κατασκήνωσις (kataskēnōsis)
kataskēnōsis
dwelling place
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kataskēnōsis refers to a place of dwelling or encampment, carrying the specific imagery of pitching a tent. Its meaning is rooted in the verb "to dwell" or "to tabernacle," suggesting a temporary residence rather than a permanent building. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both times in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
It is used to describe the lack of a fixed home for Jesus, who states that while foxes have dens and birds have nests, he has nowhere to lay his head (Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:58). This usage highlights a life of mobility and dependence. The word emphasizes the transient nature of this existence, contrasting human comfort with the reality of ministry on the move.
By choosing this term for "nowhere," the text underscores the humility of Jesus’ mission. It is not merely that he lacks money or status, but that he lacks a stable base of operations. The word points to a life defined by movement and service, rather than settlement and security.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word κατασκὴνωσις paints a picture of temporary shelter, like a tent pitched for a night rather than a house built for generations. When Jesus used this term, He was not speaking of poverty alone, but of a life fully oriented toward God’s mission without the anchor of a fixed home. This reality invites us to consider where we find our true security.
For many believers today, the desire for stability is strong and understandable. Yet this passage reminds us that Jesus Himself walked without a permanent address, relying on the hospitality of others and the provision of God. It suggests that our faith does not require a perfect set of circumstances to be valid or powerful.
Instead of seeking safety in our own foundations, we are invited to trust in His presence wherever we go. Whether you are facing uncertainty or simply reflecting on your priorities, this word offers a gentle challenge to place your hope in Christ rather than in the walls around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- nests;1×
- nests,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατασκηνώσεις·1×
- κατασκηνώσεις,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 8:20
Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
This occurrence highlights the contrast between animal instinct for shelter and Jesus' voluntary lack of a fixed base, emphasizing His humility.
-
Luke 9:58
Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
Here the term underscores the cost of discipleship by showing that following Jesus means accepting a life without guaranteed comfort or security.