Laid Up

Greek Word Pronunciation: ah-PO-kay-mai
Strong’s Number: 606
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 641
Key Verse: “… because of the hope laid up for you in heaven …” -- Colossians 1:5

Apokeimai is a compound word of apo, meaning “up” or “away,” and keimai, “to be laid up,” leading to the general meaning of reserved or laid away for safekeeping. This verb appears 4 times in the New Testament.

It is used in a literal way, in Luke 19:20 in reference to money “kept put away in a handkerchief.” The money was being held onto carefully instead of being used it as directed.

The use in Hebrews 9:27 is “inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once.” There are 10 different Greek words translated “appointment” in the New Testament. Only in this instance is this particular Greek verb used this way, indicating the fact that death is not the effect of chance, or haphazard. God’s appointment is already fixed, and it cannot be changed.

The last two verses are spiritual, metaphorical usages. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:8, “there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness.” It is reserved and out of reach of all enemies. This crown is the reward which God, in His kindness, has promised to them who are faithful to the grace He has bestowed upon them.

Finally, in the key verse of COLOSSIANS 1:5, the believer’s hope is reserved in heaven, denoting the preciousness and valuableness of it. It is hid in Christ, it is reserved in heaven, and cannot be spoiled by men or Satan. It is for the saints, the chosen of God, whom He has distinguished by His grace.