Brief Overview of συγκαλύπτω (Strong’s G4780: sugkalupto)

Strong’s G4780: A compound verb meaning “to cover completely, conceal wholly.” From σύν (with/completely) and καλύπτω (to cover). Used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe things temporarily hidden that will ultimately be revealed, particularly in reference to divine truth and judgment.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκαλύπτω carries the primary meaning of complete concealment or covering, with σύν intensifying the basic meaning of καλύπτω. In the New Testament, it appears in the Messiah’s teaching about the temporary nature of concealment, emphasizing that all hidden things will eventually be revealed. The early church understood this word as carrying special significance regarding both divine revelation and human attempts to hide truth. Today, it reminds us that nothing remains permanently hidden from God’s sight and that His truth will ultimately prevail.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγκαλύπτω, sugkalupto, /soong-kal-oop’-to/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – kal (as in “call”) – OOP – toe
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, completely”
• καλύπτω (kalupto) meaning “to cover, hide”
• Combined meaning: “to cover completely, conceal wholly”

D – Defining Meanings

• To cover completely
• To conceal entirely
• To hide thoroughly

For compound words:

• σύν intensifies the action
• καλύπτω provides the basic meaning of covering
• Combined emphasizes thoroughness of concealment

Translation Options:

• “To cover completely” – Emphasizes thoroughness
• “To conceal wholly” – Stresses total hiding
• “To veil entirely” – Suggests intentional concealment

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καλύπτω (kalupto) /kal-oop’-to/ – to cover See G2572
• κρύπτω (krupto) /kroop’-to/ – to hide See G2928
• περικαλύπτω (perikalupto) /per-ee-kal-oop’-to/ – to cover around See G4028

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb:

• Tense: Perfect
• Voice: Passive
• Mood: Participle
• Person: N/A (Participle)
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Stative/Resultative

Examples:

• Perfect Passive Participle: συγκεκαλυμμένον (having been completely covered)
• Present Active: συγκαλύπτω (I cover completely)
• Future Active: συγκαλύψω (I will cover completely)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its completeness of concealment. Thayer’s notes the intensifying effect of the σύν prefix. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek for physical covering. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical usage in Luke. Strong’s connects it to thorough concealment. LEH notes its use in the Septuagint for divine concealment. Moulton and Milligan show its usage in legal documents for suppressing evidence.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 12:2: “For there is nothing covered [συγκαλύπτω] that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγκαλύπτω powerfully reminds us that nothing remains permanently hidden from God. While humans may attempt to conceal truth or righteousness, the Messiah promises ultimate revelation. This word proclaims the good news that God’s truth will triumph and His justice will prevail, bringing all things to light.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears only once in the New Testament
• It was used in ancient legal documents for concealing evidence
• Early church writers used it to discuss the temporary nature of spiritual blindness

Strong’s G4780: A compound verb meaning “to cover completely, conceal wholly.” From σύν (with/completely) and καλύπτω (to cover). Used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe things temporarily hidden that will ultimately be revealed, particularly in reference to divine truth and judgment.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: concealment, revelation, truth, judgment, hidden-things, divine-revelation, exposure, secrecy, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, luke, spiritual-blindness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​