ἀπόκειμαι

I have been put away, am stored, am reserved for

Definition

The verb ἀπόκειμαι (apokeimai) primarily means 'to be laid away, stored up, or reserved for a future purpose.' It carries the sense of something being set aside or kept in a specific place, often with the implication of future use or revelation. In Luke 19:20, it describes money being 'put away' or stored, emphasizing safekeeping. In a more theological sense, it refers to a reward or inheritance that is 'reserved' or 'stored up' for believers, as seen in Colossians 1:5 (the hope laid up in heaven) and 2 Timothy 4:8 (the crown of righteousness laid up). In Hebrews 9:27, it uniquely describes death as something 'appointed' or 'laid up' for all people, highlighting its inevitability.

Biblical Usage

This word is used four times in the New Testament, appearing in both narrative and epistolary contexts. In Luke 19:20, it is used literally for money stored away in a parable. In the epistles (Colossians 1:5, 2 Timothy 4:8), it is used metaphorically for heavenly rewards or hope that are securely reserved for the future. In Hebrews 9:27, it is applied to the universal human experience of death being appointed. The pattern shows a shift from a literal, physical sense to rich theological metaphors about divine reservation and appointment.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, meaning 'from' or 'away') and the verb κεῖμαι (keimai, meaning 'to lie, be placed'). Literally, it means 'to lie away from' or 'to be laid up/away.' The compound emphasizes separation and placement, conveying the idea of something being set apart in a specific location, which developed into meanings of reservation or appointment for a future time.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the certainty and security of God's promises. When used for the believer's hope or reward (Colossians 1:5, 2 Timothy 4:8), it assures that these blessings are securely kept in heaven, untouched by earthly circumstances. In Hebrews 9:27, it confronts the universal and appointed reality of death, framing it within God's sovereign order. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the themes of divine safekeeping, future hope, and the ordained nature of human destiny.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, storing valuables (like money in Luke 19:20) was a common practice for security, often in temples, treasuries, or with trusted individuals. The concept of something being 'laid up' or 'reserved' would resonate with cultural practices of safeguarding deposits or inheritances. The metaphorical use for heavenly rewards would connect with contemporary ideas of earned honors or crowns being stored for future presentation.

θησαυρίζω (thēsaurizō, G2343) — emphasizes the act of storing or treasuring up, often with a focus on accumulation. φυλάσσω (phylassō, G5442) — focuses on guarding or keeping safe, with a stronger sense of active protection. ἀποτίθημι (apotithēmi, G659) — means to put away or lay aside, often used for renouncing practices, but lacks the specific sense of reservation for future use.

Word Details

Scripture References