Lexical Summary
béma: Judgment seat, tribunal, platform
Original Word:βῆμα
Part of Speech:Noun, Neuter
Transliteration:béma
Pronunciation:BAY-mah
Phonetic Spelling:(bay'-ma)
KJV: judgment-seat, set (foot) on, throne
NASB:judgment seat, tribunal, ground, rostrum
Word Origin:[from the base ofG939 (βάσις - feet)]
1. a step, i.e. foot-breadth
2. (by implication) a raised platform for public speaking (rostrum), i.e. a tribunal
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
judgment seat, throne.
From the base ofbasis; a step, i.e. Foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e. A tribunal -- judgment-seat, set (foot) on, throne.
see GREEKbasis
HELPS Word-studies
968bḗma (frombainō, "to step, ascend") – properly, a platform to which someone walked up to receivejudgment; (figuratively) the administration of justice – literally, given from "a tribunal-chair" (throne) where rewards and punishments are meted out.
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom the same as
basisDefinitiona step, raised place, by impl. a tribunal
NASB Translationground (1), judgment seat (7), rostrum (1), tribunal (3).
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 968: βῆμαβῆμα,
βήματος,
τό (from
ΒΑΩ,
βαίνω) (fr.
Homer (h. Merc.),
Pindar down);
1.a step, pace:βῆμαποδός the space which the foot covers, a foot-breadth,Acts 7:5 (forכַּף־רֶגֶל,Deuteronomy 2:5, cf.Xenophon, an. 4, 7, 10; Cyril 7, 5, 6).
2.a raised place mounted by steps; a platform, tribune: used of the official seat of a judge,Matthew 27:19;John 19:13;Acts 18:12, 16;Acts 25:6, 10,(17); of the judgment-seat of Christ,Romans 14:10 (LTTrWHτοῦΘεοῦ);2 Corinthians 5:10; of the structure, resembling a throne, which Herod built in the theater at Caesarea, and from which he used to view the games and make speeches to the people,Acts 12:21; (of an orator's pulpit, 2 Macc. 13:26;Nehemiah 8:4.Xenophon, mem. 3, 6, 1;Herodian, 2, 10, 2 (1, Bekker edition)).
Topical Lexicon
Physical and Historical SettingIn the Greco-Roman world a βῆμα was a raised platform approached by one or more steps. In civic life it served as the public tribunal where magistrates rendered decisions, announced edicts, or addressed assemblies. Synagogues sometimes copied the idea with an elevated reading desk, and Hellenistic kings adapted it as a royal dais. Because it was both conspicuous and authoritative, the term naturally became shorthand for the “judgment seat.”
Occurrences in the New Testament
1. A single instance refers simply to “a foot of ground” (Acts 7:5), highlighting Abraham’s lack of even the smallest foothold in Canaan.
2. All other uses describe a tribunal, falling into three groups:
• Roman provincial courts (Acts 18:12,Acts 18:16,Acts 18:17;Acts 25:6,Acts 25:10,Acts 25:17).
• A royal oration platform (Acts 12:21).
• The judgment seat of Pilate (Matthew 27:19;John 19:13).
• The eschatological tribunal before which believers must appear (Romans 14:10;2 Corinthians 5:10).
βῆμα in the Passion Narratives
John 19:13: “When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement (in Aramaic, Gabbatha).”
Matthew records Pilate’s wife sending a warning “while he was seated on the judgment seat” (Matthew 27:19). The evangelists purposely set the rejection of Christ in the place that symbolizes legal authority, underscoring the miscarriage of justice and fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that He would be “taken from judgment” (Isaiah 53:8).
βῆμα in Acts: The Church before Human Tribunals
Paul stands before Gallio in Corinth (Acts 18) and before Festus in Caesarea (Acts 25), illustrating Christ’s prediction that His witnesses would be “brought before governors and kings” (Matthew 10:18). Gallio’s indifference and Festus’ political maneuvering show that earthly benches can be swayed by convenience, yet God uses even flawed courts to advance the gospel (Acts 25:11-12).
Acts 12:21 portrays Herod Agrippa I arrayed in royal splendor upon his βῆμα, receiving the blasphemous praise of being a god. The immediate judgment that follows (Acts 12:23) provides a sobering contrast: God’s tribunal eclipses man’s.
Pauline Theology: The Future βῆμα
Romans 14:10: “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.”
Paul applies the familiar civic image to Christ’s final evaluation of believers. The context is not condemnation (Romans 8:1) but accountability. Works are tested, motives revealed, and rewards dispensed (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). The judicial metaphor lends weight to everyday choices, urging holiness and sincere service.
Doctrinal and Ministry Implications
Accountability: Every believer’s stewardship will be measured. Spiritual leaders should teach a balanced view of grace and responsibility, encouraging congregations to “make it [their] aim to be pleasing to Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9).
Comfort in Persecution: Luke’s narratives remind suffering Christians that earthly verdicts are temporary. The ultimate βῆμα belongs to Christ, who vindicates His servants and judges oppressors (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
Evangelistic Urgency: Awareness of the coming tribunal compels persuasion (2 Corinthians 5:11). The same seat that evaluates believers will sentence the unrepentant (Revelation 20:11-15).
Worship Perspective: Public reading desks and pulpits echo the ancient platform concept. Every proclamation of Scripture carries the authority of the heavenly bench, calling hearers to obedient faith.
Summary
Whether describing a single “step” of promised land or the tribunals of Pilate, Gallio, and Christ Himself, βῆμα highlights the theme of judgment and rightful authority woven throughout Scripture. The term urges believers to live transparently before God, encourages steadfastness under human courts, and fixes the hope of ultimate justice in the sovereign hands of Jesus Christ.
Forms and Transliterations
βημα βήμα βῆμα βήματα βηματι βήματι βηματος βήματος bema bêma bēma bē̂ma bemati bēmati bḗmati bematos bēmatos bḗmatosLinks
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