Word Study for G4633 (σκηνή) | Strong's Concordance

skēnḗ /skay-nay'/ Ask about this word

Rootapparently akin to σκεῦος and σκιά

Meaninga tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)

KJV usagehabitation, tabernacle.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of skēnḗ — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word skēnḗ, represented by G4633, refers to a tent or cloth hut. It appears 20 times across 20 unique verses in the Bible. While it can mean a literal tent, it is often used figuratively to denote a habitation or, most significantly, the tabernacle.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In Scripture, G4633 is used in several key contexts. It refers to the physical tabernacle built by Moses in the wilderness, which served as the center of worship for Israel (Acts 7:44, Hebrews 9:2). This structure was made according to a specific "pattern" shown to Moses on the mount Hebrews 8:5. The word is also used for temporary dwellings, such as when Peter offered to make three tabernacles at the transfiguration Matthew 17:4, or when describing the patriarchs who dwelt in tabernacles as sojourners Hebrews 11:9. Figuratively, it can describe "everlasting habitations" Luke 16:9 or even an idolatrous structure like the tabernacle of Moloch Acts 7:43.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand on the concept of a temporary dwelling or sacred space:

G4637 skēnóō (dwell): A verb form meaning to tent or encamp. It is used to describe God's ultimate intention to dwell with men Revelation 21:3.
G4639 skiá (shadow): The earthly tabernacle is described as a shadow of heavenly things, linking the physical structure to a spiritual reality Hebrews 8:5.
G2730 katoikéō (dwelling): This word, meaning to reside, is used to describe the patriarchs dwelling in tabernacles Hebrews 11:9.
G4078 pḗgnymi (pitch): This verb, meaning to fix or set up a tent, is used to describe how the Lord pitched the true tabernacle, contrasting it with the one made by man Hebrews 8:2.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4633 is significant, contrasting earthly patterns with heavenly realities.

An Earthly Pattern: The Mosaic tabernacle was a physical structure that served as an "example and shadow of heavenly things" Hebrews 8:5. It was a place where priests performed their service Hebrews 13:10 but was ultimately an imperfect, temporary representation.
A Heavenly Reality: Scripture speaks of a "greater and more perfect tabernacle" that is "not made with hands" Hebrews 9:11. This is the "true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man," where Christ serves as a minister Hebrews 8:2.
God's Dwelling with Humanity: The concept finds its ultimate fulfillment in God's final communion with His people. A voice from heaven declares, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them" Revelation 21:3.

Summary

In summary, G4633 evolves from a simple term for a tent to a profound theological symbol. It represents the earthly tabernacle of Moses, the temporary nature of human existence, and ultimately, the true, heavenly sanctuary where Christ ministers. The word culminates in the promise of God's eternal presence with humanity, transforming the image of a temporary shelter into the reality of a permanent, divine habitation.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a noun across 21 occurrences, inflected in 6 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Accusative Singular Feminine 6×
Nominative Singular Feminine 5×
Accusative Plural Feminine 4×
Genitive Singular Feminine 4×
Dative Plural Feminine 1×
Dative Singular Feminine 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Genitive: Possession or source — often "of".
Dative: The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Accusative: The direct object of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Feminine: Feminine grammatical gender.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 20 verses across 6 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Hebrews (10 verses); never once in the other 21.

Matthew

Mark

Luke

Acts

Hebrews

Revelation

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.