Lexical Summary episkénoó: To dwell upon, to tabernacle over, to cover Original Word: ἐπισκηνόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance rest upon. From epi and skenoo; to tent upon, i.e. (figuratively) abide with -- rest upon. see GREEK epi see GREEK skenoo HELPS Word-studies 1981 episkēnóō (from 1909 /epí, "on" and 4637 /skēnóō, "to dwell in a pitched tent") – properly, to pitch (live in) a tent; (figuratively) power radiating from Christ as He comes upon (Gk epi) someone, so that He dwells in the committed believer. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and skénoó Definition to tent upon, fig. abide NASB Translation dwell (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1981: ἐπισκηνόωἐπισκηνόω, ἐπισκήνω: 1 aorist ἐπεσκηνωσα; to fix a tent or habitation on: ἐπί τάς οἰκίας, to take possession of and live in the houses (of the citizens), Polybius 4, 18, 8; ταῖς οἰκίαις, 4, 72, 1; tropically, ἐπί τινα, of the power of Christ descending upon one, working within him and giving him help (A. V. rest upon), 2 Corinthians 12:9. Topical Lexicon Linguistic and Exegetical Overview ἐπισκηνόω conveys the picture of a dwelling-place erected over someone, evoking the image of a protective tent or overshadowing presence. The preposition ἐπί intensifies the idea: not merely “dwelling with,” but “resting upon” in a way that covers, shelters, and empowers. Singular New Testament Occurrence: 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Paul recounts the Lord’s answer to his plea about the “thorn.” Rather than removing the affliction, Christ promises an abiding, overshadowing power. The verb underscores that the divine presence actively envelops the apostle, turning apparent deficiency into a venue for divine strength. Old Testament Roots: The Dwelling Glory 1. Exodus 40:34–38—The cloud filled the tabernacle, signaling that the glory of the LORD “covered” Israel’s mobile sanctuary. These passages establish the pattern: God’s glory condescends to cover His people, providing guidance, protection, and assurance of covenant favor. Christological Fulfillment John 1:14 announces, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The verb (“tabernacled”) recalls the wilderness sanctuary. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul applies this concept specifically to the risen Christ, whose power now “tents upon” the believer. The same glory that once inhabited a tent of animal skins resides with and in those united to the Son. Pauline Theology of Power and Weakness • In contrast to triumphal self-reliance, Paul boasts in weakness so that Christ’s power may be displayed. Implications for Worship and Ministry 1. Dependence: Authentic ministry rests on the sufficiency of grace rather than human competence. Historical Witness in Christian Thought • Chrysostom highlights how the “tent” of Christ’s power shields believers from spiritual adversaries. Pastoral Applications • Encourage congregations to pray not only for relief but for the overshadowing strength of Christ. In sum, ἐπισκηνόω reveals the heart of God’s redemptive economy: He pitches His tent over the humble, turning fragility into a showcase of resurrected might. Forms and Transliterations επισκηνωση επισκηνώση ἐπισκηνώσῃ episkenose episkēnōsē episkenṓsei episkēnṓsēiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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