### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἑλίσσω (helíssō, `{{G1667}}`) carries the primary meaning of "to coil or wrap," and by extension, "to fold up." It is presented as a form of εἱλίσσω (heílissō), indicating a close etymological and semantic relationship. The core concept conveyed is one of rolling, winding, or gathering something into itself, often implying an end or a preparation for removal. The imagery is tactile and visual, suggesting the action of a hand upon a material, causing it to collapse or be put away.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἑλίσσω (helíssō, `{{G1667}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Hebrews 1:12]]. This verse is a direct quotation from [[Psalm 102:25-27]] (LXX), which the author of Hebrews applies to the Son, Jesus Christ. The full context of [[Hebrews 1:10-12]] reads: "And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail."
In this profound passage, ἑλίσσω describes the divine action of "folding up" the heavens. The imagery is powerful: just as an old garment is folded and set aside, so too will the heavens and earth, creations of God, be folded up by Him. This act signifies their impermanence and eventual dissolution or transformation. The contrast is stark and deliberate: the created order is subject to decay and change, while the Son, the one who performs this act, remains eternally "the same," His years never failing. The verb underscores the absolute sovereignty and power of the Son over creation, even over its ultimate fate.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is εἱλίσσω (heílissō), which is the base form and also appears in the New Testament, specifically in [[Revelation 6:14]]. There, it describes the heavens "departing as a scroll when it is rolled together" (Greek: ὡς βιβλίον ἑλισσόμενον). This parallel usage reinforces the meaning of rolling or coiling up.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **Transience and Change:** ἀλλάσσω (allassō, `{{G236}}`, to change, transform), used in [[Hebrews 1:12]] regarding the heavens being "changed." παρέρχομαι (parerchomai, `{{G3928}}`, to pass away, perish), used in [[Matthew 5:18]] and [[Mark 13:31]] concerning the passing away of heaven and earth.
* **Permanence and Immutability:** μένω (menō, `{{G3306}}`, to remain, abide), used in [[Hebrews 1:11]] to describe the Son's enduring nature. ἀμετάθετος (ametatheton, `{{G276}}`, unchangeable), describing God's counsel in [[Hebrews 6:18]].
* **Creation and Dissolution:** κτίζω (ktizō, `{{G2936}}`, to create), contrasting with the act of folding up. The imagery of a "garment" (ἱμάτιον, himatiōn, `{{G2440}}`) highlights the temporary nature of creation in comparison to the eternal Creator.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of ἑλίσσω (helíssō, `{{G1667}}`) carries profound theological weight, primarily within the Christology of the book of Hebrews.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** The act of "folding up" the heavens and earth is an exercise of ultimate divine authority. It demonstrates that the Creator is not merely the one who brought all things into being, but also the one who holds ultimate control over their destiny and end. This power is attributed directly to the Son.
2. **Immutability of Christ vs. Transience of Creation:** The central theological point of [[Hebrews 1:10-12]] is the stark contrast between the ephemeral nature of the created cosmos and the eternal, unchanging nature of Christ. The heavens and earth, though vast and seemingly permanent, are like a garment that will "wax old" and be "folded up." Christ, however, remains "the same," and His "years shall not fail." This underscores His deity and superiority over all creation, including the angels.
3. **Eschatological Implications:** The "folding up" of the heavens points to an eschatological reality – the dissolution of the present cosmic order. This imagery aligns with other biblical passages that speak of the end of the present heavens and earth, such as [[2 Peter 3:10-13]], which describes the heavens passing away with a great noise and the elements melting with fervent heat, leading to the promise of new heavens and a new earth. The act of folding up is a prelude to ultimate transformation and the ushering in of a new creation.
4. **Christ's Role in Creation and Consummation:** By applying [[Psalm 102]] to Christ, the author of Hebrews affirms Christ's active role not only in the creation of the cosmos but also in its eventual consummation and transformation. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἑλίσσω (helíssō, `{{G1667}}`), meaning "to coil or wrap" or "to fold up," appears uniquely in [[Hebrews 1:12]]. In this solitary occurrence, it describes the divine act of folding up the heavens and the earth, likening them to an old garment. This powerful imagery serves to highlight the profound theological contrast between the transient, perishable nature of the created order and the eternal, immutable being of Jesus Christ, the Son. The "folding up" signifies not only the ultimate end of the present cosmos but also the absolute sovereignty of Christ over creation, from its inception to its final transformation. It underscores His divine identity and His enduring permanence in the face of all temporal change.
TRV