Lexical Summary
kisse or kisseh: Throne, seat, chair
Original Word:כִּסֵּא
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:kicce'
Pronunciation:kis-seh'
Phonetic Spelling:(kis-say')
KJV: seat, stool, throne
NASB:throne, seat, thrones, authority, chair, official seat, throne the thrones
Word Origin:[fromH3680 (כָּסָה - covered)]
1. (properly) covered, i.e. a throne (as canopied)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
seat, stool, throne
Or kicceh {kis-say'}; fromkacah; properly, covered, i.e. A throne (as canopied) -- seat, stool, throne.
see HEBREWkacah
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom the same as
keseDefinitionseat of honor, throne
NASB Translationauthority (1), chair (1), official seat (1), seat (6), sworn* (1), throne (118), throne the thrones (1), thrones (5).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
,
1332Samuel 7:16 (Late Hebrewid.; Phoenician (plural) ; Aramaic ,
; Biblical Aramaic , Zinjirli DHMSendsch. 58. 44; Arabic
; but Assyriankussu; perhaps Akkadian loan-word; ideogramiƒ GU. ZA, compare DlHWB 343); — absoluteGenesis 41:40 +;1 Kings 10:19 (twice in verse);Job 26:9,Ezekiel 1:26; construct2 Samuel 3:10 +,Exodus 17:16 (si vera lectio; see below); suffix1 Kings 1:13 +,2 Samuel 7:16 +,1 Kings 5:19 +,Exodus 11:5 +; pluralPsalm 122:5 (twice in verse); suffixEzekiel 26:16;Isaiah 14:9; —seat of honour, usually
=throneGenesis 41:40 (E),Exodus 11:5;Exodus 12:29 (both J)1 Kings 2:19;Isaiah 47:1;Ezekiel 26:16; of queen-mother1 Kings 2:19 b;Esther 5:1his royal throne; of future (Messianic) princeZechariah 6:13 a (in vb read StaZAW 1881, 10); of dead kings in She'ôlIsaiah 14:9; , in, or against a place, said of king himself, (only Jeremiah) is a sign of conquest (Jeremiah 1:15); soJeremiah 43:10, and (of )Jeremiah 49:38; inJudges 3:20, though of king, not seat of office; 12t. elsewhere, literal
throne of () as heavenly king,Isaiah 6:1;Ezekiel 1:26 (twice in verse);Ezekiel 10:1;1 Kings 22:19 2Chronicles 18:18;Job 26:9;Psalm 11:4;Isaiah 66:1heaven is my throne; as seat of judgmentPsalm 9:5;Psalm 9:8; in oathExodus 17:16 (compare Di; > Cler JDMich Ges Buhl SSbanner; √ , favours ); Jerusalem called throne ofJeremiah 3:17, so the sanctuaryJeremiah 17:12 ( ),Ezekiel 43:7.
1 Samuel 1:9;1 Samuel 4:13,18; of honoured guest2 Kings 4:10; of governorNehemiah 3:7; of (unjust) judgePsalm 94:20; = conspicuous seat (literally)Proverbs 9:14; = seat of distinction, explicitlyIsaiah 22:23; alone2 Kings 25:28 (twice in verse) =Jeremiah 52:32 (twice in verse);Esther 3:1.
figurative =royal dignity, authority, power,2 Samuel 14:9;1 Kings 2:33; especiallykingdom, with verbs ofsetting up, establishing, subject,2 Samuel 3:10,Psalm 89:5, so withPsalm 89:30; king subject,Proverbs 20:28; passive1 Kings 2:45the throne of David shall be established, compare2 Samuel 7:16 =1 Chronicles 17:14;Isaiah 16:5 (of Messianic reign); so (in General)Proverbs 16:12, compareProverbs 25:5;Proverbs 29:14; intransitive (with )Psalm 89:37; more fully, subject,2 Samuel 7:13 ( in ""1 Chronicles 17:12),1 Kings 9:5, compare "" 2Chronicles 7:18 and <Times New Roman>1 Chronicles 22:10; alsoPsalm 89:45cast down throne, of Gentile nationsHaggai 2:22;sit on the throne of any one (especially David) = be his successor1 Kings 1:13,17,20,24,27,30,35,48;1 Kings 2:12;1 Kings 3:6;2 Kings 13:13, especiallyJeremiah 13:13;Jeremiah 17:25;Jeremiah 22:2 5t. Jeremiah;Psalm 132:12; more fully1 Chronicles 29:23; causative1 Kings 2:24;1 Kings 5:19;2 Kings 10:3; figurativeJob 36:7, of placing in honour;Psalm 132:11; also =take one's seat as king, become actual king, possess royalty1 Kings 16:11, often sit on thethrone of Israel1 Kings 8:20,25 2Chronicles 6:10,16;1 Kings 10:9;2 Kings 10:30;2 Kings 15:12;Jeremiah 33:17; without1 Kings 2:4;1 Kings 9:5, compare alsoIsaiah 9:6 (Messiah);Deuteronomy 17:18,1 Kings 1:46, and even1 Chronicles 28:5; also2 Kings 11:19, "" 2Chron 23:30; of (royal) throne as judgment seatProverbs 20:8, compare alsoPsalm 122:5; set one upon the throne of Israel1 Kings 10:9 compare "" 2 Chronicles 9:8; in comparative sentence , i.e. make him a more powerful king than,1 Kings 1:37, compare1 Kings 1:47; of king of Babylon,Isaiah 14:13. InPsalm 45:7 the text is probably corrupt: AE Hi Ew Bae readthy throne is (a throne)of God; Bi Che insertthy throne [its foundation is firmly fixed], God [has established it]; see further Dr§ 194, Obs..
