σκηνή (skēnē)
skēnē
tent
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun skēnē refers simply to a tent or tabernacle, a temporary shelter made of fabric or skins. In the New Testament, it appears in accounts of the Transfiguration, where Peter suggests building three such structures for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah (Matthew 17:4). It also describes the portable sanctuary used by Israel in the wilderness, which Hebrews identifies as a copy of the true heavenly reality (Hebrews 8:5).
The word carries significant theological weight in Hebrews and Revelation. The author contrasts the earthly tent with a permanent dwelling, noting that Christ entered not into a man-made sanctuary but into heaven itself (Hebrews 9:11). In Revelation, the tabernacle of God is depicted as being present among humanity, signaling a restored relationship where God dwells with His people (Revelation 21:3).
Its root relates to dwelling or settling down. This connection between shelter and presence is central to its usage. While it can denote a literal tent, such as the booth of David mentioned in Acts 15:16, it primarily serves as a metaphor for God’s temporary or mediated presence before the final establishment of His eternal kingdom.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word skēnē reminds us that our time on earth is a temporary shelter. Peter wanted to build tents on the mountain to keep the glory of Christ, but Jesus showed that His presence is not something we can capture in a structure. We live as pilgrims, like Abraham, staying in tents while looking for a permanent home. This truth frees us from tying our hearts too tightly to this world’s passing comforts.
Yet, this temporary state is not abandonment. The letter to the Hebrews explains that the old earthly tent was only a shadow of what God truly intended. Christ entered the true heavenly sanctuary, securing our access to God. We do not serve a copy; we serve the reality. Our faith rests in the One who has gone before us into the perfect dwelling place.
The final hope is that this distance will end. Revelation promises that God’s tent will be pitched among us forever. The separation between heaven and earth will vanish, and we will dwell with Him directly. Until then, we live by faith, trusting that our temporary shelter leads to an eternal home where God wipes away every tear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- tabernacle13×
- tabernacles2×
- tents1×
- tabernacles,1×
- tabernacle;1×
- dwellings.1×
- [was] a tabernacle1×
- A tabernacle1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σκηνὴν5×
- σκηνῆς4×
- σκηνὴ4×
- σκηνάς,2×
- σκηνῇ1×
- σκηνήν·1×
- σκηνή1×
- σκηνάς.¶1×
- σκηνὰς1×
- σκηναῖς1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 9:11
But Christ having come as a high priest of the coming good things, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,
This verse contrasts the imperfect earthly tent with Christ’s entry into the greater, perfect heavenly sanctuary, showing that His ministry fulfills and surpasses the old system.
-
Revelation of John 21:3
I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with people; and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
Here the word shifts from a distant shadow to a realized promise, declaring that God’s dwelling place is now permanently among His people.
-
Hebrews 8:5
who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses was warned by God when he was about to make the tabernacle, for he said, “See, you shall make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain.”
The author identifies the wilderness tabernacle as merely a copy and shadow of heavenly realities, clarifying its limited, preparatory role in salvation history.
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Matthew 17:4
Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
Peter’s suggestion to build tents reveals a human desire to freeze a moment of glory, which Jesus gently redirects toward His coming suffering and resurrection.