Bible Dictionary
Judgment seat
A judgment seat was a raised platform or official tribunal from which a magistrate pronounced judgment. In the New Testament the term is used of earthly rulers and, figuratively, of God’s and Christ’s judgment.
Definition
A judgment seat was a raised platform, tribunal, or official seat from which a magistrate pronounced judgment. The Greek term bema could describe a platform or tribune and, in the New Testament, usually denotes the official seat of a Roman governor or other judge.
Biblical Usage
Pilate’s judgment seat appears in the accounts of Jesus’ trial. The term is also used for the tribunals of Roman officials and for the judgment seat of God and of Christ, before whom people are held accountable.
Historical Background
In Greek courts separate platforms were provided for the accuser and accused, but New Testament usage focuses on the judge’s official seat. Pilate’s portable tribunal was placed on a paved area, probably before the procurator’s residence.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Matt. 27:19), a portable tribunal (Gr. bema) which was placed according as the magistrate might direct, and from which judgment was pronounced. In this case it was placed on a tesselated pavement, probably in front of the procurator’s residence. (See GABBATHA.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(bema, "a raised place," "platform," "tribune," Mt 27:19; Joh 19:13; see GABBATHA; Ac 12:21 margin (text "throne"); 18:12,16 ff; 25:6,17): In Greek law courts, one bema was provided for the accuser, another for the accused; but in the New Testament the word designates the official scat of a judge, usually of the Roman governor; also of the emperor (Ac 25:10); then of God (Ro 14:10), of Christ (2Co 5:10). The word kriterion, "a tribunal," "bench of judges" (Jas 2:6) occurs also in 1Co 6:2-4, and is there translated in the Revised Version margin by "tribunals."</p><p>See also JUDGE.</p>