of uncertain affinity; a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively [specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband]):--goods, sail, stuff, vessel.
Transliteration:skeûos
Pronunciation:skyoo'-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun σκεῦος (skeûos, `{{G4632}}`) primarily denotes an object used for a particular purpose, encompassing a broad semantic range from a simple container to an implement, piece of equipment, or even an apparatus. Its etymological affinity is noted as uncertain, which underscores its versatile and functional nature in ancient Greek. Literally, it refers to any kind of vessel (e.g., a pot, jar, or cup), an article of furniture, baggage, or tools. Figuratively, σκεῦος extends to denote persons, particularly in the sense of an instrument or a person fit for a specific use or purpose. The definition provided explicitly mentions its application to a wife, highlighting her role as a contributing partner to the usefulness of her husband, emphasizing a functional rather than a hierarchical or demeaning sense. This versatility allows σκεῦος to carry significant theological weight in the New Testament, often conveying ideas of purpose, utility, and divine design.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σκεῦος appears multiple times in the New Testament, exhibiting both its literal and figurative meanings.
In its literal sense, σκεῦος refers to physical objects:
* In [[Matthew 12:29]] and [[Mark 3:27]], it refers to "goods" or "articles" within a strong man's house that must be plundered.
* [[Mark 11:16]] uses it to describe any "vessel" or article being carried through the temple courts, emphasizing a concern for the sanctity of the sacred space.
* [[Luke 8:16]] speaks of a lamp not being put under a "vessel" (a container or pot), but on a stand, highlighting its purpose to give light.
* [[John 19:29]] describes a "vessel" (jar) full of sour wine offered to Jesus on the cross.
* Perhaps most famously in a literal context, [[Acts 10:11]], [[Acts 10:16]], and [[Acts 11:5]] describe Peter's vision of a great "vessel" or sheet descending from heaven, containing all kinds of animals, signifying the breaking down of ceremonial distinctions.
The figurative uses of σκεῦος carry profound theological implications:
* In [[Acts 9:15]], the Lord declares Paul to Ananias as "a chosen vessel" (σκεῦος ἐκλογῆς, *skeuos eklogēs*) to carry His name to Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Here, σκεῦος signifies an instrument specially selected and equipped by God for a divine purpose.
* Paul employs the metaphor extensively in [[Romans 9:21-23]], where he speaks of the potter's right to make "one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use" from the same lump of clay. This passage addresses God's sovereign right to choose and shape humanity for His purposes, distinguishing between "vessels of wrath prepared for destruction" and "vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory." The focus is on God's prerogative and the ultimate display of His power and glory.
* Similarly, in [[2 Timothy 2:20-21]], Paul distinguishes between "vessels of gold and silver" and "vessels of wood and clay," some for honorable use and some for dishonorable. He exhorts believers to cleanse themselves from dishonorable practices to become "a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master, prepared for every good work." Here, the metaphor applies to individual believers within the Church, emphasizing sanctification and readiness for service.
* Finally, [[1 Peter 3:7]] refers to the wife as the "weaker vessel" (τὸ ἀσθενέστερον σκεῦος, *to asthenesteron skeuos*). This phrase is not meant to diminish women but rather to acknowledge a physical or societal vulnerability, urging husbands to treat their wives with honor and understanding, recognizing their equal spiritual inheritance in Christ. The term underscores a complementary relationship, where each partner, though different, serves a vital purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of σκεῦος intersects with several related Greek and Hebrew terms, enriching its understanding.
* **`{{G4631}}` (skeuē):** This noun is closely related, often meaning "equipment," "baggage," or "tackle," particularly in a collective sense (e.g., ship's tackle in [[Acts 27:17]], though the specific word used there is `{{G4632}}` in some texts). It points to the broader concept of tools or provisions.
* **`{{G4630}}` (skeuazo):** The verb form, meaning "to prepare" or "to equip," directly links to the function implied by σκεῦος.
* **`{{G3704}}` (oplon):** While often translated as "weapon," this term can also mean "instrument" or "tool," particularly in the sense of an instrument of righteousness or unrighteousness (e.g., [[Romans 6:13]]). It shares with σκεῦος the idea of an object used for a specific purpose.
* **`{{H3627}}` (keli):** This prominent Hebrew term from the Old Testament serves as a close conceptual parallel, also denoting "vessel," "instrument," "article," or "utensil." Its broad application in the Old Testament, from cultic vessels to everyday implements and even weapons, mirrors the versatility of σκεῦος. The prophetic imagery of Israel as a vessel or instrument in the hand of God (e.g., [[Jeremiah 18:1-6]]) provides a rich background for the New Testament's use of σκεῦος, particularly in Pauline theology.
* The concept of "purpose" or "utility" is central to σκεῦος, linking it to divine intentionality and the role of humanity in God's plan.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σκεῦος is profound, particularly in its figurative applications within Pauline and Petrine epistles.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose:** The imagery of the potter and the clay in [[Romans 9]] underscores God's absolute sovereignty in creating and appointing individuals for His own purposes. Whether "vessels of wrath" or "vessels of mercy," humanity exists within the framework of God's overarching plan, demonstrating His power and glory. This does not negate human responsibility but places it within the context of divine prerogative.
2. **Humanity's Role and Responsibility:** For believers, the call to be a "vessel for honorable use" in [[2 Timothy 2]] is a powerful summons to sanctification. It implies a need for purification from sin and worldly entanglements, making oneself available and useful to the Master for "every good work." This transforms the believer from a passive object into an active, prepared instrument for God's kingdom.
3. **The Church as a Collection of Diverse Vessels:** The metaphor in [[2 Timothy 2:20]] also speaks to the diversity within the household of faith. Just as a large house contains various vessels for different uses, the Church comprises individuals with differing gifts, roles, and levels of spiritual maturity. Each "vessel" is valuable when used for its intended, honorable purpose by the Master.
4. **Mutual Honor and Complementarity in Relationships:** The designation of the wife as the "weaker vessel" in [[1 Peter 3:7]] is not a statement of inferiority but an exhortation to husbands to grant honor and understanding, recognizing the wife's equal inheritance in the grace of life. It highlights the complementary nature of husband and wife, where differences in physical strength or societal roles do not diminish spiritual equality or mutual respect. It calls for a reverent and considerate approach to marital relationships, ensuring prayers are not hindered.
In essence, σκεῦος moves beyond a mere physical object to embody profound truths about divine election, human purpose, sanctification, and the nature of relationships within God's created order.
### Summary
The Greek word σκεῦος (skeûos, `{{G4632}}`) is a versatile term meaning "vessel," "implement," or "equipment," used both literally for physical objects and figuratively for persons. Its literal occurrences describe containers, goods, or articles, such as the sheet descending from heaven in Peter's vision ([[Acts 10:11]]). More significantly, its figurative uses in the New Testament carry profound theological weight. Paul employs σκεῦος to illustrate God's sovereign purpose in creating "vessels of wrath" and "vessels of mercy" ([[Romans 9:21-23]]), and to call believers to sanctification as "vessels for honorable use" within the Church ([[2 Timothy 2:20-21]]). Peter uses it to describe the wife as the "weaker vessel" ([[1 Peter 3:7]]), urging husbands to treat her with honor. Ultimately, σκεῦος underscores themes of divine design, human utility, and the call to be prepared and available for God's service, highlighting that every individual, like a vessel, is intended for a specific and valuable purpose in the Master's hands.
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