= his royal dignity, sovereign,Lamentations 5:19;Psalm 93:2;Psalm 103:19 (; "" );Jeremiah 14:21;Psalm 47:9;Psalm 89:15; comparePsalm 97:2.
(see Biblical Hebrewthrone).
Topical Lexicon
Overview of UsageWith roughly 135 attestations, כִּסֵּא functions as the primary Old Testament image for rulership, honor, and judicial authority. It may denote a literal chair, the seat of a king, the heavenly throne of the LORD, or a figurative platform of governance. Context determines whether the emphasis is political, cultic, eschatological, or ethical, yet every occurrence ultimately reinforces the truth that all authority originates with God.
The Throne of the LORD
The Scriptures repeatedly present God as enthroned, sovereign over creation and history.
• Psalms 47:8: “God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.”
•Isaiah 66:1: “Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool.”
•Lamentations 5:19: “You, O LORD, reign forever; Your throne endures from generation to generation.”
These statements ground every earthly authority in the permanent kingship of YHWH. In worship, this vision shapes reverence (Psalms 11:4), consolation for the oppressed (Psalms 9:7-8), and confidence in prayer (Psalms 103:19).
The Davidic Throne and Messianic Hope
God’s covenant with David centers on an everlasting throne.
•2 Samuel 7:13, 16: “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever… Your house and kingdom will endure before Me forever, and your throne will be established forever.”
• Psalms 89:4, 36-37 andIsaiah 9:7 expand this promise, linking it to the coming Messiah. The throne language therefore moves beyond Israel’s monarchy to anticipate the universal reign of the Son of David (compareLuke 1:32-33). All later references to “the throne of David” (Jeremiah 33:17,Ezekiel 34:23-24) sustain this expectation and legitimize hope during exile.
Human Kings and Civil Administration
Earthly rulers sit on כִּסֵּא as stewards of divine justice. Narratives of the united and divided kingdoms are punctuated with throne succession notes (1 Kings 1:46;2 Chronicles 9:8). Proverbs applies the image to moral governance: “A king who sits on a throne of justice disperses all evil with his eyes” (Proverbs 20:8). Failures in righteousness jeopardize the throne (1 Kings 9:7; Psalms 94:20), underscoring that moral integrity, not mere heredity, secures authority.
Judicial and Administrative Halls
Solomon constructed “the Hall of the Throne” (1 Kings 7:7), where the monarch rendered verdicts. Judges also had “seats” at the city gate (Psalms 122:5). The throne motif therefore embraces the entire judicial system, calling public officials to impartiality (Proverbs 16:12; 25:5).
The Ark and Cultic Enthronement
The Ark of the Covenant is described as the place where the LORD “is enthroned between the cherubim” (1 Samuel 4:4;2 Samuel 6:2). In temple theology, the Ark supplied a visible locus for the invisible King’s throne. This cultic usage bridges heaven and earth, allowing the worshiping community to address God as present Monarch in liturgy and prayer (Psalms 80:1; 99:1).
Poetic and Sapiential Imagery
Psalms and Proverbs employ כִּסֵּא to teach wisdom:
• Psalms 45:6: “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever; justice is the scepter of Your kingdom.”
•Proverbs 29:14 links longevity of rule to faithfulness: “A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever.”
Such verses turn the throne into a moral barometer, inviting readers to test leadership by righteousness and steadfast love.
Prophetic and Apocalyptic Visions
Prophets lift the throne image into future judgment and restoration.
•Isaiah 6:1: “I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne.”
•Ezekiel 1:26-28 portrays a sapphire throne above the expanse, highlighting holiness and transcendence.
•Daniel 7:9-10 shows “thrones… and the Ancient of Days took His seat,” setting the stage for final adjudication and the transfer of dominion to the Son of Man (Daniel 7:13-14). These scenes anchor eschatological certainty and fuel perseverance among the faithful.
Stability, Covenant, and Permanence
Because God’s throne is “established in the heavens” (Psalms 103:19), earthly crises cannot nullify covenant promises.Jeremiah 17:12 calls the sanctuary “a glorious throne, exalted from the beginning,” while the exile lament in Psalms 89:44-46 interprets the apparent collapse of David’s throne as disciplinary, not terminal. The post-exilic community clings to the word that the throne will yet be restored (Haggai 2:22-23;Zechariah 6:13).
