Brief Overview of σκέπασμα (Strong’s G4629: skepasma)

Strong’s G4629: A neuter noun meaning “covering” or “shelter,” particularly referring to basic necessities of clothing and shelter. Used by Paul in teaching about contentment with life’s basic provisions, emphasizing the sufficiency of having fundamental needs met.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σκέπασμα represents more than just physical covering – it embodies the concept of God’s provision for basic human needs. In its sole New Testament appearance (1 Timothy 6:8), Paul uses it to teach about contentment with life’s essentials. The word encompasses both clothing and shelter, suggesting comprehensive protection from life’s elements. Early church fathers saw in this term a call to Christian simplicity and trust in God’s provision. Today, it challenges materialistic culture by emphasizing sufficiency in basic provisions.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκέπασμα, skepasma, SKEP-as-ma
• Detailed Pronunciation: σκέ (ske) πασ (pas) μα (ma) – stress on first syllable
• Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter

Etymology:

• From σκέπω (skepō, “to cover”)
• -μα suffix indicating result of action
• Related to concept of protection and covering

D – Defining Meanings

• Covering
• Shelter
• Protection
• Basic necessities

Translation Options:

• Covering – emphasizing physical protection
• Shelter – focusing on habitation aspect
• Protection – highlighting the broader concept

E – Exploring Similar Words

• στέγη (stegē, STE-gay) – See G4721: Roof, specific to buildings
• ἱμάτιον (himation, hi-MAT-ion) – See G2440: Outer garment
• σκηνή (skēnē, skay-NAY) – See G4633: Tent, temporary shelter

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular and Plural (σκεπάσματα)
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

The word follows regular third declension patterns for neuter nouns, changing endings to show its function in sentences.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its inclusion of both clothing and shelter. Thayer’s notes its broad application to basic needs. LSJ documents its use in contexts of protection from elements. Vine’s highlights its connection to contentment. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri regarding basic provisions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Timothy 6:8: “But if we have food and [covering] [σκέπασμα], we will be content with these.”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σκέπασμα beautifully illustrates God’s provision of basic needs and calls us to contentment. It reminds us that King Jesus teaches us to trust our Father for daily provisions and find satisfaction in His care, challenging both poverty and prosperity gospels with biblical sufficiency.

D – Did You Know?

• Only appears once in the New Testament
• Encompasses both clothing and shelter in one word
• Was commonly used in ancient property and provision lists

Strong’s G4629: A neuter noun meaning “covering” or “shelter,” particularly referring to basic necessities of clothing and shelter. Used by Paul in teaching about contentment with life’s basic provisions, emphasizing the sufficiency of having fundamental needs met.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: provision, contentment, necessities, shelter, clothing, basic-needs, sufficiency, simplicity, protection, covering, paul, timothy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​