κατάστημα

katástēma

G2688 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A condition or state, particularly relating to the external bearing, demeanor, or comportment of a person; the manner in which a person presents themselves, often with an emphasis on outward behavior, appearance, or deportment. In extended contexts, refers to a settled state, disposition, or arrangement, not limited to individuals.

Semantic Range

state, condition, arrangement, external demeanor, outward bearing, deportment, behavior, settled disposition

Root / Etymology

From καθίστημι (kathistēmi), 'to set down, appoint, put in place', with the suffix -μα denoting the result or state of an action. Thus, 'that which has been set' or 'arrangement, condition'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, κατάστημα ranged widely from the general state or condition of a thing, to a person's physical posture or bearing. By the Hellenistic and Roman periods (including Koine usage), it is attested chiefly in reference to one's external comportment, demeanor, or condition. In the New Testament (1 Peter 3:4), it describes the 'gentle and quiet spirit' as a valued personal quality, emphasizing not internal virtue alone, but its externalized expression. English translations often use 'demeanor', 'bearing', or 'behavior', but these can miss nuances of both settled disposition and outward manifestation. In the Septuagint and other Koine sources, it can refer to arrangement of things or state of affairs, but is not a technical term. The word preserves a focus on how one's condition or attitude is externally evidenced, distinct from related terms like ἔθος (custom) or τρόπος (character, manner).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from καθίστημι; properly, a position or condition, i.e. (subjectively) demeanor:--behaviour.

Root Family

κατάστημα (katastēma) — state, condition, arrangement, outward demeanor, settled disposition

Root καθιστ- to set, to appoint, to put in place

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2688-01 καταστήματι katastemati N DAT N SG behavior in a settled condition demeanor 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2688-01 Titus 2:3 καταστήματι katastemati N DAT N SG behavior in a settled condition demeanor