Original Word: ἀπόκειμαι
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: apokeimai
Pronunciation: a-PO-kei-mai
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ok'-i-mahee)
KJV: be appointed, (be) laid up
NASB: laid, appointed, put away
Word Origin: [from G575 (ἀπό - since) and G2749 (κεῖμαι - laid)]

1. to be reserved
2. (figuratively) to await

be appointed.

From apo and keimai; to be reserved; figuratively, to await -- be appointed, (be) laid up.

see GREEK apo

see GREEK keimai

Word Origin
from apo and keimai
Definition
to be laid away, be laid up in store
NASB Translation
appointed (1), laid (2), put away (1).

STRONGS NT 606: ἀπόκειμαι

ἀπόκειμαι; to be laid away, laid by, reserved (ἀπό as in ἀποθησαυρίζω (which see), ἀποθήκη);

a. properly: Luke 19:20.

b. metaphorically, with the dative of person, reserved for one, awaiting him: Colossians 1:5 (ἐλπίς hoped-for blessedness); 2 Timothy 4:8 (στέφανος); Hebrews 9:27 (ἀποθανεῖν, as in 4 Macc. 8:10). (In both senses in Greek writings from Xenophon down.)

Overview of the Term in Scripture

Strong’s Greek 606, ἀπόκειμαι, appears four times in the New Testament, always portraying something “laid away” for a future moment. The contexts range from earthly stewardship to eternal reward and solemn judgment, emphasizing both hope for believers and accountability for all people.

Passage Survey

• Luke 19:20 – A servant excuses his inactivity: “Lord, here is your mina, which I have laid away in a piece of cloth.”
• Colossians 1:5 – Paul rejoices in “the hope laid up for you in heaven.”
• 2 Timothy 4:8 – The apostle anticipates “the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.”
• Hebrews 9:27 – A universal appointment: “Just as people are appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment.”

Eschatological Hope and Reward

Colossians 1:5 and 2 Timothy 4:8 present a rich theology of future grace. The “hope laid up” is secure in heaven, guarded by God Himself (see also 1 Peter 1:4). Paul’s “crown of righteousness” underscores the certainty of final vindication for every believer who loves the Lord’s appearing. The term conveys a completed reservation—God has already set aside the blessing; believers simply await its unveiling.

Implications for Stewardship

In Luke 19, the same verb exposes negligence. The servant’s unused mina illustrates disciples who hide rather than invest what the Master entrusts. While the reward passages highlight grace, this verse reminds readers that faithfulness now affects commendation later (Luke 19:24–26). The identical term therefore urges active obedience in anticipation of future review.

Certainty of Divine Judgment

Hebrews 9:27 uses ἀπόκειμαι for the inescapable appointment every person has with judgment. Just as reward is securely stored for the righteous, judgment is firmly fixed for the unrepentant. The same divine reliability that guarantees blessing also guarantees accountability.

Historical Background

Outside Scripture, ἀπόκειμαι often described valuables stored in a vault or provisions kept for a journey. The New Testament writers adopt that everyday image to communicate ultimate realities. By the first century, Jewish apocalyptic literature already spoke of treasures in heaven; the term naturally bridges that concept to the Gospel and apostolic teaching.

Pastoral and Practical Applications

1. Assurance – God’s promises are not speculative; they are already “laid away.” This strengthens perseverance amid trials.
2. Motivation – Knowing a reward is reserved stirs believers to labor faithfully, unlike the unprofitable servant.
3. Sobriety – Judgment “laid away” for the lost intensifies evangelistic urgency.
4. Perspective – Earthly gains may perish, yet heavenly hope is immune to decay or theft (Matthew 6:19–20).

Summary

Strong’s 606 paints a vivid picture of divine certainty: treasures for the faithful, judgment for the unfaithful. Whether applied to minas, hope, crowns, or accountability, ἀπόκειμαι directs the reader’s gaze from present responsibility to assured future outcomes, encouraging a life of watchful stewardship, confident expectation, and reverent fear of God.

απεκέντησεν αποκείμενα αποκειμενην αποκειμένην ἀποκειμένην αποκειται απόκειται απόκειταί ἀπόκειται ἀπόκειταί αποκέντησιν αποκέντησόν αποκεντήσωσί αποκεντούντος αποκεντούντων apokeimenen apokeimenēn apokeiménen apokeiménēn apokeitai apókeitai apókeitaíInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts