ἐπικάλυμα
epikályma
G1942 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Primary meaning: a covering, something laid over or spread to conceal, protect, or disguise. In both literal and figurative contexts, it refers to an object or device used to mask, veil, or obscure. In extended, metaphorical usage, it denotes a pretext or pretense – something by which one's real intention is concealed.
Semantic Range
a cover, a veil, an object for concealment; a pretext, excuse, pretense, something used to mask true motives
Root / Etymology
From the verb ἐπικαλύπτω (to cover over, to conceal, to veil), which combines ἐπί (upon, over) and καλύπτω (to cover, to veil). The noun formation ἐπικάλυμα denotes that which is used to cover over or conceal.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἐπικάλυμα appears as a general term for a physical cover or veil. In the Septuagint, it can render Hebrew terms for coverings of the sanctuary or ritual veils (e.g., Exodus 26:14). In Koine, including the New Testament (cf. 1 Peter 2:16), it is used figuratively to describe something used as a pretext or mask for one's real intentions – as in using liberty as a 'covering' or excuse for wrongdoing. Traditional English translations have sometimes rendered it as 'cloke,' taking the figurative sense of a literal garment disguising true motives, but this can obscure the broader semantic range. The metaphorical use reflects common Greek idiom, where objects of concealment (covers, veils, garments) readily lent themselves to expressions about pretense or duplicity. The distinction between literal (object of covering) and figurative (excuse, pretext) senses is context-dependent and should be maintained.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπικαλύπτω; a covering, i.e. (figuratively) pretext:--cloke.
Root Family
ἐπικάλυμα (epikalyma) — covering, veiling, concealment, pretext
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1942-01 |
ἐπικάλυμμα | epikalumma | N ACC N SG |
cover-up | a covering | a covering | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1942-01 |
1 Peter 2:16 | ἐπικάλυμμα | epikalumma | N ACC N SG |
cover-up | a covering | a covering |