Pronunciation Guide: ah-kah-tah-kah-LOOP-tos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G177: Uncovered, unveiled, or not covered. This compound word literally means “not according to covering” and refers specifically to the state of being without proper covering, particularly in reference to a woman’s head during worship. The term appears in the New Testament specifically in the context of appropriate worship practices and cultural propriety.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Compound word from ἀ- (negative prefix) + κατά (according to) + καλύπτω (to cover)
• Used primarily in teaching/instructional passages
• Appears in context of worship and church order
• Classical Greek origin with continued usage in Koine

ἀκατακάλυπτος Morphology:

• ἀκατακάλυπτος (nominative singular) – uncovered
• ἀκατακαλύπτου (genitive singular) – of uncovered
• ἀκατακαλύπτῳ (dative singular) – to/for uncovered
• ἀκατακάλυπτον (accusative singular) – uncovered (direct object)

Origin & History

The term ἀκατακάλυπτος emerges from classical Greek usage where covering and uncovering held significant social and religious implications. In ancient Greek literature, particularly in works like Plutarch’s “Moralia,” the concept of head covering was associated with modesty, dignity, and proper social conduct.

The word’s components reflect deep cultural meanings: the negative prefix ἀ- combined with κατακαλύπτω (to cover completely) creates a term that doesn’t simply mean “bare” but rather implies the absence of an expected or proper covering. This nuance carries significant weight in both Greco-Roman and Jewish contexts where head coverings played important roles in religious and social life.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Not properly covered according to custom or requirement
• Lacking appropriate covering in a worship context
• Being in a state contrary to expected covering protocols

ἀκατακάλυπτος Translation Options:

• “Uncovered” – Most direct translation, emphasizing the physical state
• “Unveiled” – Captures the visible aspect while maintaining dignity in translation
• “Without proper covering” – Emphasizes the cultural/religious expectation
• “Bare-headed” – More colloquial but accurately conveys the meaning in modern English

Biblical Usage

The term ἀκατακάλυπτος appears most notably in 1 Corinthians 11:5 where Paul addresses proper worship practices in the Corinthian church. The context deals with appropriate attire and behavior during worship, particularly focusing on the significance of head coverings for women during prayer and prophecy.

This passage represents a crucial intersection of cultural practice and spiritual significance in early Christian worship. The word choice is deliberate, expressing not just a physical state but a departure from accepted worship practices that carried deep theological implications.

• “But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered [ἀκατακάλυπτος] dishonors her head.” 1 Corinthians 11:5

Cultural Insights

In first-century Corinth, head coverings served as powerful social symbols. For women, the covered head represented modesty, submission to proper authority, and social respectability. Archaeological evidence from Roman-era Corinth shows numerous depictions of women with head coverings in religious contexts, suggesting this was a deeply embedded cultural practice.

The use of ἀκατακάλυπτος in this context would have resonated strongly with the original audience, as uncovered heads in public worship settings could suggest either pagan religious practices or social impropriety. This helps explain why Paul addresses this issue with such careful attention to both cultural sensitivity and theological significance.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀκατακάλυπτος in 1 Corinthians 11 connects to broader theological themes of order, authority, and proper worship. The covering or uncovering of the head relates to God’s established order in creation and the proper expression of that order in worship settings.

This word choice by Paul reveals how physical actions and appearance in worship carry deeper spiritual significance. The issue isn’t merely about clothing but about honoring God’s design for authority and order in the church, while also maintaining clear distinctions between male and female roles in worship – all while pointing to the glory of God.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀκατακάλυπτος reminds us that our worship practices should reflect both reverence for God and respect for the church community. While specific cultural expressions may vary, the underlying principles of order, respect, and appropriate worship remain relevant.

Today’s believers can apply these principles by thoughtfully considering how their conduct and appearance in worship either honors or dishonors the Lord, while being sensitive to both biblical principles and cultural context.

Related Words

• καλύπτω (kalypto) – to cover, conceal – Used for general covering actions – See G2572
• κατακαλύπτω (katakalypto) – to cover completely – Intensified form of cover – See G2619
• κάλυμμα (kalymma) – a covering, veil – The actual covering itself – See G2571
• περιβόλαιον (peribolaion) – a covering, wrapper – Used for general clothing – See G4018

Did you Know?

• The practice of head covering in worship continues today in various Christian traditions, particularly in Orthodox churches and some conservative Protestant denominations, showing the enduring influence of this biblical concept.
• Archaeological evidence from ancient Corinth shows that the uncovered head was associated with certain pagan worship practices, particularly in the cult of Aphrodite, which may have influenced Paul’s strong stance on this issue.
• The word ἀκατακάλυπτος appears in some ancient Greek medical texts, describing conditions where something that should naturally be covered is exposed, suggesting its use extended beyond just head coverings to general propriety and natural order.

Remember This

ἀκατακάλυπτος reminds us that our worship practices are not merely cultural preferences but reflect deeper spiritual truths about God’s order, authority, and the sanctity of worship.