Lexical Summary perikaluptó: To cover, to conceal, to envelop Original Word: περικαλύπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance blindfold, cover, overlay. From peri and kalupto; to cover all around, i.e. Entirely (the face, a surface) -- blindfold, cover, overlay. see GREEK peri see GREEK kalupto NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom peri and kaluptó Definition to cover around NASB Translation blindfold (1), blindfolded (1), covered (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4028: περικαλύπτωπερικαλύπτω; 1 aorist participle περικαλυψας; perfect passive participle περικεκαλυμμενος; from Homer down; to cover all around (περί, III. 1), to cover up, cover over: τό πρόσωπον, Mark 14:65; Luke 22:64 (A. V. blindfold); τί χρυσίῳ, Hebrews 9:4 (Exodus 28:20). Topical Lexicon Imagery and Idea of Complete Envelopment The verb presents the picture of something being fully wrapped or hidden from view. Depending on context it may serve two opposite purposes: concealing in derision or concealing in reverence. In both cases the object is shut off from ordinary gaze, a motif that recurs across Scripture whenever human sin collides with divine holiness or hostility collides with innocent righteousness. Occurrences in the New Testament Mark 14:65; Luke 22:64; Hebrews 9:4. Mocking the Messiah (Mark 14:65; Luke 22:64) Shortly before the crucifixion, the guards “blindfolded Him” (Mark 14:65) and demanded prophetic insight while striking Him. The same scene is repeated in Luke 22:64: “They blindfolded Him and kept demanding, ‘Prophesy! Who hit You?’” The covering of Jesus’ face intensified the mockery: For believers, this act dramatizes the self-emptying of Philippians 2:6-8—Christ willingly allowed His glory to be veiled so that sinners might behold it unveiled in the resurrection. Covering the Ark of the Covenant (Hebrews 9:4) Inside the Most Holy Place stood “the gold-covered ark of the covenant” (Hebrews 9:4). Here the same verb describes the ark plated on every side with gold and overshadowed by cherubim. The covering signaled: Theological Themes 1. Revelation through Concealment. The gospel paradox emerges: God hides (ark, tabernacle) to reveal; enemies hide Jesus’ face to silence Him, yet their act reveals His identity as the suffering Messiah. Historical and Cultural Notes Blindfolding a prisoner was common in ancient interrogations to heighten fear and assert dominance. Roman soldiers and temple guards alike employed the practice. In contrast, priests treated the ark with utmost caution, covering it before transport (Numbers 4:5), a reverent handling that magnifies the irreverence shown to Jesus. Ministry Implications • Worship: Approach God with the reverence once reserved for the gold-covered ark, yet with the confidence purchased by Christ’s torn veil. Thus the single verb, used only three times, spans the spectrum from the holiest object in Israel’s worship to the vilest treatment of Israel’s Messiah, testifying to the unity of redemption history and the sufficiency of the Lamb who was once hidden but is now revealed. Forms and Transliterations περιεκάλυπτον περικαλυπτειν περικαλύπτειν περικαλυψαντες περικαλύψαντες περικεκαλυμμένα περικεκαλυμμενην περικεκαλυμμένην perikalupsantes perikaluptein perikalypsantes perikalýpsantes perikalyptein perikalýptein perikekalummenen perikekalummenēn perikekalymmenen perikekalymmenēn perikekalymménen perikekalymménēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 14:65 V-PNAGRK: αὐτῷ καὶ περικαλύπτειν αὐτοῦ τὸ NAS: to spit at Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him with their fists, KJV: on him, and to cover his face, INT: him and to cover up of him the Luke 22:64 V-APA-NMP Hebrews 9:4 V-RPM/P-AFS Strong's Greek 4028 |
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