ἀποσκευάζω (aposkeuazō)
aposkeuazō
to pack up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb aposkeuazō describes the practical act of packing up personal belongings to leave a place. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 21:15, where the disciples at Caesarea prepare for their journey to Jerusalem. The word focuses on the physical logistics of departure—gathering and securing one’s goods rather than the emotional or spiritual state of leaving.
Its meaning is built from a prefix indicating separation or removal and a root related to equipment or vessels. This distinguishes it from general words for traveling; it specifically highlights the preparation phase where possessions are organized for transport. Translators typically render it as "packed up" or "made preparations," capturing the tangible effort involved in moving household items.
While the term is rare, its usage in Acts underscores the concrete reality of early Christian mobility. The disciples did not merely decide to go; they engaged in the labor of packing their lives into containers. This detail grounds the narrative in the everyday actions of ordinary people responding to divine direction, showing that faith often involves practical steps alongside spiritual resolve.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aposkeuazō captures the quiet, physical work of packing up before a journey. It describes gathering belongings, securing them, and preparing to leave a familiar place. In Acts 21:15, the disciples take up their baggage to go to Jerusalem. This simple act shows that faith is not just about spiritual feelings but also involves practical steps.
When life calls us to move forward, we often face moments of preparation that feel mundane or burdensome. Packing our bags requires attention to detail and care for what we own. Yet these actions are part of trusting God’s direction. Even when the path ahead is uncertain, the discipline of getting ready helps us align our hearts with His will.
God sees the effort behind every packed bag and every closed door. He walks with us through the logistics of change, blessing the ordinary moments that lead to new beginnings. Whether you are starting fresh or continuing a long journey, may you find peace in the process of preparation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having packed the baggage1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπισκευασάμενοι1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 21:15
After these days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem.
This verse uses aposkeuazō to describe the disciples physically gathering their baggage before traveling to Jerusalem, highlighting the tangible preparation involved in obeying God’s call.