The term "sittest" is an archaic form of the verb "sit," often found in older English translations of the Bible. It is used to describe the act of sitting, which can carry various symbolic and literal meanings throughout the biblical text. In the Berean Standard Bible , the more contemporary form "sit" is typically used, but understanding the contexts in which "sittest" appears in older translations can enrich one's study of Scripture.

Symbolism and Significance

1. Authority and Judgment: Sitting is frequently associated with authority and judgment in the Bible. For instance, judges and kings are often depicted as sitting when they render decisions or exercise their authority. This imagery is rooted in the cultural practices of the ancient Near East, where sitting was a posture of power and deliberation. In Psalm 9:7 , it is written, "But the LORD abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment." Here, the act of sitting on a throne signifies God's sovereign authority and His role as the ultimate judge.

2. Teaching and Instruction: In the New Testament, Jesus often sits when teaching His disciples and the crowds. This posture indicates a position of authority and readiness to impart wisdom. In Matthew 5:1-2 , it states, "When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them, saying..." The act of sitting here underscores the formal and authoritative nature of His teaching.

3. Rest and Fellowship: Sitting can also symbolize rest and fellowship. In the context of hospitality, sitting together for a meal or conversation is a sign of peace and community. In the account of Mary and Martha, Mary sits at the feet of Jesus, listening to His words, as described in Luke 10:39 : "She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message." This act of sitting reflects a posture of learning and devotion.

4. Contemplation and Worship: Sitting is sometimes associated with contemplation and worship. In the Psalms, the psalmist often speaks of sitting in the presence of the Lord as an act of worship and reflection. Psalm 27:4 expresses this desire: "One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple." The imagery of sitting in God's presence conveys a sense of reverence and longing for communion with Him.

Biblical Examples

· Psalm 1:1 : "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers." Here, sitting in the seat of mockers represents a settled position of scorn and rebellion against God, contrasting with the blessedness of those who delight in His law.

· Mark 10:37 : "They answered, 'Grant that one of us may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left in Your glory.'" This request by James and John highlights the desire for positions of honor and authority in the kingdom of God, symbolized by sitting at Jesus' side.

· Revelation 3:21 : "To the one who is victorious, 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 to the victorious believers signifies sharing in Christ's authority and glory.

In summary, the act of sitting, as conveyed by the term "sittest" in older translations, encompasses themes of authority, teaching, rest, fellowship, contemplation, and worship. Understanding these contexts enhances the reader's appreciation of the rich symbolism embedded in the biblical narrative.

Ancient of Days, who Sittest, Throned in Glory
... VI. PROCESSIONALS Processionals 519. Ancient of Days, who sittest, throned in glory. ...
William C. Doane, 1886. Ancient of Days, who sittest, throned in glory; ...
/.../processionals 519 ancient of days.htm

Daily Prayers.
... Almighty, O Lord God, [3545] the Father of Christ the immaculate Lamb, who taketh
away the sin of the world, receive our prayer, Thou that sittest upon the ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec v daily prayers.htm

Excerpts of Theodotus;
... II. "Blessed art Thou, who lookest on the abysses as Thou sittest on the cherubim,"
says Daniel, in agreement with Enoch, [199] who said, "And I saw all sorts ...
/.../theodotus/excerpts of theodotus/excerpts of theodotus.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's
son." It is, indeed, plainly the blackest and most hellish sin that can be ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
... hand, that they might be as frontlets between their eyes." "And ye shall teach them
your children," he proceeds, "speaking of them when thou sittest in thine ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon vii josiah a pattern.htm

As, when we Read in the Gospel, "Thou Hast Received a Blow in The. ...
... smitten on the face before the high priest, did not say, Smite the other cheek:
but, "God," saith he, "shall smite thee, thou whited wall: and sittest thou to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 27 as when we.htm

The Apocalyptical Key;
... O thou that sittest on the throne, and thou, O Lamb, the root and the offspring
[1] of David, who alone vast worthy to receive and open the book, open the eyes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the apocalyptical key.htm

How one Should Live an Interior and Godly Life.
... Wherever thou sittest, standest, or walkest, think that I am present to
thee, and that I either admonish or converse with thee. ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xxii how one should.htm

Herr Gott, Dich Loben Wir. Lord God, Thy Praise we Sing.
... not, Lord, The Virgin Mary's womb abhorred; Thou over camest death's sharp sting,
Believers unto heaven to bring; At God's right hand thou sittest, clad In th ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/xxviii herr gott dich loben.htm

Immense is this Reward. How Shall we Obtain It?
... contrived [150] deceit. Thou sittest, and speakest against thy brother;
thou slanderest [151] thine own mother's son. These things ...
/.../chapter xxxv immense is this reward.htm

Sittest (15 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sittest (15 Occurrences). ... why sittest thou thyself alone,
and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even? (KJV JPS ASV WBS). ...
/s/sittest.htm - 10k

Liest (13 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt
talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the ...
/l/liest.htm - 10k

Walkest (11 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt
talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the ...
/w/walkest.htm - 10k

Risest (3 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt
talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the ...
/r/risest.htm - 7k

Goest (79 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 6:7 and thou shalt impress them on thy sons, and shalt talk of them
when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou goest on the way, and when thou ...
/g/goest.htm - 32k

Givest (31 Occurrences)
... deceit. (KJV ASV WBS). Psalms 50:20 Thou sittest, against thy brother thou
speakest, Against a son of thy mother givest slander. (YLT). ...
/g/givest.htm - 15k

Whited (7 Occurrences)
... Acts 23:3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest
thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary ...
/w/whited.htm - 8k

Impress (6 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 6:7 and thou shalt impress them on thy sons, and shalt talk of them
when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou goest on the way, and when thou ...
/i/impress.htm - 9k

Revilest (2 Occurrences)
... high priest? (KJV ASV WBS). Psalms 50:20 Thou sittest and speakest against
thy brother, thou revilest thine own mother's son: (DBY). ...
/r/revilest.htm - 6k

Enthroned (25 Occurrences)
... JPS NAS NIV). Psalms 123:1 Unto thee do I lift up mine eyes, O thou that
sittest in the heavens. (See JPS NAS RSV). Psalms 132:14 ...
/e/enthroned.htm - 13k

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