### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb παρακαλύπτω (parakalýptō, `{{G3871}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition παρά (para), meaning "beside," "alongside," or indicating intensity/deviation, and the verb καλύπτω (kalýptō, `{{G2572}}`), meaning "to cover," "to conceal," or "to hide." The combination suggests a thorough or complete covering, a veiling that is not superficial but effectively conceals something from view or understanding. While καλύπτω denotes a general act of covering, the prefix παρά intensifies this action, implying a covering *alongside* or *completely over*, resulting in a state of being hidden or veiled. The base definition explicitly notes its figurative use: "to veil (figuratively):--hide." Thus, its primary semantic range revolves around the concept of concealment, particularly in a non-literal, often spiritual or intellectual sense, where something is made inaccessible to perception or comprehension.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb παρακαλύπτω (parakalýptō, `{{G3871}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Luke 9:45]]. This singular occurrence, however, is profoundly significant:
[[Luke 9:45]]: "But they did not understand this saying; it was hidden from them, so that they should not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying."
In this passage, Jesus has just uttered His second prediction of His passion, stating, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men" ([[Luke 9:44]]). The disciples' reaction is one of profound incomprehension. The text explicitly states that the meaning of Jesus' words "was hidden from them" (ἦν παρακεκαλυμμένον ἀπ’ αὐτῶν). The perfect passive participle indicates a state of being hidden, implying that this concealment was a divine act or a providential reality. The purpose clause, "so that they should not perceive it" (ἵνα μὴ αἴσθωνται αὐτό), further underscores that this hiddenness was not accidental but purposeful. The disciples were not merely slow to grasp; the truth was supernaturally veiled from their understanding. Their fear of asking Jesus about it also suggests a deep-seated resistance to the implications of His suffering, which contradicted their expectations of a triumphant Messiah. This divine veiling served a pedagogical purpose, allowing the full revelation of the cross to unfold in God's perfect timing, after the resurrection.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share semantic overlap or stand in contrast to παρακαλύπτω (parakalýptō, `{{G3871}}`), enriching its understanding:
* **καλύπτω (kalýptō, `{{G2572}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to cover" or "to conceal." παρακαλύπτω intensifies or specifies this action, emphasizing a thorough or purposeful concealment.
* **κρύπτω (krýptō, `{{G2928}}`):** A general term for "to hide" or "to keep secret," often implying something intentionally put out of sight or knowledge. While similar in outcome, παρακαλύπτω in [[Luke 9:45]] suggests a more profound, almost divinely ordained, hiddenness.
* **ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalýptō, `{{G601}}`):** This is the direct antonym, meaning "to uncover," "to reveal," or "to disclose." The concept of παρακαλύπτω naturally implies the need for an ἀποκαλύπτω for understanding to occur. What is veiled must eventually be unveiled. This contrast highlights the dynamic between divine concealment and divine revelation.
* **μυστήριον (mystērion, `{{G3466}}`):** The concept of "mystery" in the New Testament often refers to truths previously hidden or concealed by God, but now revealed through Christ and the Spirit. The "hiddenness" implied by παρακαλύπτω aligns with the nature of such divine mysteries, which are unveiled only at God's appointed time and through His chosen means.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of παρακαλύπτω (parakalýptō, `{{G3871}}`) in [[Luke 9:45]] carries profound theological weight, particularly concerning divine sovereignty over revelation and human capacity for understanding spiritual truth.
1. **Divine Control Over Revelation:** The passage clearly indicates that the disciples' inability to grasp Jesus' words was not merely a result of their dullness, but because the truth was "hidden from them" by divine design. This underscores God's prerogative to reveal or conceal truth according to His perfect timing and purpose. Certain truths, like the necessity of the Messiah's suffering, were veiled until the cross and resurrection could provide the interpretive key.
2. **The Mystery of the Suffering Messiah:** For the disciples, the idea of a suffering and dying Messiah was antithetical to their Jewish expectations of a conquering king. This truth was so counter-intuitive that, even when explicitly stated by Jesus, it remained παρακεκαλυμμένον. This highlights the profound spiritual blindness that can afflict even the most devoted followers when faced with truths that challenge their preconceived notions.
3. **Pedagogical Purpose of Hiddenness:** This divine veiling was not to permanently obscure but to prepare. The full understanding of Jesus' passion could only come retrospectively, illuminated by the resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. God's temporary concealment serves a pedagogical purpose, allowing truths to be grasped in their proper sequence and context.
4. **Human Limitation and Divine Grace:** The incident in [[Luke 9:45]] serves as a stark reminder of human limitations in comprehending divine realities without divine illumination. Even being in the physical presence of Christ did not guarantee full understanding. True spiritual perception requires God's gracious ἀποκάλυψις (revelation), overcoming the state of being παρακεκαλυμμένον.
### Summary
παρακαλύπτω (parakalýptō, `{{G3871}}`) is a potent Greek verb, meaning "to thoroughly cover," "to veil," or "to hide," particularly in a figurative sense. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 9:45]] is highly significant, revealing a profound theological truth: the divine control over revelation. The passage describes how the necessity of Jesus' suffering was "hidden" from His disciples, not by accident, but by a purposeful, providential act. This highlights God's sovereign timing in unveiling spiritual truths, especially those that challenge human expectations. The word stands in stark contrast to ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalýptō, `{{G601}}`), emphasizing that what is temporarily veiled by God will, in due course and according to His plan, be fully revealed. Thus, παρακαλύπτω illuminates the initial human inability to grasp deep spiritual realities and the divine pedagogy that prepares hearts for the full unveiling of God's redemptive plan.
TRV