Word Study for G1667 (ἑλίσσω)

helíssō /hel-is'-so/ Ask about this word

Roota form of εἱλίσσω

Meaningto coil or wrap

KJV usagefold up.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of helíssō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word helíssō, represented by G1667, means to coil or wrap, and is translated as fold up. It is a rare term, appearing only 2 times within 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its usage conveys a definitive action of rolling or folding something, much like a scroll or a garment.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of G1667 is in Hebrews 1:12, where it describes God's ultimate authority over creation. The passage states, "And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed." Here, helíssō is used to illustrate the end of the current heavens and earth, which will be folded up and put away, in stark contrast to the eternal and unchanging nature of God, whose "years shall not fail" Hebrews 1:12.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words in Hebrews 1:12 help clarify the meaning of G1667:

G4018 peribólaion (covering, vesture): This word provides the object being folded. Creation is treated like a vesture, a piece of clothing that can be put on and taken off, emphasizing its temporary function Hebrews 1:12.
G236 allássō (to make different:--change): This word appears immediately after G1667, indicating the result of the folding. Creation will be changed, highlighting a fundamental transformation Hebrews 1:12. This term is also used in the context of believers being changed at the resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:51.
G2532 kaí (and, also): This simple conjunction connects the action of folding with the consequence of being changed, showing a direct cause and effect: "thou fold them up, and they shall be changed" Hebrews 1:12.

Theological Significance

The use of G1667 in its single biblical context carries significant theological weight.

Sovereignty over Creation: The act of "folding up" the heavens and the earth is a powerful depiction of God's absolute authority. He is the one who can pack away the old creation like a garment.
Transience of the Created Order: By comparing creation to a "vesture" that will be folded up, the text emphasizes that the current physical universe is temporary and will be replaced Hebrews 1:12.
Prelude to Transformation: The action of helíssō is not just about destruction but is directly linked to change. The "folding up" is the necessary step before creation is "changed" Hebrews 1:12, pointing toward a future renewal.

Summary

In summary, G1667 helíssō is a concise but potent word. Though used only once, its appearance in Hebrews 1:12 provides a vivid and memorable image of eschatological change. It illustrates the temporary nature of the created world and the absolute, unchanging sovereignty of God who will fold up the old order to make way for the new. The word serves as a key component in the biblical argument for God's eternal preeminence over all things.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Future Active Indicative 2nd Singular 1×
Present Passive Participle Nominative Singular Neuter 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Singular: One.
Neuter: Neuter grammatical gender.
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future: Action yet to take place.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Hebrews — and none of the other 26 New Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.