Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for a deeper comprehension of Biblical texts and their meanings. The word ἐπικαλύπτω (epikalýptō), Strong’s G1943, is particularly significant as it means “to cover” or “to conceal.” This verb is relevant in New Testament interpretation, especially in contexts where covering or concealing something has both literal and metaphorical implications. In ancient Greek culture, covering was not only a physical act but also a metaphor for hiding, protecting, or obscuring knowledge, objects, or actions.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπικαλύπτω (epikalýptō) [eh-pee-ka-LIP-to]
• Etymology root words and their meanings: From ἐπί (epi, “upon”) and καλύπτω (kalýptō, “to cover”), meaning “to cover upon” or “to conceal.”
• Part of Speech: Verb. This word follows the typical Greek verb conjugation patterns.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To cover upon or over something.
• To conceal or hide, often with the intent of protecting or obscuring.
• To envelop or wrap up something or someone.

Similar Words: Related Greek words include καλύπτω (kalýptō) [ka-LIP-to], meaning “to cover” or “to hide,” and ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalýptō) [a-po-ka-LIP-to], meaning “to uncover” or “to reveal.” While καλύπτω is a more general term that simply means “to cover” or “to hide,” ἐπικαλύπτω (epikalýptō) emphasizes a more specific action of “covering upon” or “concealing over.” In contrast, ἀποκαλύπτω signifies the opposite action, “to uncover” or “to disclose,” often revealing something that was previously hidden or unknown.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπικαλύπτω is a compound formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon,” and the verb καλύπτω (kalýptō), which means “to cover.” This combination creates a more intensive form of covering, suggesting an action where something is deliberately covered over or concealed for protection, modesty, or secrecy. In Biblical contexts, ἐπικαλύπτω can be used both literally and metaphorically, such as in covering sins, hiding truths, or protecting something valuable.
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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines ἐπικαλύπτω as “to cover over, to conceal,” often used in contexts where something is hidden or protected from view. It can be applied in both literal and metaphorical senses, such as covering sins or secrets.
• Thayers: Notes that ἐπικαλύπτω means “to cover” or “to conceal,” particularly emphasizing the idea of covering over something to hide it. It is often used in Biblical passages where concealment or hiding is involved, whether for protection or obscuration.
• Vines: Highlights that ἐπικαλύπτω implies “to cover over” or “to conceal,” frequently appearing in contexts of secrecy or protection, such as covering faults or hiding from danger.
• LSJ: In classical Greek literature, ἐπικαλύπτω is noted to mean “to cover upon” or “to overlay,” commonly used to describe physical coverings, such as clothing, armor, or other protective layers. It is also used metaphorically to describe hiding thoughts or actions.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes it as “to cover” or “to conceal,” emphasizing the sense of hiding or protecting something from view or understanding. It is often found in religious and literary texts where concealment is significant.

Related Scripture References

• James 5:20: “Let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover (ἐπικαλύψει) a multitude of sins.”
• 1 Peter 4:8: “Above all things, have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover (ἐπικαλύψει) a multitude of sins.'”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπικαλύπτω (G1943)

The Greek word ἐπικαλύπτω (epikalýptō) is a verb that means “to cover upon,” “to conceal,” or “to hide.” It holds significant importance in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, where it describes the action of covering something over, whether for protection, concealment, or modesty. In the New Testament, it is often used in the context of covering sins, which conveys a sense of forgiveness or mercy. Its use in classical texts reflects its broader application in discussions about hiding, protecting, and concealing, whether in physical, philosophical, or metaphorical contexts.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek literature and culture, the act of covering (ἐπικαλύπτω) was often a symbol of protection, modesty, or secrecy. For instance, veils, cloaks, or other coverings were not just practical garments but carried symbolic meanings of concealing one’s identity, intentions, or emotions. In the New Testament, this idea extends into spiritual metaphors, such as the concept of love covering a multitude of sins, reflecting themes of forgiveness, mercy, and redemption.