, but afterwards adopted the Persian
and Chaldean practice of reclining (Luke 7:36-50). ...
/e/eating.htm - 38k

Triclinium
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A couch for reclining at meals, extending
round three sides of a table, and usually in three parts. ...
/t/triclinium.htm - 8k

Recline (14 Occurrences)
... 3. (vi) To assume, or to be in, a recumbent position; as, to recline on a couch.
4. (vt) Having a reclining posture; leaning; reclining. ...
/r/recline.htm - 10k

Ministering (63 Occurrences)
... Luke 22:27 for who is greater? he who is reclining (at meat), or he who
is ministering? is it not he who is reclining (at meat)? ...
/m/ministering.htm - 25k

Banquet (58 Occurrences)
... Compare Amos 6:7 the King James Version, "The banquet of them that stretched
themselves," where the reference seems to be to reclining at wine-drinkings. ...
/b/banquet.htm - 36k

Reclines (1 Occurrence)
... Reclines (1 Occurrence). Luke 22:27 for who is greater? he who is reclining (at
meat), or he who is ministering? is it not he who is reclining (at meat)? ...
/r/reclines.htm - 6k

Marriage-feast (4 Occurrences)
... having gone forth to the ways, did gather all, as many as they found, both bad and
good, and the marriage-feast apartment was filled with those reclining. ...
/m/marriage-feast.htm - 7k

Collectors (16 Occurrences)
... Mark 2:15 It happened, that he was reclining at the table in his house, and many
tax collectors and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples, for there ...
/c/collectors.htm - 11k

Abraham's (34 Occurrences)
... Abraham's bosom: (Luke 16:22, 23) refers to the custom of reclining on couches at
table, which was prevalent among the Jews, an arrangement which brought the ...
/a/abraham's.htm - 18k

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