καλύπτω

I veil, hide, conceal, envelop

Definition

The verb καλύπτω fundamentally means to cover, veil, or hide something from view. In the New Testament, it is used both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it describes physical covering, such as waves covering a boat (Matthew 8:24) or hiding a lamp under a container (Luke 8:16). Metaphorically, it refers to the concealment of truth or sin, as when the gospel is veiled to unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:3) or when love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8, James 5:20).

Biblical Usage

Used 7 times in the NT, καλύπτω appears in Gospels, Epistles, and James, often in proverbial or illustrative sayings. In the Gospels, it illustrates practical or parabolic truths (e.g., Matthew 10:26's 'nothing covered that will not be revealed'). In the Epistles, it takes on theological weight, describing spiritual concealment (2 Corinthians 4:3) and the atoning, forgiving effect of love (1 Peter 4:8). The single apocalyptic use is a literal cry for mountains to hide people (Luke 23:30).

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek root καλύπτω, meaning 'to cover' or 'conceal.' It is related to nouns like κάλυμμα (a veil, covering) and shares a root with καλύβη (a hut, a covered dwelling). The core idea of covering or enveloping remains consistent from classical through Koine Greek.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant for its connection to revelation, atonement, and forgiveness. In 2 Corinthians 4:3, it describes the spiritual blindness preventing people from seeing the gospel's glory. Most profoundly, in 1 Peter 4:8 and James 5:20, 'love covers a multitude of sins' uses the imagery of atonement—not hiding sin from God, but love's power to forgive, restore, and effectively remove sin's relational and spiritual consequences, echoing Old Testament concepts (Proverbs 10:12).

The cultural understanding of 'covering' sin (1 Peter 4:8) would resonate with Jewish hearers familiar with the Hebrew concept of 'kaphar' (to atone, cover), used for the sacrificial system where sins were 'covered' before God. The image of hiding a lamp (Luke 8:16) reflects everyday domestic life where a clay jar or basket might be used to snuff a small oil lamp.

κρύπτω (kryptō, G2928) — emphasizes hiding or secreting away, often with intent. ἀποκρύπτω (apokryptō, G613) — to hide away, conceal thoroughly. περικαλύπτω (perikalyptō, G4028) — to cover all around, wrap up.

Word Details

Scripture References