περικαλύπτω

I cover up

Definition

The verb περικαλύπτω means to cover something completely or wrap it around. It carries the sense of enveloping an object, often with the implication of concealment or protection. In the New Testament, it describes the act of blindfolding Jesus during his mockery (Mark 14:65, Luke 22:64), emphasizing a complete covering of the eyes. In Hebrews 9:4, it refers to the gold-covered Ark of the Covenant, describing how it was overlaid or encased entirely in gold.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only three times in the New Testament, appearing in two distinct contexts. In the Gospels of Mark and Luke, it describes the hostile act of covering Jesus's face, either to blindfold him or to veil him during abuse, as part of his humiliation before the crucifixion. In Hebrews, it is used in a descriptive, ceremonial context regarding the construction of the Ark within the Most Holy Place, highlighting its sacred covering.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around' or 'about,' combined with the verb καλύπτω (kalyptō), meaning 'to cover' or 'to hide.' Thus, περικαλύπτω literally means 'to cover all around' or 'to wrap up.' It intensifies the basic action of covering to imply completeness. The root καλύπτω is also seen in words like ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō, 'to reveal,' literally 'to uncover').

Semantic Range

This word enriches our understanding of both Christ's suffering and Old Testament worship. In the Passion narratives, the act of covering Jesus's face underscores the fulfillment of prophecies about the Messiah's humiliation and the rejection of divine revelation (Isaiah 53:3). In Hebrews, the description of the covered Ark points to the holiness and inaccessibility of God's presence under the old covenant, which is now opened through Christ. The covering in both contexts highlights themes of concealment versus revelation.

In the cultural setting, blindfolding or covering someone's face was a gesture of mockery and disrespect, used to disorient and degrade a prisoner. For the Ark, the complete gold overlay was not merely decorative; it signified supreme value, purity, and the sacredness of the object, which was to be hidden from common view, reflecting the belief in God's transcendent holiness.

καλύπτω (kalyptō, G2572) — a more general term for covering or hiding, without the intensive 'all-around' sense. συγκαλύπτω (synkalyptō, G4780) — to cover together or conceal, used in Luke 12:2 for things hidden that will be revealed. κατακαλύπτω (katakalyptō, G2619) — to cover fully or veil, often used for head coverings (e.g., 1 Corinthians 11:6-7).

Word Details

Scripture References