כִּסֵּא
Kiseh
Throne, seat of authority
Kiseh (כִּסֵּא) is a Hebrew word meaning “throne, seat of authority,” pronounced “ki-SEH.” Derived from the root כ-ס-א, kiseh appears 135 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H3678).
| Hebrew | כִּסֵּא |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Kiseh |
| Pronunciation | ki-SEH |
| Meaning | Throne, seat of authority |
| Root Letters | כ-ס-א |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 135× |
| Key Verse | Isaiah 6:1 |
| Strong's Number | H3678 |
| Category | Kingdom & Authority |
When Isaiah saw the LORD in the year King Uzziah died, the first thing he described was not God's face or voice — it was the kiseh (כִּסֵּא), the throne. High and lifted up, with its train filling the entire Temple, God's throne dominates the heavenly vision because it represents something the ancient world understood instinctively: the one who sits on the throne holds all authority. In the Hebrew Bible, kiseh appears in some of the most theologically loaded passages in all of Scripture. God promises David that his kiseh will endure forever (2 Samuel 7:16) — a promise Christians see fulfilled in Jesus. The psalmist declares that righteousness and justice are the foundation of God's kiseh (Psalm 89:14). And in Daniel 7:9, the Ancient of Days takes His seat on a throne of fiery flames. Understanding kiseh reveals that the Bible is fundamentally a story about who sits on the throne — and the answer changes everything about how you live.
Key Bible Verse: Isaiah 6:1
“In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne (kiseh), high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.”
What Is the Root of Kiseh in Hebrew?
Kiseh likely derives from a root meaning 'to cover' or 'to conceal,' related to the idea of a canopied seat of honor. In the ancient Near East, thrones were elevated, covered seats symbolizing the occupant's dominion over all who stood below.
What Does Kiseh Mean in the Bible?
Kiseh appears approximately 135 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes earthly thrones of kings (1 Kings 10:18-20), God's heavenly throne (Isaiah 6:1, Psalm 47:8), and the promised eternal throne of David's line (2 Samuel 7:16).
How Is Kiseh Used in Modern Hebrew?
In ancient Israel, the throne was not merely furniture — it was a symbol of the covenant between God and the Davidic king. Solomon's ivory and gold throne with twelve lions (1 Kings 10:18-20) was one of the wonders of the ancient world.
How to Use Kiseh in Prayer & Worship
Approach God's throne with boldness, knowing that through Christ it is a throne of grace. Declare His sovereignty over every area of your life and every situation that feels out of control.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kiseh
How do you say “Throne” in Hebrew?
“Throne” in Hebrew is Kiseh (כִּסֵּא), pronounced “ki-SEH.” Kiseh likely derives from a root meaning 'to cover' or 'to conceal,' related to the idea of a canopied seat of honor. In the ancient Near East, thrones were elevated, covered seats symbolizing the occupant's dominion over all who stood below.
What does Kiseh mean in the Bible?
Kiseh (כִּסֵּא) means “Throne, seat of authority” in Biblical Hebrew. Kiseh appears approximately 135 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes earthly thrones of kings (1 Kings 10:18-20), God's heavenly throne (Isaiah 6:1, Psalm 47:8), and the promised eternal throne of David's line (2 Samuel 7:16).
How do you pronounce Kiseh?
Kiseh is pronounced “ki-SEH.” The word comes from the Hebrew root כ-ס-א.
What does God's throne look like in the Bible?
Scripture offers several descriptions. Isaiah 6:1 describes it as 'high and lifted up.' Daniel 7:9 pictures it as 'fiery flames, its wheels burning fire.' Ezekiel 1:26 sees 'the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire.' Revelation 4:3 adds a rainbow encircling the throne. Each vision emphasizes majesty and unapproachable glory.
Why does the Bible promise David an eternal throne?
In 2 Samuel 7:16, God makes an unconditional covenant with David: 'Your throne shall be established forever.' Christians understand this as fulfilled in Jesus, called 'Son of David,' whose kingdom has no end (Luke 1:32-33). The eternal throne connects the Old and New Testaments.
What does 'the throne of grace' mean in Hebrews 4:16?
Hebrews 4:16 invites believers to 'approach the throne of grace with confidence.' In Hebrew thought, approaching a king's kiseh uninvited could mean death (Esther 4:11). Because of Jesus, God's kiseh is now a throne of grace, not judgment.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H3678: Kiseh
- Bible Gateway — Isaiah 6:1 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for כ-ס-א
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