Understanding ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō) Strong’s G601: The Divine Act of Uncovering Hidden Truth and Revealing God’s Glory

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-kah-LOOP-toh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G601: ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō) fundamentally means “to uncover, reveal, or make manifest what was previously hidden.” It combines the preposition ἀπό (away from) with καλύπτω (to cover or hide), literally meaning “to take the cover away from.” This word carries the profound theological significance of God’s sovereign act of revealing divine truth and mysteries to humanity.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (present active indicative)
• Compound word: ἀπό (from) + καλύπτω (to cover)
• Primary usage in teaching and prophetic passages
• Common in apocalyptic literature
• Frequently used in revelatory contexts

ἀποκαλύπτω Morphology:

• ἀποκαλύπτω (present active indicative) – I reveal/uncover
• ἀποκαλύπτεται (present passive indicative) – it is being revealed
• ἀποκαλύψει (future active indicative) – he/she/it will reveal
• ἀποκαλυφθῆναι (aorist passive infinitive) – to be revealed
• ἀποκεκαλυμμένον (perfect passive participle) – having been revealed

Origin & History

The term ἀποκαλύπτω emerged in classical Greek literature primarily as a physical act of uncovering or exposing something hidden. Plato used it in “Republic” (IV.471c) to describe the unveiling of truth through philosophical discourse.

In the Septuagint, ἀποκαλύπτω took on deeper theological significance, often translating the Hebrew גָּלָה (galah). It appears notably in prophetic literature where יהוה (Yahweh) reveals His will to the prophets. The prophets frequently use this term when receiving divine visions, as seen in 1 Samuel 3:7 where יהוה (Yahweh) “reveals” Himself to young Samuel.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Contra Celsum,” expanded the word’s usage to encompass the progressive revelation of divine mysteries through the Messiah Jesus and the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in illuminating Scripture to believers.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To uncover or expose what was previously hidden
• To make known divine truth through supernatural revelation
• To bring understanding through divine illumination
• To manifest or make visible what was concealed

ἀποκαλύπτω Translation Options:

• “Reveal” – Best captures the divine initiative in making known what was hidden
• “Uncover” – Emphasizes the removal of what conceals
• “Disclose” – Highlights the communication aspect of making truth known
• “Make manifest” – Stresses the result of bringing hidden things to light
• “Unveil” – Particularly appropriate for prophetic or apocalyptic contexts

Biblical Usage

ἀποκαλύπτω appears frequently in contexts where God takes the initiative to reveal spiritual truth. Its first appearance in Matthew 10:26 establishes a key principle that nothing remains permanently hidden from God’s revealing work.

The word carries special significance in Paul’s writings, where it often describes the revelation of God’s righteousness (Romans 1:17), His wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:10), and the glory to be revealed in believers (Romans 8:18).

Key Biblical References:

• “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed [ἀποκαλυφθήσεται].” Matthew 10:26
• “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed [ἀποκαλύπτεται].” Romans 1:17
• “But God has revealed [ἀπεκάλυψεν] them to us through His Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 2:10
• “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed [ἀποκαλυφθῆναι] in us.” Romans 8:18
• “When the Lord Jesus is revealed [ἀποκαλύπτεται] from heaven.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of revelation was often associated with the removal of a veil, as exemplified in the Temple veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. This physical barrier represented the separation between God and humanity, making the term ἀποκαλύπτω particularly significant in describing God’s initiative to remove barriers and reveal Himself.

The Jewish practice of covering the Torah scroll with a beautiful mantle, only to be removed during reading, provides a powerful cultural metaphor for ἀποκαλύπτω. Just as the Torah mantle is ceremoniously removed to reveal God’s Word, so too does God sovereignly “remove the cover” to reveal His truth to His people.

Theological Significance

ἀποκαλύπτω underscores the fundamental truth that God is a self-revealing God. He takes the initiative to make Himself known to humanity. This revelation isn’t merely intellectual but transformative, as seen in 2 Corinthians 3:18 where the unveiled face beholds the Lord’s glory.

The word carries eschatological significance, pointing to the future revelation of the Messiah Jesus in glory and the full disclosure of God’s redemptive plan. This creates a tension between the “already” of current revelation and the “not yet” of complete revelation at the Messiah’s return.

The progressive nature of divine revelation embedded in ἀποκαλύπτω shows God’s wisdom in revealing truth according to His perfect timing and our capacity to receive it. This emphasizes both God’s sovereignty in revelation and His pastoral care in how He reveals truth to His people.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀποκαλύπτω should cultivate both humility and expectancy in our spiritual lives. Humility because we recognize that true spiritual knowledge comes not through human effort alone but through God’s gracious revelation. Expectancy because God promises to reveal Himself to those who seek Him with their whole heart.

When we approach Scripture or pray, we should do so with an awareness that we need the Holy Spirit to “remove the veil” from our understanding. This shifts our posture from mere academic study to dependent seeking, acknowledging that true revelation comes from God Himself.

Related Words

• φανερόω (phaneroō) [fah-neh-RO-oh] – to make visible or clear, emphasizes the manifestation aspect rather than the uncovering process See G5319
• δηλόω (dēloō) [day-LO-oh] – to make clear or evident, focuses on the clarity of what is shown See G1213
• γνωρίζω (gnōrizō) [gno-RID-zo] – to make known, emphasizes the communication of knowledge See G1107
• ἐμφανίζω (emphanizō) [em-fah-NID-zo] – to manifest or display, stresses the visible demonstration See G1718

Did you Know?

• The English word “apocalypse” derives from the noun form of ἀποκαλύπτω (ἀποκάλυψις), though its modern connotation of catastrophic events differs from its original meaning of “unveiling” or “revelation.”
• In ancient Greek mystery religions, the concept of “revelation” was associated with initiation rites where sacred objects were dramatically unveiled to initiates. The biblical use of ἀποκαλύπτω deliberately contrasts with this by emphasizing God’s sovereign initiative in revelation rather than human achievement through ritual.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀποκαλύπτω in contexts of discovery and revelation, particularly in scientific or journalistic contexts when new information comes to light.

Remember This

ἀποκαλύπτω reminds us that every genuine revelation of truth is a gift from God, who graciously removes the veil from our understanding to show us His glory, His truth, and His love.