Strong’s G4018: A covering or wrapper that completely surrounds, derived from περιβάλλω (to throw around). Used in the New Testament for both literal covering (women’s hair) and metaphorically in Hebrews for God’s creation of the heavens. Emphasizes complete encompassment.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιβόλαιον represents a complete covering or wrapper that encompasses its object. As a compound noun derived from περιβάλλω, it carries the sense of something thrown around for covering or protection. In the New Testament, it appears in two significant contexts: Paul’s discussion of women’s hair as a natural covering and the majestic description in Hebrews of God’s handling of creation like a garment. The word carries deep theological significance in both contexts, speaking to divine order in creation and God’s sovereign control over the cosmos. Early church writers expanded its usage to discuss both modesty in worship and God’s providence in creation.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιβόλαιον, peribolaion, [peh-ree-BO-lai-on]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-BO-lai-on (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around”
• βάλλω (ballo): root meaning “to throw”
• -αιον (-aion): substantive suffix forming a noun
• Combined meaning: that which is thrown around

D – Defining Meanings

• A covering, wrapper
• A vesture or garment
• A mantle or veil

For compound words: The prefix περί combines with the verbal root βάλλω and the substantive suffix -αιον to create a noun meaning “that which is cast around completely”

Translation Options:

1. Covering – Emphasizes protective function
2. Wrapper – Highlights encompassing nature
3. Vesture – Formal equivalent, especially for biblical contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἱμάτιον [himation, hi-MAH-tee-on] – outer garment, less emphasis on covering
• κάλυμμα [kalymma, KAH-loom-mah] – veil, specific type of covering
• σκέπασμα [skepasma, SKEH-pas-mah] – shelter, protective covering

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Nominal Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative/Accusative: περιβόλαιον
• Genitive: περιβολαίου
• Dative: περιβολαίῳ

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use for both natural and divine covering. Thayer’s notes its derivation from περιβάλλω. LSJ provides examples from classical literature. Vine’s connects it to both modesty and divine sovereignty. Strong’s emphasizes the complete nature of the covering. Moulton and Milligan note its use in everyday documents for clothing.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a [covering].” (1 Corinthians 11:15)

Additional References:
Hebrews 1:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιβόλαιον beautifully illustrates both God’s provision and sovereignty. From the natural covering of hair to God’s control over creation, it speaks to the completeness of divine care and authority. This reminds us that the good news of King Jesus includes His comprehensive care for both our physical and spiritual needs.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient clothing receipts and inventories
2. Appears in Greek literature to describe both modest dress and cosmic order
3. Influenced early Christian teaching on both modesty and creation theology

Strong’s G4018: Noun denoting a complete covering or wrapper. Used both literally for physical covering (woman’s hair) and metaphorically for God’s sovereign control over creation (heavens as a garment). Emphasizes comprehensive nature of divine provision and authority.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #Covering #Creation #DivineProvision #BiblicalGreek #Modesty #Sovereignty #WomenInWorship #CompoundWords #PaulineTeaching #HebrewsTheology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​