ἀνακαλύπτω

I unveil

Definition

The verb ἀνακαλύπτω means to unveil, uncover, or reveal something that was previously hidden. In its two New Testament occurrences, both in 2 Corinthians 3, it describes the removal of a veil that obscures understanding or glory. In 2 Corinthians 3:14, it refers to the veil that remains over the hearts of those who read the old covenant, which is only removed in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, the word describes believers, with unveiled faces, beholding the Lord's glory and being transformed into His image.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in 2 Corinthians 3, where Paul employs the imagery of a veil from the story of Moses (Exodus 34:29-35). In 2 Corinthians 3:14, it describes the spiritual condition of those who do not turn to Christ when reading the old covenant—their minds remain veiled. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, it describes the privileged state of Christians who, through the Spirit, have direct, unveiled access to behold the glory of the Lord, leading to transformation.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀνά (ana), often meaning 'up' or 'again,' and the verb καλύπτω (kalyptō, G2572), meaning 'to cover, hide, or conceal.' Thus, ἀνακαλύπτω literally means 'to uncover' or 'to unveil.' It is the opposite of concealment, emphasizing the action of removing an obstruction to reveal what lies beneath.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the core of the New Covenant experience. It describes the transition from spiritual blindness to revelation in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:14) and the ongoing, transformative relationship believers have with God's glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of 2 Corinthians 3 by highlighting that true understanding and spiritual transformation are only possible when the veil is removed through faith in Jesus.

The imagery directly references the veil Moses wore after meeting with God (Exodus 34:33-35), a well-known story in first-century Jewish culture. That veil both shielded the Israelites from the fading glory on Moses' face and symbolized the hiddenness and temporary nature of the old covenant. Paul repurposes this cultural symbol to contrast the obscurity of the law apart from Christ with the bold, open access to God available in the new covenant.

ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō, G601) — emphasizes a full disclosure or revelation, often of divine mysteries. φανερόω (phaneroō, G5319) — focuses on making something visible, manifest, or known.

Word Details

Scripture References