Lexical Summary skeuos: Vessel, implement, container, instrument Original Word: σκεῦος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance goods, vessel. 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. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a vessel, implement, pl. goods NASB Translation article (2), container (1), goods (1), instrument (1), jar (1), merchandise (1), object (3), property (2), sea anchor (1), someone (1), vessel (3), vessels (6). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4632: σκεῦοςσκεῦος, σκεύους, τό (probably from the root, sku, 'to cover'; cf. Latinscutum, cutis, obscurus; Curtius, § 113; Vanicek, p. 1115), from (Aristophanes), Thucydides down; the Sept. for כְּלִי; 1. a vessel: Mark 11:16; Luke 8:16; John 19:29; Acts 10:11, 16; Acts 11:5; 2 Timothy 2:20; Revelation 2:27; Revelation 18:12; τά Σκευᾶ τῆς λειτουργίας, to be used in performing religious rites, Hebrews 9:21; σκεῦος εἰς τιμήν, unto honor, i. e. for honorable use, Romans 9:21; 2 Timothy 2:21 (καθαρῶν ἔργων δοῦλα σκεύη, Wis. 15:7); εἰς ἀτιμίαν, unto dishonor, i. e. for a low use (as, a urinal), Romans 9:21; σκεύη ὀργῆς, into which wrath is emptied, i. e. men appointed by God unto woe, hence, the addition κατηρτισμένα εἰς ἀπώλειαν, Romans 9:22; σκεύη ἐλέους, fitted to receive mercy — explained by the words ἅ προητοίμασεν εἰς δόξαν, Romans 9:23; τό σκεῦος is used of a woman, as the vessel of her husband, 1 Thessalonians 4:4 (see κτάομαι; (others take it here (as in 2 Corinthians 4:7 below) of the body)); the female sex, as being weaker than the male, is likened to a σκεῦος ἀσθενεστερον, in order to commend to husbands the obligations of kindness toward their wives (for the weaker the vessels, the greater must be the care lest they be broken), 1 Peter 3:7; ὀστράκινα σκεύη is applied to human bodies, as frail, 2 Corinthians 4:7. 2. an implement; plural household utensils, mestic gear: Matthew 12:29; Mark 3:27 (Luke 17:31 (in these passages R. V. has goods); as the plural often in Greek writings denotes the tackle and armament of vessels (Xenophon, oec. 8, 12; Plato, Critias, p. 117 d.; Lach., p. 183 e.; Polyb 22, 26, 13), so the singular τό σκεῦος seems to be used specifically and collectively of the sails and ropes (R. V. gear) in Acts 27:17. metaphorically, of a man: σκεῦος ἐκλογῆς (genitive of quality), a chosen instrument (or (so A. V.) 'vessel'), Acts 9:15; in a base sense, an assistant in accomplishing evil deeds (cf. English 'tool'), σκεῦος ὑπηρετικον, Polybius 13, 5, 7; 15, 25, 1. The term appears twenty-three times and always pictures something designed to contain, convey, or be employed for a purpose. Context determines whether the reference is literal—household utensils, cargo, temple implements—or figurative, describing people whom God uses to accomplish His will. Everyday and Sacred Objects In the Gospels the word describes ordinary items found in a house (Matthew 12:29; Mark 3:27; Luke 17:31) or carried through the temple courts during commercial activity that Jesus halted (Mark 11:16). Luke 8:16 speaks of a “jar” placed over a lamp, showing how an object meant to serve can just as easily hinder when misused. Hebrews 9:21 moves the focus from the common home to the tabernacle: “he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels used in worship,” underscoring their consecration to God’s service. Revelation 18:12 lists luxury “articles” of a doomed world system, proving that even the finest commodities cannot avert judgment. Instrument in God’s Redemptive Plan (Acts) Three visions in Acts employ the image of a descending “sheet” (Acts 10:11, 10:16, 11:5) to prepare Peter for the inclusion of Gentiles. The sheet-like vessel gathers creatures formerly regarded as unclean, illustrating the breadth of the gospel. Most strikingly, the risen Lord calls Saul “My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles” (Acts 9:15). The persecutor becomes a vessel personally fashioned for global mission, confirming that usefulness depends on divine appointment, not prior merit. Nautical usage appears at Acts 27:17, where sailors undergird the ship with supporting cords; even a seaworthy vessel needs reinforcement when storms threaten. Pauline Theology: Vessels, Mercy, and Glory Paul draws on pottery imagery to unveil God’s sovereign purpose: • Romans 9:21-23 contrasts “vessels of wrath” with “vessels of mercy,” illustrating both divine justice and the lavish display of grace. The same combination of fragility and glory reappears in 2 Corinthians 4:7: “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.” Human weakness magnifies divine sufficiency; the gospel’s brilliance shines through breakable containers. Sanctification and Service (Pastoral and General Epistles) 2 Timothy 2:20-21 pictures a large estate where utensils vary in material and dignity. Purity, not pedigree, determines function: “If anyone cleanses himself… he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master.” A parallel concern for holiness shapes 1 Thessalonians 4:4, where each believer must “know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,” stewarding the physical vessel entrusted by God. Peter applies the metaphor to marriage: “Husbands… treat your wives with consideration as a weaker vessel, and as co-heirs of the gracious gift of life” (1 Peter 3:7). Physical vulnerability calls for honor, never exploitation, and spiritual equality forbids any notion of inferiority. Eschatological Echoes Revelation 2:27 cites Psalm 2:9: rebellious nations will be shattered “like pottery,” indicating the end of every vessel set against Christ’s reign. Revelation 18:12 records the bankruptcy of Babylon’s cargo, reminding readers that earthly vessels, no matter how ornate, cannot secure lasting treasure. Practical Implications for Ministry 1. Availability precedes ability. An ordinary jar becomes extraordinary when filled with divine treasure (2 Corinthians 4:7). In Scripture the vessel is never an end in itself. Whether a household dish, a temple utensil, or a redeemed sinner, its worth lies in the One who fills and wields it. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 12:29 N-ANPGRK: καὶ τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ ἁρπάσαι NAS: and carry off his property, unless KJV: spoil his goods, except he first INT: and the goods of him to plunder Mark 3:27 N-ANP Mark 11:16 N-ANS Luke 8:16 N-DNS Luke 17:31 N-NNP John 19:29 N-NNS Acts 9:15 N-NNS Acts 10:11 N-ANS Acts 10:16 N-NNS Acts 11:5 N-NNS Acts 27:17 N-ANS Romans 9:21 N-ANS Romans 9:22 N-ANP Romans 9:23 N-ANP 2 Corinthians 4:7 N-DNP 1 Thessalonians 4:4 N-ANS 2 Timothy 2:20 N-NNP 2 Timothy 2:21 N-NNS Hebrews 9:21 N-ANP 1 Peter 3:7 N-DNS Revelation 2:27 N-NNP Revelation 18:12 N-ANS Revelation 18:12 N-ANS Strong's Greek 4632 |
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