from κατά and καλύπτω; to cover wholly, i.e. veil:--cover, hide.
Transliteration:katakalýptō
Pronunciation:kat-ak-al-oop'-to
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb katakalýptō (`{{G2619}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition κατά (kata), which can intensify the meaning of a verb, and καλύπτω (kalýptō, `{{G2572}}`), meaning "to cover" or "to conceal." Therefore, katakalýptō signifies "to cover wholly," "to cover completely," or "to veil." The intensifying prefix κατά emphasizes the thoroughness of the covering, implying a full concealment rather than a partial or superficial one. Its semantic range is tightly focused on the physical act of covering, particularly in the sense of veiling or shrouding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of katakalýptō (`{{G2619}}`) in the New Testament is remarkably concentrated, appearing exclusively in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, specifically within the discourse on head coverings in public worship.
In [[1 Corinthians 11:6]], Paul states, "For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head." Here, the verb refers directly to the act of a woman veiling or covering her head. The context underscores the cultural and symbolic significance of such an act within the Corinthian church.
Conversely, in [[1 Corinthians 11:7]], Paul writes, "A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man." This verse uses the negative construction, indicating that a man *should not* cover his head. The parallel construction highlights the distinct roles and representations of men and women in relation to God's glory and the created order.
The surrounding verses, such as [[1 Corinthians 11:5]], use the antonym ἀκατακάλυπτος (akatakalýptos, `{{G177}}`), meaning "uncovered" or "unveiled," further emphasizing the deliberate choice and symbolic weight associated with the act of covering or not covering. The entire passage in 1 Corinthians 11 employs katakalýptō (`{{G2619}}`) to discuss issues of order, authority, and the proper display of glory within the community of faith during worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic relative of katakalýptō (`{{G2619}}`) is its root verb, καλύπτω (kalýptō, `{{G2572}}`), which means "to cover," "to hide," or "to conceal." While kalýptō can refer to any act of covering, katakalýptō specifies a more complete or intensive covering, often with the nuance of veiling.
The antonym, ἀκατακάλυπτος (akatakalýptos, `{{G177}}`), meaning "uncovered" or "unveiled," is crucial for understanding the full semantic range and implications of katakalýptō (`{{G2619}}`) in 1 Corinthians 11.
Related concepts in biblical thought include:
* **Veiling/Modesty:** The practice of covering, particularly the head, often carries connotations of modesty, humility, or distinction.
* **Authority/Headship:** In the Corinthian context, the covering is directly linked to the concept of headship (Christ as head of man, man as head of woman) and the proper recognition of divine order.
* **Glory/Shame:** The act of covering or uncovering is presented in terms of bringing honor or dishonor ([[1 Corinthians 11:4-5]], [[1 Corinthians 11:7]]).
* **Order in Worship:** Paul's instructions regarding katakalýptō (`{{G2619}}`) are part of a larger discussion about maintaining decorum and divine order in corporate worship.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew verb כסה (kasah, `{{H3680}}`), "to cover" or "to conceal," shares a broad semantic overlap, often used in contexts of modesty (e.g., [[Genesis 24:65]]), protection (e.g., [[Exodus 40:34]]), or concealment (e.g., [[Psalm 32:1]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of katakalýptō (`{{G2619}}`) is profoundly tied to its singular usage in 1 Corinthians 11, where it serves as a tangible symbol for profound theological truths.
1. **Divine Order and Creation:** Paul uses the act of covering/uncovering to illustrate the created order established by God. The man, being the direct "image and glory of God" ([[1 Corinthians 11:7]]), does not katakalýptō his head, as he directly reflects God's glory. The woman, being "the glory of man" ([[1 Corinthians 11:7]]), is to katakalýptō her head, symbolizing her relationship to man in the created order and perhaps veiling her own glory in the presence of God's greater glory. This reflects a theological hierarchy of authority and representation.
2. **Worship and Reverence:** The instruction is given in the context of prayer and prophecy ([[1 Corinthians 11:4-5]]), indicating that the act of covering is specifically relevant to corporate worship. It signifies a posture of reverence, humility, and an acknowledgment of God's presence and authority. The covering is not merely a cultural custom but a visible sign of an internal theological understanding.
3. **Symbolism of Distinction:** The differing practices for men and women concerning katakalýptō (`{{G2619}}`) emphasize a divinely ordained distinction between the sexes, not in terms of inherent worth, but in terms of roles and responsibilities, particularly within the context of public worship. This distinction serves to honor God's design.
4. **Cultural Embodiment of Principle:** While the specific cultural practice of head coverings may vary across times and places, the underlying theological principles of order, reverence, the acknowledgment of authority, and the proper reflection of God's glory remain timeless. katakalýptō (`{{G2619}}`) thus serves as a powerful reminder that even seemingly mundane actions can carry profound spiritual and theological weight when performed in obedience to God's revealed will.
### Summary
Katakalýptō (`{{G2619}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to cover wholly" or "to veil," emphasizing a complete and deliberate act of covering. Its usage in the New Testament is confined to [[1 Corinthians 11:6-7]], where it describes the practice of head coverings for women and the lack thereof for men during worship. The word is central to Paul's discourse on order, authority, and the proper reflection of God's glory within the Christian community. The act of katakalýptō (`{{G2619}}`) symbolizes the acknowledgment of God's created order, the distinction between male and female roles in worship, and a posture of reverence before God. While rooted in a specific cultural context, the theological principles conveyed through katakalýptō (`{{G2619}}`) regarding divine order, authority, and reverent worship remain significant for understanding Christian practice.
TRV