Lexical Summary kataskénósis: Dwelling, habitation, encampment Original Word: κατασκήνωσις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance nest. From kataskenoo; an encamping, i.e. (figuratively) a perch -- nest. see GREEK kataskenoo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kataskénoó Definition a lodging NASB Translation nests (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2682: κατασκήνωσιςκατασκήνωσις, κατασκηνώσεως, ἡ (κατασκηνόω, which see), properly, the pitching of tents, encamping; place of tarrying, encampment, abode: of the haunts of birds, Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:58; (for מִשְׁכָּן, Ezekiel 37:27; cf. Wis. 9:8; Tobit 1:4; Polybius 11, 26, 5; Diodorus 17, 95). Topical Lexicon Overview Used twice in the Greek New Testament, the term translated “nests” (Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:58) speaks of a settled resting-place, a secure dwelling chosen for shelter and nurture. Though applied to birds, its contextual force reaches far beyond ornithology, touching Christology, discipleship, and the believer’s pilgrimage mindset. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Matthew 8:20 — “Foxes have dens, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” Both statements arise during conversations about following Jesus, making the image of “nests” a backdrop for teaching on commitment. Biblical Context and Imagery Fox dens and bird nests represent the most elementary forms of security in the animal kingdom. By contrasting these with His own lack of settled abode, Jesus highlights His voluntary poverty (2 Corinthians 8:9) and His untiring mission to “seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). The language evokes Old Testament scenes where birds find refuge near the altar of God (Psalm 84:3), reminding the reader that genuine safety lies not in earthly lodgings but in the presence and purpose of the Lord. Theological Significance 1. Christ’s Humiliation: The incarnation involved relinquishing heavenly glory (Philippians 2:6-8). Even birds enjoy fixed shelters, yet the Creator willingly embraced homelessness on earth. Historical and Cultural Insight First-century rabbis typically taught from stable bases; prophets often traveled but retained home villages. Jesus’ itinerancy was thus striking. It affirmed His solidarity with marginalized groups (Luke 7:22) and ensured wide proclamation. The image of birds alighting only temporarily on branches mirrored His continuous movement from village to village (Mark 1:38). Links to Broader Biblical Themes • Tabernacle Motif: The Greek root shares family ties with terms for “tent” or “tabernacle,” recalling the movable sanctuary of Exodus and foreshadowing the eternal dwelling promised in Revelation 21:3. Practical and Ministry Applications 1. Mission Strategy: Mobility facilitates gospel spread. Modern missionaries echo Christ’s pattern by prioritizing access over comfort. Devotional Reflection Contemplate the birds that glide overhead, instinctively finding branches as night falls. Their simple “nests” are humble yet sufficient. Jesus had less than that—and gave Himself utterly—so that those who trust Him might inherit a dwelling that can never perish (1 Peter 1:3-4). His empty pillow guarantees our eternal pillow; His wandering secures our welcome. Until that day, He calls us to follow, hearts unencumbered, lives nested in His sovereign care. Forms and Transliterations κατασκηνωσεις κατασκηνώσεις κατασκήνωσίς kataskenoseis kataskenṓseis kataskēnōseis kataskēnṓseisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 8:20 N-AFPGRK: τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατασκηνώσεις ὁ δὲ NAS: of the air [have] nests, but the Son KJV: of the air [have] nests; but INT: of the air nests and Luke 9:58 N-AFP |
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