The Greek word katakalýptō, represented by G2619, means to cover wholly or veil. It is a specific term derived from κατά and καλύπτω. This word appears 4 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, focusing entirely on the concept of veiling or covering the head.
In its biblical usage, G2619 is found exclusively in 1 Corinthians. It establishes a directive regarding head coverings, stating that a man "ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God" 1 Corinthians 11:7. In contrast, the word is applied to women as a necessary practice. The text argues that if a woman is not covered, she should be shorn, but since that is a shame, "let her be covered" 1 Corinthians 11:6. The repetition of the word in this verse emphasizes its central importance to the passage's instruction.
Several related words provide context for the act of covering or the part of the body being covered:
- G2776 kephalḗ (the head): This is the object that G2619 acts upon. The dossier shows its use in passages about covering the head 1 Corinthians 11:7, shaving the head Acts 21:24, and Christ as the head of the church Colossians 1:18.
- G2751 keírō (to shear): This word is presented as a direct consequence for a woman who is not covered. In 1 Corinthians 11:6, the alternative to being covered is to "be shorn."
- G3587 xyráō (to shave or "shear" the hair): Used alongside being shorn, this is depicted as a shameful state. If it is a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, the passage concludes she should be covered 1 Corinthians 11:6.
The theological weight of G2619 is tied directly to the symbolism of the act of covering.
- Representation of Glory: The act of covering or not covering is explicitly linked to glory. A man is not to cover his head because he is the "glory of God," while the woman is the "glory of the man" 1 Corinthians 11:7.
- Avoiding Shame: Being uncovered is directly equated with the shame associated with being "shorn or shaven" 1 Corinthians 11:6. Therefore, to be covered is to maintain a state of propriety and avoid shame.
- Instructional Command: The use of G2619 is not merely descriptive but prescriptive within its context, presented as a clear instruction: "let her be covered" 1 Corinthians 11:6.
In summary, G2619 is a focused term for the act of wholly covering or veiling, used specifically in relation to head coverings in 1 Corinthians. It is not just about a physical action but carries significant symbolic meaning, contrasting the honor of being covered with the shame of being shorn. This word illustrates how a simple physical act is imbued with theological significance concerning glory, order, and propriety in the biblical text.
TRV