σκηνόω (skēnoō)
skēnoō
to dwell
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb skēnoō means to dwell or pitch a tent, carrying the specific imagery of setting up temporary shelter rather than building a permanent house. Derived from skēnē ("tent" or "tabernacle"), it describes the act of making one’s home in a place for a time. In the New Testament, this word appears only five times, creating a distinct literary thread that connects the incarnation with the final restoration of all things.
Its most famous usage occurs in John 1:14, where the Gospel writer declares that the Word "tabernacled" among us. This choice of vocabulary emphasizes that Jesus did not merely visit humanity but took up residence within it, sharing in the human condition with all its fragility and temporality. The imagery recalls the Old Testament tabernacle, suggesting that God’s presence is now intimately accessible in the person of Christ.
Revelation uses this same term to describe the future hope where God will dwell with His people. In Revelation 7:15 and 21:3, believers are depicted as serving before the throne, and God Himself pitches His tent among them. This creates a powerful bookend: just as God dwelt temporarily in Jesus during His earthly ministry, He will ultimately make His permanent home with redeemed humanity, ending all separation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word skēnoō paints a picture of temporary shelter rather than permanent architecture. It reminds us that God’s presence is not distant or abstract, but intimately close. In John 1:14, we see the Word becoming flesh and pitching His tent among us. This means Jesus did not just visit humanity; He took up residence within it, sharing our fragility and daily life.
This imagery connects the beginning of the Gospel with its end. Just as God dwelt in Christ during His earthly ministry, Revelation promises that He will one day spread His tabernacle over us forever. The temporary becomes eternal. Separation ends, and we become His people. This hope grounds our faith in a God who is near, not far away.
When life feels unstable or uncertain, remember that God’s presence is real and tangible. He does not remain distant but draws near to comfort and sustain us. This promise offers peace, knowing that our current struggles are temporary, while His dwelling with us is everlasting.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will tabernacle1×
- dwelling.1×
- dwelling!1×
- He will tabernacle1×
- He dwelt1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σκηνώσει2×
- ἐσκήνωσεν1×
- σκηνοῦντες.1×
- σκηνοῦντας.1×
Key Verses
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John 1:14
The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only born Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
This verse establishes the core meaning by showing Jesus taking up residence among humanity, linking the incarnation to Old Testament tabernacle imagery.
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Revelation of John 7:15
Therefore they are before the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tabernacle over them.
Here the word describes God’s protective presence over believers, echoing the cloud and fire that guided Israel in the wilderness.
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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.
This final occurrence promises the ultimate fulfillment where God’s dwelling is permanently established with redeemed people, ending all separation.