Strong’s G4638: A neuter noun meaning “tabernacle” or “dwelling place,” used both literally and metaphorically. In Acts, refers to God’s dwelling place, while in Peter’s epistles describes the human body as a temporary dwelling. Combines physical and spiritual significance.
U- Unveiling the Word
Σκήνωμα encompasses both literal and metaphorical meanings in Scripture, representing both sacred dwelling places and the temporal nature of human existence. In Acts, it connects to the tabernacle tradition, while Peter uses it to describe our mortal bodies as temporary dwellings. Early church fathers expanded on both aspects, seeing in the word both the reality of God’s presence among His people and the temporary nature of our earthly existence. Today, it continues to teach about both divine presence and human mortality.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: σκήνωμα, skēnōma, skay-NO-ma
- Detailed Pronunciation: σκή (skay) νω (no) μα (ma) – stress on second syllable
- Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Etymology:
- From σκηνόω (to dwell, pitch tent)
- -μα suffix indicating result of action
- Related to tabernacle terminology
D – Defining Meanings
- Tabernacle
- Dwelling place
- Temporary habitation
- Physical body (metaphorically)
Translation Options:
- Tabernacle – emphasizing sacred dwelling
- Tent-dwelling – highlighting temporary nature
- Habitation – broader dwelling concept
E – Exploring Similar Words
- σκηνή (skēnē, skay-NAY) – See G4633: Tent or tabernacle
- σκῆνος (skēnos, SKAY-nos) – See G4636: Similar metaphorical use
- οἶκος (oikos, OY-kos) – See G3624: House, dwelling
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
- Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
- Number: Singular and Plural
- Gender: Neuter
- Declension: Third declension
Examples:
Nominative/Accusative singular: σκήνωμα
Genitive singular: σκηνώματος
Dative singular: σκηνώματι
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its connection to divine dwelling. LSJ documents secular and religious usage. Vine’s highlights its use in Peter’s epistles. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from religious texts.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
Acts 7:46: “who found favor before God and asked to find a [dwelling place] [σκήνωμα] for the God of Jacob.”
Additional References:
Acts 7:47, 2 Peter 1:13, 2 Peter 1:14
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Plutarch: Lives | “They constructed a sacred [dwelling] [σκήνωμα] for worship.” |
| Diodorus Siculus: Library | “The nomads lived in temporary [habitations] [σκήνωμα].” |
| Polybius: Histories | “The army established their [encampment] [σκήνωμα] on the plain.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Σκήνωμα beautifully illustrates both God’s desire to dwell with His people and our temporary status as pilgrims. This promotes the good news by showing how King Jesus provides both divine presence now and eternal dwelling in the future, transforming our temporary tent into an eternal home.
D – Did You Know?
- Used both for divine dwelling and human mortality
- Appears in Stephen’s speech about sacred space
- Peter uses it as a metaphor for his approaching death
Strong’s G4638: A neuter noun meaning “tabernacle” or “dwelling place,” used both literally and metaphorically. In Acts, refers to God’s dwelling place, while in Peter’s epistles describes the human body as a temporary dwelling. Combines physical and spiritual significance.
Part of speech: Noun
Tags: dwelling-place, tabernacle, temple, mortality, temporary-dwelling, divine-presence, peter, acts, human-body, sacred-space, pilgrimage, eternal-life
