ἀπόκειμαι (apokeimai)
apokeimai
to lay up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apokeimai describes something that has been laid aside and kept in reserve. It carries the sense of storing an item for future use, much like setting provisions aside for a journey or saving resources for a specific need. In its literal sense, it appears in Luke 19:20, where a servant explains that he hid his master’s money in a cloth, effectively laying it away to be retrieved later.
More frequently, the New Testament uses this word metaphorically to describe spiritual realities reserved for believers. It conveys the idea of a secure future reward or destiny that is kept safe until the appointed time. For instance, Colossians 1:5 speaks of hope stored up in heaven, while 2 Timothy 4:8 mentions a crown of righteousness laid up for those who love Christ’s appearing.
The word suggests certainty and safety; what is apokeimai cannot be lost or stolen. It implies that the future outcome is already prepared and waiting. This usage appears in Hebrews 9:27 regarding judgment being appointed, highlighting that certain events are fixed and reserved by divine order rather than chance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apokeimai describes something carefully stored away for later use. In Luke 19:20, a servant hid his master’s money in a cloth, keeping it safe from loss or theft. This image helps us understand how God treats the promises He has made to His people. What is laid up in heaven is secure, untouched by the uncertainties of this world.
Colossians 1:5 speaks of hope stored up for believers in the heavens. This hope is not a vague wish but a fixed reality, kept safe until the time is right. Similarly, 2 Timothy 4:8 mentions a crown of righteousness reserved for those who love Christ’s appearing. These passages remind us that our future is already prepared and protected by God.
Hebrews 9:27 notes that judgment is appointed for everyone. This certainty shows that God’s plans are fixed and reliable. For the Christian, this means we can rest in the knowledge that our salvation and rewards are secure. We do not need to worry about losing what God has promised, because He keeps it safe.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lying1×
- it is apportioned1×
- is laid up1×
- is being laid up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποκειμένην2×
- ἀπόκειταί1×
- ἀπόκειται1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 19:20
Another came, saying, ‘Lord, behold, your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief,
This verse provides the literal picture of hiding money in a cloth, showing the physical act of setting something aside for safekeeping.
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Colossians 1:5
because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Good News
Here the word describes hope stored in heaven, emphasizing that spiritual blessings are kept secure by God until believers receive them.
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II Timothy 4:8
From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.
Paul uses this term to describe a crown of righteousness reserved for him and all who love Christ’s appearing, highlighting future reward.