ἐπικαλύπτω

I cover up

Definition

The verb ἐπικαλύπτω means to cover something over, to conceal, or to hide. It carries the sense of placing a covering upon an object, often implying a complete or thorough covering that obscures what is beneath. In its single New Testament occurrence in Romans 4:7, it is used metaphorically in a quotation from Psalm 32:1 (LXX) to describe the forgiveness of sins, where sins are 'covered' or hidden from view by God. This metaphorical usage is the primary biblical sense, focusing on the removal of guilt through divine action rather than a physical act of concealment.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Romans 4:7, where Paul quotes the Greek Septuagint version of Psalm 32:1. The context is Paul's argument about justification by faith, using David's testimony. The usage is entirely metaphorical, describing how God deals with human sin: 'Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered (ἐπικαλύπτω).' The word functions to express the complete removal of sin from God's sight as a result of forgiveness.

Etymology

ἐπικαλύπτω is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning 'upon' or 'over,' and the verb καλύπτω (kalyptō), a common verb meaning 'to cover,' 'to hide,' or 'to veil.' The prefix ἐπί intensifies the root meaning, emphasizing the action of covering something over. The root καλύπτω is related to nouns like καλύπτρα (kalyptra, 'a veil') and appears in other compounds like ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō, 'to uncover, reveal'), showing an opposite action.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it provides a key metaphor for forgiveness and atonement. In Romans 4:7, 'covered' sins are synonymous with 'forgiven' sins, illustrating that God's forgiveness completely removes our guilt from His sight. This concept connects to the Old Testament sacrificial system where sins were 'atoned for' (often meaning 'covered'), and points forward to the work of Christ, whose sacrifice ultimately deals with sin. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Psalm 32 and Romans 4 by highlighting the thoroughness and completeness of divine forgiveness.

In the Greco-Roman and Jewish cultural context, the idea of 'covering' sin had rich background. In the Hebrew Bible, the concept of atonement (kippur) is linguistically connected to 'covering.' The Greek Septuagint translators chose ἐπικαλύπτω to render this Hebrew concept in Psalms, which Paul then adopts. For ancient readers, a covered object was not just out of sight but often considered dealt with, neutralized, or its power removed. This differs from a modern, purely psychological view of forgiveness; it carries a stronger judicial or transactional sense of guilt being definitively handled.

καλύπτω (kalyptō, G2572) — The simpler root verb meaning 'to cover' or 'to veil,' without the intensive prefix. ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō, G601) — Means 'to uncover, reveal, disclose'; the direct opposite action. περικαλύπτω (perikalyptō, G4028) — Means 'to cover all around, to wrap up'; emphasizes enveloping.

Word Details

Scripture References