σκῆνος
skēnos
G4636 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A tent, dwelling, or temporary shelter; by extension, used figuratively for the human body as a transient residence of the inner being. The primary sense is that of a movable or provisional dwelling, especially one not of permanent materials. In figurative and metaphorical usage, the term may denote the human body as a temporary home for the soul or spirit, suggesting the transience of embodied existence.
Semantic Range
tent, hut, shelter, temporary residence, (figuratively) the human body as a transient dwelling, tabernacle
Root / Etymology
Derived from σκηνή (skēnē), meaning 'tent' or 'tabernacle', with the diminutive or derivative suffix -ος. Root traces to the verbal idea of 'making a dwelling' or 'setting up a tent.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σκῆνος appears in various contexts to mean a tent, shelter, or hut—often with emphasis on its impermanent nature. The metaphorical use of σκῆνος for the human body is rare in classical writings but gains prominence in Hellenistic and especially in philosophical and religious texts, where life is sometimes depicted as a sojourn or encampment. In the New Testament, notably in 2 Corinthians 5:1, σκῆνος unequivocally refers to the human body as an ephemeral, earthly habitation, contrasted with an enduring heavenly dwelling. The related term σκηνή usually denotes a tent or the Tabernacle in Israelite wilderness narratives, while σκῆνος focuses more on the aspect of a temporary personal dwelling. Standard English translations often render σκῆνος as 'tabernacle' or 'tent' and, when used of the body, as 'earthly tent', which can understate the emphasis on impermanence and the metaphorical resonance for ancient readers. Usage in the Septuagint is uncommon, with preference for σκηνή; σκῆνος more commonly appears in later Greek literature and in philosophical contexts to denote the transient nature of earthly existence.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σκηνή; a hut or temporary residence, i.e. (figuratively) the human body (as the abode of the spirit):--tabernacle.
Root Family
σκην- (episkēnóō) — tent, dwelling, shelter
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1981 | ἐπισκηνόω | might tent upon |
| G4637 | σκηνόω | he tented |
| G4638 | σκήνωμα | temporary dwelling |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4636-01 |
σκήνει | skenei | N DAT N SG |
tent | in a tent-dwelling | tent-dwelling | 1 |
G4636-02 |
σκήνους | skenous | N GEN N SG |
tent | of a tent-dwelling | tent | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4636-02 |
2 Corinthians 5:1 | σκήνους | skenous | N GEN N SG |
tent | of a tent-dwelling | tent |
G4636-01 |
2 Corinthians 5:4 | σκήνει | skenei | N DAT N SG |
tent | in a tent-dwelling | tent-dwelling |