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καλύπτω

kalýptō

G2572 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To cover, to conceal by placing something over or around, to hide or obscure from view. In a literal sense, to physically place a covering over something; in a figurative sense, to hide, veil, or conceal (an object, person, quality, or fact). Extended uses include the idea of shrouding, protecting, or keeping something from being seen or known.

Semantic Range

to cover (with something physical), to hide or conceal (from sight), to shroud, to veil, to obscure, to keep secret or protected, to cover over (metaphorically), to envelop

Root / Etymology

From the root καλύπτω (kalýptō), potentially related to or showing affinity with κρύπτω (kryptō, ‘to hide’) and possibly sharing an Indo-European root referring to the act of covering or concealing. Etymology uncertain but likely derived from a common verb base for concealment in Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, καλύπτω is attested as the standard term for 'covering'—ranging from placing a physical cover over an object (like a garment or lid) to shrouding or concealing in a metaphorical sense (as in covering information or emotions). In the Septuagint, καλύπτω frequently translates Hebrew verbs such as כסה (kāsāh, ‘to cover’), especially in ritual or practical contexts (e.g., covering an altar, hiding one’s face or guilt). In the New Testament, καλύπτω appears in both literal contexts (such as covering the face or head) and figurative ones (such as love 'covering' a multitude of failings). The sense of figurative concealment or keeping something from sight is parallel to, but distinct from, that of κρύπτω, which more commonly means 'to hide' in the sense of active secrecy or inaccessibility. Standard English translations often use 'cover,' 'hide,' or 'conceal,' but may miss metaphorical connotations of protection or veiling. The concept differs from other covering verbs like ἐπισκιάζω (episkiazō, ‘to overshadow’) by the element of occlusion or concealment, rather than mere shading.

Translation Consistency

primary "cover" 8 occurrences

καλύπτω most commonly and naturally means “to cover” in both literal and figurative senses (to place a covering over, to veil or conceal, to shroud or obscure). “Cover” is the best single English base verb to capture the typical usage across contexts while remaining natural and easily inflected for all forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

akin to κλέπτω and κρύπτω; to cover up (literally or figuratively):--cover, hide.

Root Family

καλύπτω (kalyptō) — to cover, to conceal, to hide

Root καλύπ- to cover, to conceal, to hide

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2572-05 κεκαλυμμένον kekalummenon V PRF PASS PTCP NOM N SG veiled having been covered having been covered 3
G2572-02 καλύψει kalupsei V FUT ACT IND 3P SG covers will cover will cover 2
G2572-01 καλύψατε kalupsate V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL Cover Cover over! Cover over 1
G2572-04 καλύπτεσθαι kaluptesthai V PRS PASS INF was being covered to be covered to be covered 1
G2572-03 καλύπτει kaluptei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG covers covers covers 1

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2572-04 Matthew 8:24 καλύπτεσθαι kaluptesthai V PRS PASS INF was being covered to be covered to be covered
G2572-05 Matthew 10:26 κεκαλυμμένον kekalummenon V PRF PASS PTCP NOM N SG covered having been covered having been covered
G2572-03 Luke 8:16 καλύπτει kaluptei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG covers covers covers
G2572-01 Luke 23:30 καλύψατε kalupsate V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL Cover Cover over! Cover over
G2572-05 2 Corinthians 4:3 κεκαλυμμένον kekalummenon V PRF PASS PTCP NOM N SG veiled having been covered having been covered
G2572-05 2 Corinthians 4:3 κεκαλυμμένον kekalummenon-2 V PRF PASS PTCP NOM N SG veiled having been covered having been covered
G2572-02 James 5:20 καλύψει kalupsei V FUT ACT IND 3P SG will cover will cover will cover
G2572-02 1 Peter 4:8 καλύψει kalupsei V FUT ACT IND 3P SG covers will cover will cover
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