### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apostegázō**, represented by `{{G648}}`, is defined as to **unroof** or **uncover**. It appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its sole usage a highly specific and descriptive action within a single narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its solitary biblical use, `{{G648}}` describes a moment of desperate faith in [[Mark 2:4]]. A group of men, unable to **come nigh** `{{G4331}}` to Jesus because of the **press** `{{G3793}}` of the crowd, resorted to extreme measures. They **uncovered** `{{G648}}` the **roof** `{{G4721}}` of the house where Jesus **was** `{{G2258}}`. This act of unroofing was the crucial first step that enabled them to then **break it up** `{{G1846}}` and **let down** `{{G5465}}` the **bed** `{{G2895}}` carrying a man sick of the **palsy** `{{G3885}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words within the same verse build upon the action of `{{G648}}`:
* `{{G4721}}` **stégē** (roof): This is the object acted upon by `{{G648}}`. The term refers to the "thatch" or "deck" of a building that the men targeted to create access [[Mark 2:4]].
* `{{G1846}}` **exorýssō** (break up): This verb, meaning to dig out or remove, describes the next step. After they **uncovered** the roof, they had to **break it up** to create an opening large enough for the bed [[Mark 2:4]].
* `{{G5465}}` **chaláō** (let down): This word completes the sequence of actions, describing how the men proceeded to **let down** the bed through the newly created opening to place the paralytic before Jesus [[Mark 2:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G648}}` is demonstrated entirely through its dramatic context:
* **Faith Overcoming Obstacles:** The act of unroofing the house is a powerful illustration of a faith that refuses to be stopped. When the men **could** `{{G1410}}` **not** `{{G3361}}` use a conventional path because of the **press** `{{G3793}}`, their faith prompted a radical and destructive solution [[Mark 2:4]].
* **Creating Access to Christ:** The word highlights the physical removal of a barrier to reach the presence of Jesus. This action directly enabled the man sick of the **palsy** `{{G3885}}` to be healed.
* **A Demonstration of Corporate Belief:** The action was performed by a group ("they"), signifying the power of a united faith working together to bring an individual into contact with divine healing and authority.
### Summary
In summary, **apostegázō** `{{G648}}` is a rare but vivid word whose meaning is contained within a single, powerful narrative. As the act of **uncovering** a **roof** `{{G4721}}`, it represents a decisive moment of faith overcoming physical and social barriers. The term is not just about architectural deconstruction; it is about the lengths to which believers will go to create access to Jesus, making it a memorable example of persistent and active faith [[Mark 2:4]].
TRV