in antiquity, denotes a step or pace. The bema made a kind of itinerary measure among the Greeks, the length of which was equivalent to one cubit and two thirds, or ten palms. Whence also the term bematizem, ἐπανάστασις, to measure a road.

in ecclesiastical writers, denotes the altar or sanctuary in the ancient churches. In which sense bema made the third or innermost part of the church, answering to the chancel among us.

BEMA was also used for the bishop's chair, seat, or throne, placed in the sanctuary. It was called bema from the steps by which it was to be ascended.

BEMA was also used for the reader's desk. This in the Greek church was denominated βήμα πορεία, in the Latin church ambos.