### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **perikalýptō**, represented by `{{G4028}}`, means to cover all around or entirely. Its base definition includes actions like to **blindfold**, **cover**, or **overlay**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, signifying the act of completely concealing a face or a surface.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G4028}}` occurs in two distinct contexts. In the book of Hebrews, it describes a sacred object, the ark of the covenant, which was **overlaid** round about with gold [[Hebrews 9:4]]. In the Gospels, the word is used to describe the humiliation of Jesus. During his passion, his captors began to **cover** his face [[Mark 14:65]] and **blindfolded** him before striking him and demanding that he prophesy who had struck him [[Luke 22:64]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the context of `perikalýptō`:
* `{{G4383}}` **prósōpon** (the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; ... face): This is what is being covered in the Gospel accounts. Jesus’s **face** is struck after he is blindfolded [[Luke 22:64]], and it is his face that is covered by his mockers [[Mark 14:65]].
* `{{G2787}}` **kibōtós** (a box, i.e. the sacred ark and that of Noah): This refers to the sacred **ark** of the covenant, the object that was overlaid with gold as described in [[Hebrews 9:4]].
* `{{G2852}}` **kolaphízō** (to rap with the fist): This action, to **buffet** Jesus, is directly associated with his face being covered, highlighting the physical mockery he endured [[Mark 14:65]].
* `{{G4395}}` **prophēteúō** (to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office): After being blindfolded, Jesus is commanded to **prophesy**, a taunt aimed at his divine authority while his physical senses are obstructed [[Luke 22:64]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4028}}` is revealed in its contrasting applications:
* **Sacred Covering:** When used for the ark of the covenant, to **overlay** it with gold signifies holiness, consecration, and the setting apart of an object for divine purpose [[Hebrews 9:4]]. The covering is an act of honor.
* **Profane Mockery:** In stark contrast, when used in the passion narratives, to **cover** or **blindfold** Jesus is an act of profound humiliation. It is an attempt to dehumanize him and mock his prophetic office by challenging him to see while his vision is obscured ([[Mark 14:65]], [[Luke 22:64]]).
* **Concealment of Divine Identity:** Covering the **face** `{{G4383}}` is symbolic. While the ark was covered to denote its sacredness, Jesus’s face was covered to scorn his divine identity as the Christ, turning an act of reverence into one of contempt.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4028}}` is a potent word that, despite its rare usage, conveys powerful and opposing meanings. It demonstrates how a single action—to cover something completely—can signify either the highest reverence, as with the **ark** `{{G2787}}` of the covenant being **overlaid** with gold, or the deepest mockery, as when Jesus was **blindfolded** and beaten. The word captures a tension between the sacred and the profane, honor and humiliation.
TRV