Brief Overview of σκηνοποιός (Strong’s G4635: skēnopoios)

Strong’s G4635: A masculine noun meaning “tentmaker,” describing someone who manufactures tents and similar items. Historically significant as Paul’s trade, which he practiced while conducting his ministry. Represents the biblical model of bi-vocational ministry and honest labor.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σκηνοποιός reveals important aspects of early Christian ministry and work ethic. As Paul’s profession, it demonstrates the apostolic practice of self-support through skilled labor while conducting ministry. The word appears in a crucial narrative showing how Paul’s trade facilitated his ministry by providing both income and opportunities for witness. Early church fathers saw in this term a model for ministry that validates manual labor and demonstrates the dignity of work. Today, it continues to inform discussions about bi-vocational ministry and the integration of faith and work.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκηνοποιός, skēnopoios, skay-no-poy-OS
• Detailed Pronunciation: σκη (skay) νο (no) ποι (poy) ός (os) – stress on final syllable
• Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine

Etymology:

• Compound word from:
• σκηνή (tent)
• ποιέω (to make)
• -ός (agent noun suffix)

D – Defining Meanings

• Tentmaker
• Manufacturer of tents and similar items
• Craftsperson working with canvas/leather

For compound words:

• σκηνο- provides the object being made (tents)
• -ποιός indicates the maker/manufacturer

Translation Options:

• Tentmaker – traditional translation
• Canvas-worker – broader craft description
• Leather-worker – specific material focus

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐργάτης (ergatēs, er-GA-tays) – See G2040: Worker in general
• τεχνίτης (technitēs, tekh-NEE-tays) – See G5079: Craftsman
• χειροτέχνης (cheirotechnēs, khei-ro-TEKH-nays) – See G5498: Handicraftsman

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

As an occupational term, it follows standard second declension patterns for masculine nouns, though it appears only once in the New Testament.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its technical nature as a trade designation. Thayer’s notes its specific reference to tent manufacturing. LSJ documents its use in trade contexts. Vine’s highlights its significance in Paul’s ministry. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from trade documents and inscriptions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 18:3: “and because he was a [tentmaker] [σκηνοποιός] by trade, he stayed and worked with them.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σκηνοποιός beautifully illustrates how the good news of King Jesus transforms our view of work and ministry. Through Paul’s example, we see that manual labor and spiritual service can harmoniously combine, showing that all honest work has dignity and can serve God’s purposes.

D – Did You Know?

• Tentmaking was a highly skilled trade in the ancient world
• The profession often involved working with both leather and cloth
• It was common among Jews due to its mobility and steady demand

Strong’s G4635: A masculine noun meaning “tentmaker,” describing someone who manufactures tents and similar items. Historically significant as Paul’s trade, which he practiced while conducting his ministry. Represents the biblical model of bi-vocational ministry and honest labor.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: tentmaking, paul, trades, bi-vocational-ministry, work, crafts, manual-labor, ministry-support, skills, corinth, aquila, priscilla, self-support​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​