Dictionary of Biblical Words:
In Scripture this includes the judgment of the living (Matt. 25), of the dead (Rev. 20), and the manifestation of believers (Rom. 14:10). Among Christians, however, the phrase is nearly always restricted to the last of the three. In 2 Cor. 5:10. the connection is, however, as wide as language can make it; and as it embraces all men, it necessarily includes every occasion on which they appear before this divine tribunal. That the believer will never be judged is stated in John 5:24 (lit.), but that he, as well as others, will appear before the judgment seat of Christ is plainly shown. The purpose for which believers will be brought before this tribunal is that (their past works and service being fully reviewed) they may receive praise or suffer loss according to the character of their walk and testimony. Inasmuch as this determines all rewards and our place in the glory (see GLORY), and as at the public appearing of Christ saints are seen in possession of their rewards, (1 Thess. 2.19, &c.), it appears that this manifestation takes place after the rapture of the saints to heaven, and before their return in glory with the Lord.
Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(seat). The seat of one in authority, as high priest (1 Sam. 1:9); military chief (Jer. 1:15); but especially of a king (2 Sam. 3:10; 1 Kings 2:12; 7:7; 10:18-20; 22:10; Acts 12:21).
“Judgment-Seat (βήμα)” From Concise Bible Dictionary:
A place attached to the judgment-hall, where judgment was pronounced, speeches delivered, and so forth. It was on the βημα that Herod sat, when he made his oration (Matt. 27:19; John 19:13; Acts 12:21; Acts 18:12-17; Acts 25:6-17). The floor of this place was doubtless of tesselated stones, which accounts for its being called the PAVEMENT in John 19:13. In the Hebrew it was called GABBATHA, which signifies elevated or raised platform. In James 2:6 the word is κριτήριον. (For the judgment-seat of Christ, see JUDGMENT, No. 3.)
“Throne” From Concise Bible Dictionary:
Throne of Charles III in Spain (1770s).
Seat of honor for judges, priests, and especially for kings. The same word, kisse, is translated “seat” (Judg. 3:20; 1 Sam. 1:9; 1 Sam. 4:13,18; Esther 3:1). The throne for kings is at times distinguished by being called the “royal throne,” and “kingly throne,” “throne of the king,” etc. The throne of David is often referred to in the sense of his reigning, and God promised that his throne should be established forever, which will be fulfilled in Christ Himself (2 Sam. 7:16; Acts 2:30).
God is often represented as sitting on His throne: “Jehovah hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all” (Psa. 103:19). The Lord Jesus is now sitting on His Father’s throne, but He will have a throne of His own, and will be hailed as King of kings and Lord of lords (Heb. 1:8; Rev. 3:21; Rev. 17:14; Rev. 19:16).
The same word in the New Testament, θρόνος, is translated “seat” (Luke 1:52; Rev. 2:13; Rev. 4:4; Rev. 11:16; Rev. 13:2; Rev. 16:10). The passages in Revelation 4:4 and Revelation 11:16 represent the twenty-four elders in heaven—the redeemed—as sitting on thrones around the throne, in contrast to others who are before the throne. Satan also has his throne on earth (Rev. 2:13), and will have his agents in kingly power in a future day.
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Meaning:
from the base of 939; a step, i.e. foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e. a tribunal
KJV Usage:
judgment-seat, set (foot) on, throne