ἐπικαλύπτω
epikalýptō
G1943 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To cover over something, to place a covering upon; in transferred sense, to conceal or hide. In certain contexts (especially in metaphorical or figurative use), can signify to forgive or overlook (e.g., covering over sins or faults). Primary sense is physical or metaphorical covering, not necessarily implying forgiveness unless context makes such a nuance explicit.
Semantic Range
to cover over, to place something upon as a covering, to conceal, to hide, (figuratively) to overlook or forgive (sins/faults)
Root / Etymology
From ἐπί (upon, over) and καλύπτω (to cover, conceal). Compound verb formed by prefixing ἐπί- to the root of καλύπτω. The literal sense is 'to cover upon/over.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἐπικαλύπτω is used with both literal (putting a covering on something) and metaphorical (concealing, disguising) senses. The figurative sense can extend to overlooking faults, which forms the basis for idiomatic use as 'to forgive,' especially in contexts of interpersonal relationships or divine pardon. In the Septuagint and New Testament, 'covering' sins carries the implication of forgiveness or not holding wrongs against someone, but this is an extension and not the primary or sole sense. The English translation 'forgive' can reflect interpretive traditions, but should not be taken as an inherent, original meaning. The verb differs from related terms such as καλύπτω, which can more broadly mean to hide or veil, and ἄφιεμι, which more specifically means to forgive or release from obligation. Usage is context-dependent, and not every occurrence implies forgiveness.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and καλύπτω; to conceal, i.e. (figuratively) forgive:--cover.
Root Family
ἐπικαλύπτω (epikalýptō) — to cover, to cover over, to conceal, to put a covering upon
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1943-01 |
ἐπεκαλύφθησαν | epekaluphthesan | V AOR PASS IND 3P PL |
have been covered | they were covered over | they were covered over | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1943-01 |
Romans 4:7 | ἐπεκαλύφθησαν | epekaluphthesan | V AOR PASS IND 3P PL |
have been covered | they were covered over | they were covered over |