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.
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.
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.
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.
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