Spiritual and Pastoral Implications
1. Worship: Believers approach a King who invites confident access (compareHebrews 4:16) because His throne is also “a throne of grace.”
2. Leadership: Christian stewardship mirrors the throne’s requirements of righteousness, mercy, and truth.
3. Hope: The permanence of God’s throne guarantees the fulfillment of all His promises, sustaining faith amid political upheaval.
Representative References
Genesis 41:40;Exodus 11:5;Deuteronomy 17:18;1 Samuel 4:4;2 Samuel 3:10;1 Kings 10:18-20;2 Chronicles 23:20;Ezra 7:24; Psalms 9:7; 45:6; 89:44; 94:20; 97:2; 103:19;Proverbs 16:12;Isaiah 16:5; 66:1;Jeremiah 13:13; 17:12;Lamentations 5:19;Ezekiel 10:1;Daniel 7:9;Zechariah 6:13.
Summary
Whether referring to the Lord’s heavenly seat or an earthly monarch’s chair, כִּסֵּא consistently affirms that true authority is moral, covenantal, and ultimately divine. Every appearance beckons believers to worship the enthroned God, exercise righteous leadership, and anticipate the consummation of His kingdom.
Forms and Transliterations
הַ֠כִּסֵּא הַכִּסֵּ֔א הַכִּסֵּ֖א הַכִּסֵּ֜א הַכִּסֵּֽא׃ הַכִּסֵּא֙ הכסא הכסא׃ וְ֝כִסְא֗וֹ וְכִסְא֕וֹ וְכִסְא֖וֹ וְכִסֵּ֣א וְכִסֵּ֥א וּלְכִסְא֜וֹ וכסא וכסאו ולכסאו כִּ֝סְא֗וֹ כִּ֝סְא֗וֹת כִּ֝סֵּ֗א כִּ֫סְא֥וֹ כִּֽסְאֲךָ֔ כִּסְא֑וֹ כִּסְא֔וֹ כִּסְא֖וֹ כִּסְא֗וֹ כִּסְא֜וֹ כִּסְאֲךָ֖ כִּסְאֲךָ֣ כִּסְאִ֑י כִּסְאִ֔י כִּסְאִ֖י כִּסְאִ֗י כִּסְאִֽי׃ כִּסְאֶ֑ךָ כִּסְאֶ֔ךָ כִּסְאֽוֹ׃ כִּסְאוֹ֙ כִּסְאוֹתָ֗ם כִּסֵּ֑א כִּסֵּ֔א כִּסֵּ֖א כִּסֵּ֛א כִּסֵּ֣א כִּסֵּ֤א כִּסֵּ֥א כִּסֵּ֧א כִּסֵּ֨א כִּסֵּ֬א כִּסֵּֽא׃ כִּסֵּא֙ כִּסֵּא־ כִסְא֔וֹ כִסְא֣וֹת כִסְאִ֖י כִסֵּ֑ה כסא כסא־ כסא׃ כסאו כסאו׃ כסאות כסאותם כסאי כסאי׃ כסאך כסה לְ֝כִסֵּ֗א לְכִסֵּ֕א לְכִסֵּ֥א לְכִסֵּ֧א לְכִסֵּא־ לַ֠כִּסֵּא לַכִּסֵּ֑א לַכִּסֵּ֗ה לַכִּסֵּא֙ לַכִּסֵּה֙ לכסא לכסא־ לכסה מִ֨כִּסֵּ֔א מִכִּסְא֔וֹ מִכִּסְאֶ֑ךָ מִכִּסְאוֹתָ֔ם מכסא מכסאו מכסאותם מכסאך chisI chisO chisot chisSeh hak·kis·sê hakkisSe hakkissê kis’ăḵā kis’eḵā kis’î ḵis’î kis’ōw ḵis’ōw kis’ōwṯ ḵis’ōwṯ kis’ōwṯām kis·’ă·ḵā kis·’e·ḵā kis·’î ḵis·’î kis·’ō·w·ṯām kis·’ō·wṯ ḵis·’ō·wṯ kis·’ōw ḵis·’ōw kis·sê kis·sê- ḵis·sêh kisaCha kisEcha kisI kisO kisot kisoTam kisSe kissê kissê- ḵissêh lak·kis·sê lak·kis·sêh Lakkisse lakkissê lakkisSeh lakkissêh lə·ḵis·sê lə·ḵis·sê- lechisSe ləḵissê ləḵissê- mik·kis·’e·ḵā mik·kis·’ō·w·ṯām mik·kis·’ōw mik·kis·sê mikkis’eḵā mikkis’ōw mikkis’ōwṯām mikkisEcha mikkisO mikkisoTam mikkisSe mikkissê ū·lə·ḵis·’ōw ulechisO ūləḵis’ōw vechisO vechisSe wə·ḵis·’ōw wə·ḵis·sê wəḵis’ōw wəḵissê
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