Brief Overview of σκηνή (Strong’s G4633: skēnē)

Strong’s G4633: A feminine noun meaning “tent” or “tabernacle,” with rich theological significance in both Old and New Testaments. Used literally for temporary dwellings and metaphorically for God’s dwelling place among His people, particularly the wilderness tabernacle and its heavenly archetype.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σκηνή embodies profound theological meaning beyond its basic definition of “tent” or “tabernacle.” In the New Testament, it connects the temporary dwellings of the Transfiguration account with the sacred space of God’s presence in the wilderness tabernacle. The word bridges Old Testament worship with New Testament fulfillment in Christ, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14). Early church fathers saw in this term both the temporary nature of earthly existence and the permanent reality of God’s presence with His people.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκηνή, skēnē, skay-NAY
• Detailed Pronunciation: σκη (skay) νή (nay) – stress on second syllable
• Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine

Etymology:

• Possibly from root meaning “to cover”
• Related to Hebrew שָׁכַן (shakan, “to dwell”)
• Connected to sacred and secular dwelling places

D – Defining Meanings

• Tent or temporary dwelling
• Tabernacle or sacred tent
• God’s dwelling place
• Temporary shelter

Translation Options:

• Tent – emphasizing temporary nature
• Tabernacle – highlighting sacred usage
• Dwelling – focusing on habitation aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ναός (naos, nah-OS) – See G3485: Temple sanctuary
• οἶκος (oikos, OY-kos) – See G3624: House or household
• κατοικητήριον (katoikētērion, kat-oy-kay-TAY-ree-on) – See G2732: Permanent dwelling

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular and Plural (σκηναί)
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Examples:
Nominative/Accusative singular: σκηνή
Genitive singular: σκηνῆς
Dative singular: σκηνῇ

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and sacred uses. Thayer’s notes its connection to divine presence. LSJ documents extensive secular and religious usage. Vine’s highlights its theological significance. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from both religious and common contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 17:4: “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three [shelters] [σκηνή] – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.'”

Additional References:
Acts 7:43, Acts 15:16, Hebrews 8:2, Hebrews 9:2, Revelation 21:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σκηνή powerfully illustrates God’s desire to dwell with His people. From the wilderness tabernacle to Christ’s incarnation to the New Jerusalem, it proclaims the good news that King Jesus makes His dwelling among us, transforming temporary shelters into eternal communion with God.

D – Did You Know?

• Used in the Septuagint over 400 times for the Tabernacle
• Appears in both military and religious contexts
• Forms the root of modern words like “scene” and “scenic”

Strong’s G4633: A feminine noun meaning “tent” or “tabernacle,” with rich theological significance in both Old and New Testaments. Used literally for temporary dwellings and metaphorically for God’s dwelling place among His people, particularly the wilderness tabernacle and its heavenly archetype.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: tabernacle, tent, dwelling-place, gods-presence, worship, temporary-shelter, sacred-space, moses, wilderness, transfiguration, incarnation, heavenly-temple​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​