[Greek] κλίνη (klinē): bed, couch, reclining couch, table, stretcher, cot, sofa, banqueting couch; Mt.9:2, Mt.9:6, Mk.4:21, Mk.7:4, Mk.7:30, Lk.5:18, Lk.8:16, Lk.17:34, Rev.2:22
An upholstered kline (reclining couch) belonging to an affluent Roman household
Background Information:
Greco-Roman culture: This term is derived from the Greek word klino, meaning to lean or recline. The Greeks followed the Eastern tradition of lying down to eat. This piece of furniture, made of wood or bronze, could be used for both eating and sleeping. This reclining chair had a headboard that could be used as a backrest while sitting. Often elegantly upholstered, these klines were placed around the walls. Small tables were placed next to them to hold the food and drinks.
Old Testament: In the Old Testament, this term is primarily used as a bed. Several passages in Ezekiel and 1 Samuel describe a bed for resting at night. Several passages in Genesis make mention of a bed of sickness (death bed). Jacob is seen on his death bed in the book of Genesis. This term is often used in reference to inclining or bowing down to God. This is often depicted by one praying to God or God directing one to His will.
New Testament: This term is used in the sense of a stretcher, bed, mat, and death bed. This is expressed in the story of the paralytic, in a stretcher, lowered down through the roof to see Jesus. Scriptures also make mention of a lamp being placed under a bed. A death bed is mentioned in book of Revelations. Beggars have been known to lay and sleep on a mat.
Scripture:
“And there people brought to Him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.’” Mt. 9:2
It is their faith that saves and heals the paralytic. This also speaks to the motivation of the paralytic’ friends.
“He said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not be placed on a lampstand?’” Mk.4:21
The lamp could represent the Word of God. This light allows people to see clearly the way of life pleasing to God. This light cannot be hidden.
“So I will cast her on a sickbed and plunge those who commit adultery with her into intense suffering unless they repent of her works.” Rev.2:22
The sickbed is the place where one dies.
Conclusion:
Recline, recliner, incline, inclination
It is interesting to note how this these modern day words developed from the physical actions of leaning, inclining, bending, and reclining. One, who is inclined to listen to God, is “bending” himself towards Him.
The [Greek] klinikos and [Latin] clinicus refer to the medical practice of the sick bed. These involve the clinical activities which happen at the bed side. In a sense, the doctors and nurses lean toward their patients in order to understand their condition.