κατασκηνόω (kataskēnoō)
kataskēnoō
to dwell
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kataskēnoō describes the act of pitching a tent or settling down to dwell in a specific place. It combines the idea of descending or fixing something firmly with the concept of a tent or tabernacle. In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, primarily within the Synoptic Gospels, where it is used to describe the physical presence and growth of the mustard tree.
In Matthew 13:32 and Luke 13:19, Jesus uses this term to illustrate how the kingdom of heaven starts small but eventually provides shelter. The sources note that the tree grows large enough for birds to nest in its branches, effectively "pitching a tent" or making their home there. Mark 4:32 offers a similar image, emphasizing the space and protection the tree provides.
This usage highlights a tangible sense of habitation rather than abstract spiritual presence. The word conveys stability and shelter, suggesting that the kingdom offers a secure place for others to reside. By choosing this specific verb, the Gospel writers emphasize the concrete, welcoming nature of God’s reign as it expands in the world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kataskēnoō paints a picture of settling down to make a home. It is not just passing through; it is pitching your tent and staying put. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this image to show how the Kingdom of God grows from something tiny into a place where birds can find shelter in its branches. This suggests that faith offers a real, tangible refuge for those who seek it.
When you read about dwelling or lodging, think of stability and safety. The Kingdom is not an abstract idea but a place where you can rest. It provides shade and protection from the storms of life. This concrete image reminds us that God’s reign is welcoming and secure, offering a space for everyone to reside and find peace.
Even in Psalms, this sense of dwelling appears as hope for the body after death. It points to a deep trust that we are held by God, whether in life or beyond it. This word invites you to see your faith as a home built on solid ground, where you can stay and find rest.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will dwell1×
- to perch.1×
- perching1×
- encamped1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατεσκήνωσεν1×
- κατασκηνώσει1×
- κατασκηνοῦν.¶1×
- κατασκηνοῦν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 13:32
which indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches.”
This verse highlights the final stage of growth where the birds actually lodge in the branches, showing the Kingdom's capacity to provide shelter.
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Mark 4:32
yet when it is sown, grows up and becomes greater than all the herbs, and puts out great branches, so that the birds of the sky can lodge under its shadow.”
Here the word emphasizes the protective shadow cast by the large branches, offering a specific sense of safety for those who dwell there.
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Luke 13:19
It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and put in his own garden. It grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the sky live in its branches.”
Luke uses this term to describe birds living in the branches, reinforcing the idea of a permanent and stable habitation within the Kingdom.
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Acts 2:26
Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope,
Peter quotes Psalm 16 here to show that even the body can dwell in hope, extending the concept of dwelling beyond just physical shelter to spiritual assurance.