### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb apokalýptō (ἀποκαλύπτω, `{{G601}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition apó (ἀπό), meaning "from" or "away from," and the verb kalýptō (καλύπτω, `{{G2572}}`), meaning "to cover" or "to hide." Therefore, its literal and foundational meaning is "to take off the cover," "to uncover," or "to unveil." This literal sense extends powerfully into the figurative realm, signifying "to disclose," "to reveal," "to make manifest," or "to bring to light something previously hidden, unknown, or concealed." The word implies an act of making something known that was inaccessible to human perception or reason, often suggesting a divine initiative. It is not merely a discovery but an active disclosure, a removal of a veil that obscured truth, knowledge, or a person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Apokalýptō is a significant term in the New Testament, appearing frequently across the Gospels, Pauline Epistles, and the book of Revelation.
In the Synoptic Gospels, it often refers to the divine revelation of spiritual truths or the identity of Jesus. For instance, Jesus praises the Father for having "revealed" (ἀπεκάλυψας) these things to infants, while hiding them from the wise and understanding ([[Matthew 11:25]], [[Luke 10:21]]). Perhaps most notably, Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ is attributed not to human insight but to a divine act: "flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven" ([[Matthew 16:17]]). This highlights that certain truths about God and His Christ are divinely imparted.
Paul uses apokalýptō extensively to describe the unveiling of God's righteousness ([[Romans 1:17]]), God's wrath ([[Romans 1:18]]), and especially "the mystery of Christ" ([[Ephesians 3:5]]), which was "not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." Paul's own apostleship is rooted in the "revelation of Jesus Christ" to him ([[Galatians 1:12]], [[Galatians 1:16]]). He speaks of the future glory that "will be revealed" (ἀποκαλυφθῆναι) in believers ([[Romans 8:18]]) and the "mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints" ([[Colossians 1:26]]).
The very title of the final book of the New Testament, "Apocalypse" (Ἀποκάλυψις), is derived from the noun form of this verb, signifying "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" ([[Revelation 1:1]]). Here, apokalýptō points to the unveiling of future events and divine purposes concerning the end times and God's ultimate triumph. Across these contexts, the word consistently underscores a divine initiative in making known what was previously concealed, whether it be spiritual knowledge, future events, or the very nature of God and His Messiah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and significant related word is the noun form, apokalypsis (ἀποκάλυψις, `{{G602}}`), which directly means "revelation" or "unveiling," and from which the English word "apocalypse" is derived. This noun signifies the act or result of the verb apokalýptō.
Conceptually, apokalýptō stands in direct contrast to verbs like kalýptō (καλύπτω, `{{G2572}}`), "to cover," or kryptō (κρύπτω, `{{G2928}}`), "to hide" or "to conceal." The prefix apo- (ἀπό) explicitly denotes the removal of such covering or hiding.
Other related terms include:
* phaneroō (φανερόω, `{{G5319}}`): "to make manifest," "to make visible," "to disclose." While similar, apokalýptō often carries a stronger nuance of unveiling something previously deeply hidden or mysterious, whereas phaneroō can be a more general showing or appearing.
* gnōrizō (γνωρίζω, `{{G1107}}`): "to make known," "to cause to know."
* mystērion (μυστήριον, `{{G3466}}`): "mystery," which is often the direct object of apokalýptō. The "mysteries of God" are precisely what are revealed through this divine act.
The concept of divine initiative is paramount when considering apokalýptō. It inherently points to a divine agent as the revealer, distinguishing it from mere human discovery through intellect or effort.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of apokalýptō is profound and multifaceted.
Firstly, it firmly establishes God as the ultimate Revealer. Human beings, by their own reason or wisdom, cannot fully comprehend God's nature, His will, or His redemptive plan ([[1 Corinthians 2:10]]). Revelation is thus presented as a gracious, sovereign act of God, by which He condescends to make Himself and His truth known to humanity.
Secondly, the concept of apokalýptō implies a progressive unfolding of truth. What was "hidden for ages and generations" ([[Colossians 1:26]]) is now "revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit" ([[Ephesians 3:5]]). This points to a dynamic and unfolding knowledge of God's purposes throughout salvation history.
Thirdly, Jesus Christ is consistently presented as the apex and embodiment of God's revelation. He is the "image of the invisible God" ([[Colossians 1:15]]), and in Him, God's character, love, and redemptive plan are fully unveiled. The "revelation of Jesus Christ" ([[Revelation 1:1]]) is not merely a revelation *about* Him, but a revelation *from* Him, and ultimately, a revelation *of* Him in His glory and power.
Fourthly, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role as the agent of revelation. It is through the Spirit that God's deep things are revealed and understood by believers ([[1 Corinthians 2:10-14]]), enabling spiritual comprehension of divine truths.
Finally, apokalýptō carries significant eschatological weight, referring to the future unveiling of Christ's glory ([[1 Peter 1:7]], [[1 Peter 4:13]]) and the ultimate manifestation of God's kingdom. This provides believers with a powerful hope and assurance concerning the consummation of God's saving purposes. Divine revelation is foundational for true knowledge of God and is indispensable for salvation, as one cannot respond to what remains hidden.
### Summary
The Greek verb apokalýptō (ἀποκακαλύπτω, `{{G601}}`) signifies "to uncover" or "to unveil," extending to "to disclose" or "to reveal." This term is central to understanding how divine truth is communicated in the New Testament. It consistently describes a sovereign act of God, or Christ, by which previously hidden truths, mysteries, or future events are made known to humanity. From the divine revelation of Jesus' identity to Peter ([[Matthew 16:17]]) to Paul's profound understanding of the "mystery of Christ" ([[Ephesians 3:5]]) and the eschatological unveiling in the book of Revelation ([[Revelation 1:1]]), apokalýptō underscores God's gracious initiative in self-disclosure. It highlights God as the ultimate Revealer, working through the Holy Spirit, and culminating in the person of Jesus Christ, thereby making known what is essential for faith, spiritual understanding, and salvation. This word is foundational to the biblical understanding of how humanity comes to know divine truth and participate in God's redemptive plan.
TRV