Brief Overview of κατακαλύπτω (Strong’s G2619: katakalyptō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies as it helps us grasp the depth and nuances of the original text. The Greek word κατακαλύπτω (katakalyptō) is particularly significant because it deals with the concept of covering or veiling. This verb is found in the New Testament in contexts that discuss cultural, social, and spiritual implications of covering or concealing. By examining κατακαλύπτω, we gain a deeper understanding of how early Christian writers and ancient Greek culture expressed ideas of modesty, honor, and divine mysteries through the act of covering.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: κατακαλύπτω (katakalyptō) [ka-ta-ka-LY-pto]
• Etymology Root Words and Their Meanings: Derived from κατά (kata, meaning “down” or “against”) and καλύπτω (kalyptō, meaning “to cover” or “to hide”).
• Part of Speech: Verb; it can be conjugated in various tenses, voices, and moods.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To cover or veil completely.
• To hide or conceal.
• To overshadow or obscure from view.

Similar Words: A related Greek word is καλύπτω (kalyptō) [ka-LY-pto], which also means “to cover” or “to hide.” However, while καλύπτω refers to a general act of covering or hiding, κατακαλύπτω intensifies the action with the prefix κατά, implying a more thorough or complete covering, often in a social or ritual context.

Further Insights: The verb κατακαλύπτω combines the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” with καλύπτω (kalyptō), meaning “to cover.” This combination creates a sense of covering something entirely or concealing it from view. Below is a table showing the present indicative active form of κατακαλύπτω:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines κατακαλύπτω as “to cover” or “to veil,” particularly in contexts where covering is associated with social or cultural practices, such as head coverings for women.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Describes κατακαλύπτω as “to cover wholly” or “to hide,” with an emphasis on its use in the New Testament regarding modesty and propriety in worship settings.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on the verb’s meaning of “to veil” or “to cover over,” often used in a figurative sense to describe spiritual covering or protection.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Notes that κατακαλύπτω was used in classical Greek to denote covering or hiding, whether in physical contexts (such as veiling a person) or metaphorical contexts (such as hiding intentions).
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Simply defines κατακαλύπτω as “to cover” or “to veil,” underscoring its application in both literal and metaphorical senses of covering or concealing.

Related Scripture References

• 1 Corinthians 11:6 – “For if a woman does not cover [κατακαλυπτέται] her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover [κατακαλυπτέσθω] her head.”
• 1 Corinthians 11:7 – “For a man ought not to have his head covered [κατακαλυπτέσθω], since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατακαλύπτω (G2619: katakalyptō)

The Greek verb κατακαλύπτω, meaning “to cover” or “to veil,” plays a significant role in understanding social and spiritual customs in Biblical and classical contexts. It is used in the New Testament to describe acts of covering or veiling, particularly in discussions about modesty and proper conduct in worship settings. The use of κατακαλύπτω in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint further highlights its importance in expressing concepts of concealment, modesty, and protection, whether in physical or spiritual contexts. By studying κατακαλύπτω, readers gain a clearer understanding of how covering or veiling is viewed across different cultural and theological settings.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The prefix “kata-” in κατακαλύπτω intensifies the verb, suggesting a complete or thorough covering, which differs from the simpler καλύπτω, meaning just “to cover.”
• Fact 2: In ancient Greek culture, veiling was a significant social practice, often associated with modesty, respect, and protection, which is reflected in the use of κατακαλύπτω.
• Fact 3: In the New Testament, discussions around κατακαλύπτω were often connected to gender roles, propriety in worship, and the theological symbolism of head coverings.

Understanding κατακαλύπτω provides valuable insights into Biblical narratives and classical Greek literature, revealing how language conveys themes of modesty, protection, and the sacred through the act of covering.