Lexical Summary epikalumma: Covering, veil Original Word: ἐπικάλυμμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cloak.From epikalupto; a covering, i.e. (figuratively) pretext -- cloke. see GREEK epikalupto NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epikaluptó Definition a cover, veil NASB Translation covering (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1942: ἐπικάλυμμαἐπικάλυμμα, ἐπικαλυμτος, τό (ἐπικαλύπτω), a covering, veil; properly, in the Sept.: Exodus 26:14; Exodus 36:19 Complutensian (cf. 39:21 Tdf.); metaphorically, equivalent to a pretext, cloak: τῆς κακίας, 1 Peter 2:16 (πλοῦτος δέ πολλῶν ἐπικαλυμμ' ἐστι κακῶν, Menander quoted in Stobaeus, flor. 91, 19 (iii. 191, Gaisf. edition); quaerentes libidinibus suis patrocinium et velamentum, Seneca, vita beata 12). Topical Lexicon Term and Idea ἐπικάλυμμα (epikálymma) denotes a covering, cloak, or pretext. In the New Testament it appears only in 1 Peter 2:16, where Peter warns against treating Christian freedom as a “cover-up” for wrongdoing. The image is of something laid over an underlying reality so that the true nature of a deed or motive is concealed. Biblical Usage 1 Peter 2:16 situates the word in the midst of Peter’s exhortations to scattered believers living under social and governmental scrutiny. “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God”. The verse intertwines three themes: 1. Genuine liberty purchased by Christ. Though ἐπικάλυμμα itself is unique to this verse, the idea of hiding sin beneath a façade recurs throughout Scripture: Historical Background In secular Koine Greek, epikálymma described a literal cover or veil and, figuratively, any excuse or stratagem concealing true intent. Classical authors used it for ornamental coverings on vessels, disguises in warfare, or legal pretexts advanced in court. Peter’s audience—Jewish and Gentile believers dispersed across Asia Minor—would have known the civil and religious freedoms unique to the Christian message, yet also understood how easily “freedom” could be manipulated as a loophole in both pagan and Jewish settings. Theological Significance 1. Freedom under Authority. 1 Peter 2 balances liberty with submission (to emperors, governors, masters, and ultimately God). True Christian freedom is not autonomy but emancipation from sin’s dominion so that one may willingly serve righteousness. Practical Ministry Applications • Discipleship: Teach new believers that liberty in Christ entails responsibility; freedom is not self-rule but Spirit-led service. Related Biblical Themes and References Hypocrisy – Matthew 23:27; Luke 12:1 Transparency and Truth – 2 Corinthians 4:2; Ephesians 4:25 Servanthood – Mark 10:45; 1 Corinthians 9:19 Holiness – 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Hebrews 12:14 Grace and Responsibility – Titus 2:11-12 Conclusion ἐπικάλυμμα stands as a pointed reminder: the gospel grants authentic freedom, yet any attempt to drape that freedom over willful evil betrays the very grace that saves. The believer’s life is to be an open proclamation of God’s righteousness, not a veiled pretext for sin. Forms and Transliterations επικαλυμμα επικάλυμμα ἐπικάλυμμα επικαλύμματα επικαλύμματος epikalumma epikalymma epikálymmaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |