"to pitch tent, encamp; to tabernacle, dwell in a tent; to dwell, have one’s abode, Jn. 1:14; Rev. 7:15; 12:12; 13:6; 21:3*"
Definition and meaning
to pitch tent, encamp; to tabernacle, dwell in a tent; to dwell, have one’s abode, Jn. 1:14; Rev. 7:15; 12:12; 13:6; 21:3*
In the original Greek the word is written: σκηνόω
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of skenoo (G4637) across the King James Bible.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
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Common questions
Strong's G4637 (skenoo) is a Greek word that means: to pitch tent, encamp; to tabernacle, dwell in a tent; to dwell, have one’s abode, Jn. 1:14; Rev. 7:15; 12:12; 13:6; 21:3* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word skenoo (G4637) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4637 is skenoo, a Greek word defined as: to pitch tent, encamp; to tabernacle, dwell in a tent; to dwell, have one’s abode, Jn. 1:14; Rev. 7:15; 12:12; 13:6; 21:3*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
skenoo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.