neuter of a presumed derivative of περιβάλλω; something thrown around one, i.e. a mantle, veil:--covering, vesture.
Transliteration:peribólaion
Pronunciation:per-ib-ol'-ah-yon
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G4018 *peribólaion* (περιβόλαιον) is derived from the verb G4016 *peribállō* (περιβάλλω), which literally means "to throw around," "to put around," or "to clothe." Consequently, *peribólaion* fundamentally denotes "something thrown around one," serving as a covering. Its semantic range includes a "mantle," "cloak," "veil," or "vesture." This term encompasses any garment or object that provides covering, protection, or concealment by being wrapped or draped around a person or object. The emphasis is on the act of surrounding or enveloping.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4018 *peribólaion* appears twice in the New Testament, each instance offering distinct contextual insights:
1. **[[Hebrews 1:12]]**: "and like a vesture (περιβόλαιον) You will fold them up, and they will be changed."
This verse is a direct quotation from the Septuagint (LXX) version of [[Psalm 102:26]] (or [[Psalm 102:27]] in some English versions). Here, *peribólaion* refers to the heavens and the earth, which God will "fold up" or "roll up" as one would a worn-out garment. The imagery powerfully conveys the transient and perishable nature of the created order in stark contrast to the eternal, unchanging nature of God. The heavens and earth, despite their grandeur, are likened to a mere covering that can be discarded or transformed by their Creator. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty and immutability.
2. **[[1 Corinthians 11:15]]**: "but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering (περιβόλαιον)."
In this passage, Paul discusses the appropriate conduct and appearance of men and women in corporate worship, particularly concerning head coverings. The word *peribólaion* here refers to a woman's long hair, which is naturally given to her as a "covering." This "covering" is presented as a source of glory for the woman, distinct from an artificial veil. The context involves discussions of created order, headship, and the visible distinctions between male and female that reflect divine design. The long hair serves as a natural sign of her glory and, implicitly, her submission to the created order, ensuring that proper honor is given where due in the presence of God and angels.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verb from which *peribólaion* is derived: G4016 *peribállō* (περιβάλλω), meaning "to throw around," "to clothe," or "to surround." This root emphasizes the action of enveloping. Other related concepts and words include:
* **Clothing/Garments**: Words like G2440 *himátion* (ἱμάτιον, outer garment), G5509 *chitōn* (χίτων, tunic), and G4749 *stolē* (στολή, robe) denote various types of apparel. While *peribólaion* can refer to a specific type of garment (mantle), its broader sense of "covering" allows for more metaphorical or natural applications, as seen with hair.
* **Covering/Veiling**: Concepts of covering (e.g., G2619 *katakályptō* for covering the head) relate to modesty, protection, or symbolic representation of status or submission.
* **Transience**: In [[Hebrews 1:12]], the concept of the created order being a *peribólaion* speaks to its impermanence and susceptibility to change, contrasting with divine eternality.
* **Glory and Shame**: In [[1 Corinthians 11:15]], the "covering" of a woman's hair is linked to her "glory," implying that its absence could signify shame or dishonor within that cultural and theological context.
* **Divine Order**: The use of *peribólaion* in [[1 Corinthians 11]] underscores the apostle Paul's concern for maintaining God's created order and distinctions within the worshipping community.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4018 *peribólaion* is profound, despite its limited occurrences:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Immutability**: In [[Hebrews 1:12]], the imagery of God folding up the heavens and earth like a *peribólaion* is a powerful testament to His absolute power over creation. It underscores that even the vast cosmos is a temporary construct, subject to His will and eventual transformation. This highlights God's eternal, unchangeable nature ([[Malachi 3:6]], [[James 1:17]]) in stark contrast to the created order, which is inherently transient. The "vesture" metaphor emphasizes God's mastery and the ultimate renewal of all things.
2. **Created Order and Human Expression**: [[1 Corinthians 11:15]] employs *peribólaion* to speak to the divinely ordained distinctions between male and female and their appropriate expression within the community, particularly during worship. A woman's long hair, given as a natural "covering," is presented as a sign of her glory and, within the theological framework of the passage, her acknowledgment of the created order and headship. This is not merely about a physical garment but about embodying a theological truth regarding the relationship between God, man, and woman, and the order that brings honor to God. It speaks to the importance of visible signs of modesty, distinction, and adherence to divine design in corporate spiritual life.
### Summary
The Greek term G4018 *peribólaion* signifies "something thrown around one," encompassing concepts of a mantle, veil, or covering. Its two New Testament occurrences reveal rich theological implications. In [[Hebrews 1:12]], it illustrates the transient nature of the heavens and earth as a "vesture" that God will fold up, powerfully affirming God's immutable sovereignty over His creation. In [[1 Corinthians 11:15]], it refers to a woman's long hair as a natural "covering," highlighting divine order, glory, and appropriate expression within the worshiping community. Thus, *peribólaion* moves beyond a simple literal meaning, serving as a profound symbol of divine power, created order, and the transient yet purposeful nature of all that exists outside of God Himself.
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