σκηνοπηγία (skēnopēgia)
skēnopēgia
Feast|Festival of Booths
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun skēnopēgia refers to the Feast of Tabernacles, a major annual Jewish festival. The word literally means "the setting up of tents" or booths, derived from roots for "tent" and "to fasten." In Scripture, it designates the seven-day celebration beginning on the fifteenth day of the month Tisri, where participants dwelt in temporary shelters to commemorate Israel’s wilderness journey.
This festival held deep theological weight as a time of rejoicing and remembrance. The sources note that John records Jesus attending this feast in Jerusalem (John 7:2), highlighting its significance in his public ministry. By participating, Jesus aligned himself with the Jewish tradition of remembering God’s provision and presence during their exile and wandering.
Translators typically render skēnopēgia as "Feast of Tabernacles" or "Festival of Booths." The term emphasizes the physical act of dwelling in temporary structures, reminding readers of the transient nature of earthly life and the enduring faithfulness of God. This concrete imagery connects the historical event with ongoing spiritual reflection on divine shelter and care.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word skēnopēgia points to the Feast of Tabernacles, a time when Israelites lived in temporary shelters to remember God’s care during their journey through the wilderness. This festival was not just about history; it was a living reminder that our lives here are temporary, yet God’s presence is constant and reliable.
In John 7:2, we see Jesus attending this feast, showing His deep connection to Jewish tradition and His role in fulfilling its deeper meanings. For us today, this imagery invites reflection on how we dwell in the world—temporarily, with trust in God’s provision and shelter. It encourages a posture of gratitude for His faithfulness, even when circumstances feel uncertain or fleeting.
When you think about your own life, consider how you might 'dwell' in God’s presence more intentionally, like those who built booths to recall His guidance. This simple act of remembrance can bring peace and perspective, reminding you that no matter where you are, you are held by a faithful Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Booths.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σκηνοπηγία.1×
Key Verses
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John 7:2
Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was at hand.
This verse marks the setting for Jesus’ public teaching during the feast, highlighting how He engaged with Jewish traditions to reveal deeper spiritual truths about His identity and mission.