Dwell

Dwell and its cognates carry significant theological weight in the biblical narrative, particularly in relation to God's presence among his people. The tabernacle (Hebrew mishkān, from the root shākan, "to dwell") was designed as the dwelling place of the LORD in Israel's midst (Exod. 25:8; 29:45–46), and God's command to build it is framed as the desire to dwell among his people. The promise "I will dwell among you and be your God" recurs as a covenant formula throughout the prophets (Lev. 26:11–12; Ezek. 37:27; Zech. 2:10–11).

In the New Testament, John 1:14's statement that the Word "dwelt among us" uses the same root (skēnoō, "to tabernacle") to identify the Incarnation as the ultimate fulfillment of the dwelling-presence theology. The indwelling of the Spirit in the believer (John 14:17; 1 Cor. 3:16) and the mutual indwelling of believers in Christ and Christ in them (John 15:4–7; 1 John 4:13) represent the progressive realization of the covenant promise. Revelation 21:3 announces the eschatological completion: "Behold, the dwelling place (skēnē) of God is with man. He will dwell with them."