Original Word: καθέδρα
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: kathedra
Pronunciation: kath-AY-drah
Phonetic Spelling: (kath-ed'-rah)
Definition: a seat, chair.
Meaning: A seat, chair, or a place of sitting. It can also imply a position of authority or teaching.

Word Origin: Derived from κατά (kata, meaning "down") and ἕδρα (hedra, meaning "seat" or "base").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 4186: מוֹשָׁב (moshav) • seat, dwelling, assembly
• Strong's Hebrew 3427: יָשַׁב (yashab) • to sit, remain, dwell

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the idea of sitting or dwelling, often in contexts that imply authority or permanence, paralleling the Greek concept of καθέδρα as a seat of authority or teaching.

Usage: The term καθέδρα is used in the New Testament to denote a physical seat or a metaphorical position of authority, often associated with teaching or judgment.

Context: The Greek word καθέδρα appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize authority and teaching. It is notably used in Matthew 23:2, where Jesus speaks of the "seat of Moses," indicating a position of teaching authority within the Jewish tradition. The term suggests not just a physical seat but a role or office that carries significant responsibility and influence.

In the cultural and historical context of the New Testament, a καθέδρα would be more than just a piece of furniture; it symbolized the authority of the one who occupied it. Teachers and leaders would sit to teach, and their seat would be a place from which they dispensed wisdom and instruction. This is reflective of the rabbinical tradition where the teacher's seat was a place of honor and respect.

The use of καθέδρα in the New Testament underscores the importance of rightful authority and the responsibilities that come with it. It serves as a reminder of the weight of teaching and leading others, especially in spiritual matters.

Word Origin
from kata and the same as hedraios
Definition
a seat
NASB Translation
chair (1), seats (2).

STRONGS NT 2515: καθέδρα

καθέδρα, καθέδρας, ἡ (κατά and ἕδρα), a chair, seat: Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15 (Sir. 12:12; Herodian, 2, 3, 17 (7 edition, Bekker)); of the exalted seat occupied by men of eminent rank or influence, as teachers and judges: ἐπί τῆς Μωϋσέως καθέδρας ἐκάθισαν, sit on the seat which Moses formerly occupied, i. e. bear themselves as Moses' successors in explaining and defending his law, Matthew 23:2. (the Sept. for מושָׁב and שֶׁבֶת. (Xenophon, Aristotle, others.))

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

seat.

From kata and the same as hedraios; a bench (literally or figuratively) -- seat.

see GREEK kata

see GREEK hedraios

Forms and Transliterations

καθέδρα καθέδραν καθεδρας καθέδρας kathedras kathédras

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts