### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb περικαλύπτω (perikalýptō, `{{G4028}}`) is a compound formed from the preposition περί (peri), meaning "around" or "about," and the verb καλύπτω (kalýptō, `{{G2572}}`), meaning "to cover" or "to hide." Thus, its core meaning is "to cover all around" or "to cover completely/entirely." This comprehensive covering can imply various semantic nuances depending on context: physical concealment, obscuring of sight, protection, adornment, or even an act of humiliation and mockery. The prefix περί emphasizes the thoroughness and totality of the covering action, suggesting that nothing is left exposed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary occurrences of περικαλύπτω in the New Testament present two distinct, yet equally profound, applications of its core meaning:
1. **Concealment and Mockery in the Passion Narratives:** In the Gospels of Mark and Luke, περικαλύπτω describes the act of "blindfolding" Jesus during His trial and subsequent mockery by those who arrested Him.
* [[Mark 14:65]]: "And some began to spit on him, and to blindfold him, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ; and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands." Here, the act of περικαλύπτω (translated "to blindfold") is part of a cruel game, designed to humiliate and deny Christ's prophetic and divine sight. The complete covering of His face renders Him unable to see, making the demand to "prophesy" particularly ironic and abusive.
* [[Luke 22:64]]: "And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?" The context in Luke parallels Mark, emphasizing the deliberate obscuring of sight as a prelude to physical abuse and mockery of His identity as the Christ. The complete covering of His eyes symbolizes the spiritual blindness of His tormentors who fail to recognize the Son of God standing before them.
2. **Sacred Covering for Adornment and Sanctification:** In the Epistle to the Hebrews, περικαλύπτω is used in a very different, yet equally significant, manner.
* [[Hebrews 9:4]]: "Having the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant." Here, the perfect passive participle περικεκαλυμμένη (perikekalymmenē) describes the ark of the covenant as being "overlaid" or "covered all around" with gold. In this context, the covering is not for concealment in a negative sense, but for adornment, sanctification, and to signify the immense value and sacredness of the ark as the dwelling place of God's presence. The gold completely encasing the ark speaks to its purity, glory, and divine purpose, setting it apart as holy.
These two distinct uses highlight the versatility of περικαλύπτω to convey both profound humiliation and profound sacredness, depending on the object and intent of the covering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The foundational element of περικαλύπτω is καλύπτω (kalýptō, `{{G2572}}`), "to cover" or "to hide." Its antonym, ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalýptō, `{{G601}}`), meaning "to uncover" or "to reveal," provides a significant conceptual counterpoint, as revelation stands in direct opposition to the complete covering implied by περικαλύπτω. Other related concepts include κρύπτω (krýptō, `{{G2928}}`), "to hide" or "to conceal," which shares the notion of obscuring from view. The semantic range of περικαλύπτω also touches upon themes of veiling, concealment, humiliation, sacredness, and divine glory, each contingent on the specific biblical context.
### Theological Significance
The dual application of περικαλύπτω reveals a profound theological tension and versatility. In the context of Christ's passion, the act of blindfolding Him signifies not merely physical concealment, but a spiritual blindness on the part of His accusers. Their actions, involving a complete covering of His face, metaphorically represent humanity's inability or unwillingness to see and acknowledge the divine truth embodied in Jesus. It is an act of profound dehumanization and mockery, aiming to strip Him of His dignity and divine insight, yet paradoxically, it underscores His submission to the Father's will and His suffering on behalf of a blind world.
Conversely, in [[Hebrews 9:4]], the "overlaying" of the Ark with gold speaks to an entirely different dimension of "covering." Here, the covering is not for concealment or mockery, but for sanctification, glory, and divine presence. The gold completely covering the Ark underscores its holiness and its unparalleled significance as the locus of God's covenant with His people. This covering elevates and glorifies the object, protecting its sacredness and preparing it for divine encounter. The contrast is stark: one covering is for humiliation and rejection of God, the other for glorification and reverence for God.
### Summary
The Greek term περικαλύπτω (perikalýptō, `{{G4028}}`) fundamentally means "to cover all around" or "to cover completely." Its biblical usage, though infrequent, carries significant theological weight through its contrasting applications. In the Passion narratives, it denotes the act of "blindfolding" Jesus ([[Mark 14:65]], [[Luke 22:64]]), symbolizing the profound humiliation, mockery, and spiritual blindness of His accusers. In stark contrast, in [[Hebrews 9:4]], it describes the Ark of the Covenant being "overlaid" with gold, signifying its sacredness, glory, and divine presence. Thus, περικαλύπτω serves to illustrate both the depth of human depravity in rejecting Christ and the sublime holiness of God's dwelling, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of "covering" in biblical theology.
TRV