### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1507 (εἱλίσσω, transliterated as *heilíssō*) carries the core meaning of "to coil or wrap," or "to roll together." It is identified as a prolonged form of the primary verb ἑλίσσω ( *helíssō*), sharing an identical semantic range. The fundamental concept conveyed by this term is that of convolution, folding, or bringing parts together into a compact form, often implying the conclusion or cessation of a particular state. Metaphorically, it suggests an act of bringing something to an end by folding it away, much like one might roll up a scroll or a piece of clothing that has served its purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G1507 (εἱλίσσω) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Hebrews 1:12]]. This verse is part of a larger quotation from [[Psalm 102:25-27]], which the author of Hebrews applies directly to the Son, Jesus Christ.
The full context of [[Hebrews 1:10-12]] reads:
> "And, 'You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands; they will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; and like a robe You will G1507 them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.'"
In this passage, G1507 (εἱλίσσω) describes the divine action of rolling up the heavens and earth, likening them to a worn-out garment. This imagery powerfully conveys the transience and ultimate perishability of the physical cosmos, which, despite its grandeur, is subject to the will and actions of its Creator. The act of "rolling up" signifies an end to the current cosmic order, an act of divine sovereignty that brings about a fundamental change. The immediate contrast is with the unchangeable and eternal nature of Christ, highlighting His divine permanence over against the temporal nature of creation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words and concepts are closely related to G1507 (εἱλίσσω) due to shared meaning, contextual association, or thematic opposition:
* **ἑλίσσω (helíssō)**: As noted in the definition, G1507 is a prolonged form of this verb. They share the same core meaning of "to coil" or "to wrap," indicating a direct semantic link.
* **παλαιόω (palaióō)**: This verb, meaning "to grow old" or "to make old," appears in [[Hebrews 1:11]] ("they will all grow old like a garment"). This concept directly precedes and sets the stage for the action of G1507 (εἱλίσσω), as what is old is then rolled up.
* **ἀλλάσσω (allassō)**: Meaning "to change" or "to alter," this verb is found in [[Hebrews 1:12]] ("and they will be changed"). The act of rolling up (εἱλίσσω) is presented as the precursor to this transformation, implying a divine reordering or renewal.
* **ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō)**: Meaning "to uncover" or "to reveal," this word stands in semantic contrast to G1507 (εἱλίσσω). While heilíssō implies covering, concluding, or bringing to an end, apokalyptō signifies the unveiling or bringing into existence of something new.
* **καινός (kainos)**: While not morphologically related, the concept of "new" (e.g., new heavens and new earth in [[Revelation 21:1]]) is the theological consequence of the "rolling up" of the old. The dissolution of the current order often foreshadows a divine act of new creation.
### Theological Significance
The solitary occurrence of G1507 (εἱλίσσω) in [[Hebrews 1:12]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Control**: The image of God (through Christ) rolling up the heavens and earth like a garment powerfully asserts His absolute dominion over creation. He is not merely the Creator but also the One who determines its lifespan, its transformation, and its ultimate end. This underscores the complete dependence of the cosmos on its Maker.
* **Eschatological Transience of Creation**: The use of G1507 (εἱλίσσω) vividly portrays the temporary nature of the physical universe. It will "grow old" and be "rolled up," signifying its eventual dissolution or radical transformation. This aligns with broader biblical eschatology that anticipates the passing away of the present heavens and earth ([[2 Peter 3:10-13]]) and the advent of a new creation.
* **Christ's Immutability and Eternity**: The primary theological thrust of [[Hebrews 1:10-12]] is to establish the divine nature and eternal permanence of Christ. The contrast between the perishing, changing creation (which is rolled up) and the unchanging, eternal Son ("But You are the same, and Your years will not fail") elevates Christ to the realm of the divine, sharing in God's immutable being. This is a foundational christological assertion.
* **Creator-Creature Distinction**: The imagery sharply distinguishes the Creator from the created. The Creator is eternal, unchanging, and the agent of cosmic transformation, while creation, though vast and magnificent, is temporal, subject to decay, and ultimately dependent on the divine will for its existence and end.
* **Judgment and Renewal**: While the immediate context emphasizes decay and an end, the broader biblical narrative often links such dissolution with divine judgment and subsequent renewal. The act of "rolling up" can be seen as a necessary precursor to a purified or re-created order, hinting at the future glory of the new heavens and new earth.
### Summary
The Greek verb G1507 (εἱλίσσω), meaning "to coil or wrap" or "to roll together," is a significant term despite its single occurrence in the New Testament. Found in [[Hebrews 1:12]], it describes the divine action of rolling up the heavens and earth, likened to a worn-out garment, as quoted from [[Psalm 102:25-27]]. This powerful metaphor underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation, highlighting the transient and perishable nature of the physical cosmos in stark contrast to the immutable and eternal character of Jesus Christ. The word carries profound eschatological implications, pointing to the ultimate dissolution or transformation of the present creation, reinforcing the fundamental distinction between the temporal created order and the everlasting, unchanging Creator.
TRV