Lexical Summary parakaluptó: To cover, to conceal, to hide Original Word: παρακαλύπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hide. From para and kalupto; to cover alongside, i.e. Veil (figuratively) -- hide. see GREEK para see GREEK kalupto HELPS Word-studies 3871 parakalýptō (from 3844 /pará, "from close-beside" and 2572 /kalýptō, "hide") – properly, hidden close-beside, out of sight; concealed due to someone "missing the forest because too close to the tree!" NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and kaluptó Definition to cover (by hanging something beside), to hide NASB Translation concealed (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3871: παρακαλύπτωπαρακαλύπτω: to cover over, cover up, hide, conceal: tropically, ἦν παρακεκαλυμμένον ἀπ' αὐτῶν ((it was concealed from them), a Hebraism, on which see in ἀποκρύπτω, b.), Luke 9:45 (Ezekiel 22:26; Plato, Plutarch, others). Topical Lexicon Meaning within the CanonStrong’s Greek 3871 conveys the idea of something so thoroughly covered that it becomes inaccessible to ordinary sight or comprehension. Rather than describing a casual veiling, the term pictures an intentional, decisive act of concealment. The sole New Testament instance, Luke 9:45, places the action in the passive voice, underscoring that the disciples did not hide the saying from themselves; the concealment came from an external, sovereign source. Biblical Occurrence: Luke 9:45 “But they did not understand this statement. It was concealed from them so that they would not comprehend it, and they were afraid to ask Him about it.” (Luke 9:45) The verse follows Jesus’ second passion prediction (Luke 9:43–45). Although the Lord spoke openly of His impending betrayal, death, and resurrection, the disciples remained spiritually unable to grasp the message. The verb form παρακεκαλυμμένον (“it was concealed”) indicates a completed action with ongoing results—the meaning stayed hidden at that moment. Theological Themes 1. Divine Initiative in Revelation The Gospel writers frequently note that true understanding of Jesus’ person and mission is a gift rather than a natural achievement (Matthew 16:17; 1 Corinthians 2:14). Luke 9:45 reinforces this doctrine by attributing the concealment to an unspecified divine agency, highlighting the difference between intellectual hearing and spiritual perception. 2. Concealment as Preparation The timing of revelation often coincides with God’s redemptive calendar. Prior to Pentecost, the disciples lacked both the Spirit’s indwelling and the post-resurrection perspective that would illumine the cross (John 14:26; Luke 24:45). Concealment therefore served as a merciful delay, preventing premature despair or misguided activism while the plan of salvation unfolded. 3. Contrast with Apokalypsis Greek 3871 stands in deliberate tension with 602 (ἀποκάλυψις, “revelation”). The same root καλύπτω (“to cover”) lies in both terms: 3871 intensifies the covering; 602 removes it. Paul exploits this antithesis in 2 Corinthians 4:3–6, where the veiled gospel contrasts with the light that God “has shone in our hearts.” Thus Scripture presents concealment and unveiling as complementary movements within divine pedagogy. Old Testament Background The motif of hidden speech echoes numerous Old Testament passages in which God veils understanding until the proper moment (Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 6:9–10). In Daniel 12:9 the prophet is told, “The words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.” Such precedents demonstrate that concealment never contradicts God’s faithfulness; rather, it protects and advances His purposes. Historical and Exegetical Insights Early church commentators, including Cyril of Alexandria and Bede, observed that the disciples’ ignorance safeguarded the atonement: had they fully comprehended the cross, they might have resisted its necessity. The reformers likewise linked Luke 9:45 to the doctrine of election, insisting that illumination depends on grace alone. Modern conservative exegesis continues this line, stressing that human inability heightens the glory of subsequent revelation. Ministry Applications 1. Patience in Teaching Christian workers should remember that spiritual breakthroughs occur on God’s timetable. Like Jesus, pastors and parents repeat foundational truths, trusting the Spirit to unveil them in due course. 2. Humility in Understanding Awareness that even apostles needed divine enlightenment curbs intellectual pride. “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). 3. Intercessory Focus Since the heart’s veil is lifted by God (2 Corinthians 3:14-16), evangelism must be wed to prayer, asking that hearers “may understand the hope of His calling” (Ephesians 1:18). Summary Strong’s Greek 3871 encapsulates the purposeful hiding of truth until the ordained moment of clarity. Its single appearance in Luke 9:45 anchors a rich biblical theme: God conceals in order to reveal, veils to unveil, and withholds comprehension so that, when understanding finally dawns, all glory redounds to Him alone. Forms and Transliterations παρακαλύπτεσθε παρακεκαλυμμενον παρακεκαλυμμένον παρεκάλυπτον parakekalummenon parakekalymmenon parakekalymménonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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