σκεῦος (skeuos)
skeuos
vessel
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 22 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word skeuos primarily denotes a vessel, implement, or piece of equipment. In the New Testament, it appears in concrete contexts such as the lamp on a stand (Luke 8:16), the cup held by soldiers at the crucifixion (John 19:29), and the household utensils mentioned in Matthew 12:29. It also describes the tackle or gear of a ship, as seen when Paul clings to it during a storm in Acts 27:17.
Beyond physical objects, the term carries significant metaphorical weight. Paul uses it to describe human beings as containers shaped for specific purposes: vessels of wrath prepared for destruction and vessels of mercy (Romans 9:22-23). Similarly, Peter refers to women as the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7), while Paul calls believers “jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7) to illustrate how divine power is housed in fragile human bodies.
This range of usage highlights a theological theme found throughout Scripture: the idea that ordinary, often fragile things are chosen to hold something precious. Whether referring to temple utensils or human lives, skeuos emphasizes utility and containment, reminding readers that value lies not in the container itself but in what it holds.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word skeuos simply means a container or vessel. In Scripture, it describes everyday items like lamps, cups, and clay jars. Paul uses this image to remind us that we are vessels holding the treasure of Christ’s presence. Our strength does not come from our own perfection, but from the power of God living within us.
This truth brings deep comfort. When you feel fragile or inadequate, remember that a clay jar is still useful if it holds something precious. God chooses ordinary people to display His extraordinary grace. Your value is found in who dwells inside you, not in how strong you appear on the outside.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a vessel5×
- vessel4×
- goods3×
- vessels2×
- article2×
- [the] vessels2×
- with a vessel1×
- vessels,1×
- vessels [of]1×
- gear,1×
- A vessel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σκεῦος9×
- σκεύη8×
- σκεῦός2×
- σκεύει2×
- σκεῦος,1×
- σκεύεσιν,1×
Key Verses
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II Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves.
Paul uses 'clay vessels' to show that divine power shines through human weakness, keeping the glory with God rather than ourselves.
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Acts 9:15
But the Lord said to him, “Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel.
God calls Paul His chosen vessel, showing that He selects ordinary people to carry His name to nations and kings.
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II Timothy 2:21
If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work.
This verse connects personal purity with being a useful tool for the Master, prepared specifically for good works.
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Romans 9:21
Or hasn’t the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel for honor, and another for dishonor?
Paul compares God to a potter who has the right to shape vessels from the same lump for different purposes.