πήγνυμι (pēgnumi)
pēgnumi
to set up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb pēgnumi means to make something firm by fixing it in place, often translated as "to set up" or "to pitch." Its core sense involves creating stability through attachment, a meaning that carries over from its use in the Septuagint where it translates Hebrew verbs for stretching out or establishing structures.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Hebrews 8:2. Here it describes the tabernacle as a "sanctuary" that has been pitched or established by the Lord rather than by human hands. This usage highlights the divine origin and permanent nature of the true worship place, contrasting human efforts with God’s own construction.
The word’s root suggests a physical fastening that results in a fixed state. By using pēgnumi, the author of Hebrews emphasizes that the heavenly reality is not a temporary arrangement but a solidly established order ordained by God Himself.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pēgnumi describes the act of setting something firmly in place, like pitching a tent or establishing a structure. In Hebrews 8:2, it tells us that the true sanctuary was pitched by the Lord, not by human hands. This means God Himself established the foundation of our worship and relationship with Him.
When you feel unstable or unsure about your faith, remember that your spiritual home is not built on shifting sand. It rests on a foundation set by God. His work is secure, providing a steady ground for your life even when circumstances change around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- has pitched1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔπηξεν1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 8:2
a servant of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, not man.
This verse uses the word to emphasize that the heavenly sanctuary was established directly by God, highlighting its divine origin and permanence compared to human-made structures.