Lexical Summary sugkaluptó: To cover up, to conceal, to hide together Original Word: συγκαλύπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cover. From sun and kalupto; to conceal altogether -- cover. see GREEK sun see GREEK kalupto HELPS Word-studies 4780 sygkalýptō (from 4862 /sýn, "identified with" and 2572 /kalýptō, "hide, cover") – properly, to cover; "veil (cover) completely" (Souter). 4780 (sygkalýptō) is intensified (note the intensive prefix, syn) – expressing "purposeful concealment" (L & N, 1, 28.81). It is only used in Lk 12:2. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and kaluptó Definition to cover completely NASB Translation covered (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4780: συγκαλύπτωσυγκαλύπτω ((cf. σύν, II. at the end)): perfect passive participle συγκεκαλυμμένος; from Homer down; the Sept. for כִּסָּה; to cover on all sides, to conceal entirely, to cover up completely: τί, passive, Luke 12:2. Topical Lexicon Background and Core Idea Strong’s Greek 4780 appears once in the New Testament (Luke 12:2) to speak of something “concealed.” The saying is part of a larger block in which Jesus warns His disciples about hypocrisy and the fear of man. The immediate thrust is that God’s penetrating gaze will one day uncover every pretense, motive, and hidden deed. Old Testament Foundations From the Garden forward, Scripture links covering with the problem of sin (Genesis 3:7, 21). Job recognizes that “There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide” (Job 34:22). The Psalmist confesses, “Who can discern his own errors?” (Psalm 19:12), while Proverbs warns that the hatred concealed by a lying tongue will ultimately be exposed (Proverbs 26:26). The prophets echo the theme: “Your iniquities have made a separation” (Isaiah 59:2) and “The Lord searches Jerusalem with lamps” (Zephaniah 1:12). Jesus’ Pronouncement in Luke 12:2 “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known” (Luke 12:2). Spoken to disciples yet within earshot of the crowds, the statement serves at least three purposes: 1. A warning to Pharisaic hypocrisy (Luke 12:1). Synoptic Parallels Matthew 10:26 and Mark 4:22 voice the same principle during different teaching moments, showing Jesus’ consistent emphasis. Matthew’s setting concerns persecution; Mark’s ties the disclosure to the mystery-parables of the kingdom. Together they underline that both hidden sin and hidden truth will one day stand revealed. Apostolic Expansion Paul affirms that God “will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts” (1 Corinthians 4:5). The author of Hebrews insists, “No creature is hidden from His sight” (Hebrews 4:13). John foresees the ultimate unveiling at the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11–15). Divine Omniscience and Moral Accountability The unique use of Strong’s 4780 crystallizes a theological certainty: God’s omniscience guarantees moral accountability. Because He sees perfectly, true justice is inevitable. For believers, this produces holy fear (2 Corinthians 5:9–11) and joyful confidence that righteousness will triumph (Romans 2:16). Eschatological Unveiling The “day” when God judges secrets (Romans 2:16) climaxes in the public disclosure of every life. Salvation does not negate scrutiny; rather, it anchors believers in Christ’s righteousness so they may “be found spotless and at peace” (2 Peter 3:14). For the unrepentant, concealment proves futile, echoing Achan’s fate in Joshua 7 and Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. Pastoral and Discipleship Implications 1. Integrity: Leaders must avoid the “mask” of piety, knowing hidden sin endangers gospel witness. Homiletical and Evangelistic Use Luke 12:2 challenges superficial religion while offering evangelistic entry: God already knows the heart; repentance is the only safe refuge. Preachers can unite call to holiness with gospel comfort—Christ bore exposed shame so believers might stand forgiven. Early Church Reception Patristic writers often cited Luke 12:2 to confront hypocrisy. Chrysostom warned that even unspoken thoughts will be revealed; Augustine applied the verse to future judgment and the unveiling of Scripture’s mysteries to the nations. Contemporary Application Digital anonymity, private screens, and institutional secrecy cannot nullify Luke 12:2. Churches cultivate cultures of transparency, accountability, and mutual exhortation, anticipating the day when “the righteous will shine like the sun” (Matthew 13:43). Strong’s 4780 therefore serves as a sobering yet hope-filled reminder: what is covered now will inevitably be uncovered by the God who sees and saves. Forms and Transliterations συγκαλύπτει συγκαλύπτον συγκαλύψαι συγκαλύψει συγκαλύψεις συγκαλύψομαι συγκεκαλυμμενον συγκεκαλυμμένον συνεκάλυπτε συνεκάλυψα συνεκάλυψαν συνεκαλύψατο συνεκάλυψε συνεκάλυψεν sunkekalummenon synkekalymmenon synkekalymménonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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