Lexical Summary apokaluptó: To reveal, to uncover, to disclose Original Word: ἀποκαλύπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance reveal. From apo and kalupto; to take off the cover, i.e. Disclose -- reveal. see GREEK apo see GREEK kalupto HELPS Word-studies 601 apokalýptō (from 575 /apó, "away from" and 2572 /kalýptō, "to cover") – properly, uncover, revealing what is hidden (veiled, obstructed), especially its inner make-up; (figuratively) to make plain (manifest), particularly what is immaterial (invisible). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and kaluptó Definition to uncover, reveal NASB Translation reveal (5), revealed (20), revelation is made (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 601: ἀποκαλύπτωἀποκαλύπτω: future ἀποκαλύψω; 1 aorist ἀπεκάλυψα; (passive, present ἀποκαλύπτομαι); 1 aorist ἀπεκαλύφθην; 1 future ἀποκαλυφθήσομαι; in Greek writings from (Herodotus and) Plato down; in the Sept. equivalent to גָלָה; 1. properly, to uncover, lay open what has been veiled or covered up; to disclose, make bare: Exodus 20:26; Leviticus 18:11ff; Numbers 5:18; Susanna 32; τά στήθη, Plato, Prot., p. 352 a.; τήν κεφαλήν, Plutarch, Crass. 6. 2. metaphorically, to make known, make manifest, disclose, what before was unknown; a. passages of any method whatever by which something before unknown becomes evident: Matthew 10:26; Luke 12:2. b. passages of matters which come to light from things done: Luke 2:35 (some make the verb middle here); John 12:38 (Isaiah 53:1); Romans 1:18; from the gospel: Romans 1:17. c. ἀποκαλύπτειν τί τίνι is used of God revealing to men things unknown (Daniel 2:19; Theod., 22, 28; Psalm 97:2 d. passages of things, previously non-existent, coming into being and to view: as, ἡ δόξα, Romans 8:18 (εἰς ἡμᾶς to be conferred on us); 1 Peter 5:1; ἡ σωτηρία, 1 Peter 1:5; ἡ πίστις, Galatians 3:23; the day of judgment, 1 Corinthians 3:13. e. passages of persons, previously concealed, making their appearance in public: of Christ, who will return from heaven where he is now hidden (Colossians 3:3) to the earth, Luke 17:30; of Anti-christ, 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 6, 8. The verb ἀποκαλύπτω stands at the heart of biblical revelation, describing God’s gracious act of unveiling truths, events, persons, and destinies previously hidden. Across its twenty-six New Testament occurrences the term consistently testifies that God, never humanity, is the ultimate Revealer; what He discloses is authoritative, trustworthy, and oriented toward redemption and judgment. Divine Initiative and Sovereignty Jesus celebrates the Father’s freedom to “hide… and reveal” (Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21), a theme reaffirmed when He tells Peter, “this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven” (Matthew 16:17). Paul echoes the same sovereignty: “God… was pleased to reveal His Son in me” (Galatians 1:16). The verbs always place God or His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10) as subject, underscoring that revelation is never self-attained but divinely bestowed. Christ the Content and Mediator of Revelation Several texts unite Christ’s person and mission with apokalyptō. The Father entrusts “all things” to the Son, and the Son chooses “to reveal” the Father (Matthew 11:27; Luke 10:22). Eschatologically, “the Son of Man is revealed” (Luke 17:30), pointing to His future public manifestation. John cites Isaiah: “To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” (John 12:38), identifying Jesus’ signs as the supreme disclosure of God’s saving power. The Mystery Now Made Known to the Apostles Ephesians 3:5 states that the gospel mystery “has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.” Peter confirms that Old Testament prophets discovered “they were not serving themselves, but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you… by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven” (1 Peter 1:12). Thus apokalyptō marks the once-hidden plan, now openly preached. Instruction and Guidance within the Church 1 Corinthians 14:30 envisages spontaneous disclosure during worship: “if a revelation comes to someone who is seated, the first speaker should stop.” Philippians 3:15 encourages mature believers that “God will reveal even this to you,” assuring ongoing illumination for ethical disagreements. In each case revelation is practical, fostering edification, unity, and maturity. Unmasking Sin and Testing Works Jesus warns, “There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed” (Matthew 10:26; Luke 12:2). Simeon foretells that the Messiah will pierce hearts “so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed” (Luke 2:35). Paul adds that every ministry will be “revealed with fire” on the Day (1 Corinthians 3:13). Revelation therefore exposes hypocrisy and validates genuine service. Gospel Revelation of Righteousness and Wrath Romans 1:17–18 holds a striking duality: “the righteousness of God is revealed… The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven.” The same gospel that unveils God’s saving righteousness simultaneously discloses His holy anger against sin, ensuring a balanced proclamation. Eschatological Unveiling of Glory and Evil Believers await “the glory that will be revealed” (Romans 8:18; 1 Peter 5:1), and “the salvation… ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5). Conversely, the man of lawlessness will be “revealed” before Christ returns (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 6, 8). Revelation language thus frames the bitter-sweet consummation: final blessing for the redeemed, final exposure and destruction of wickedness. Pedagogical Function of the Law Galatians 3:23 observes that humanity was “held in custody under the law… until faith should be revealed.” The law’s preparatory role ends once the gospel is unveiled, highlighting the progress of salvation history. Ministry Implications 1. Dependence on God: All faithful teaching and preaching must recognize revelation as divine gift, sought in prayer and submitted to Scripture. Historical Reflection Early church fathers drew heavily on apokalyptō vocabulary to defend prophetic fulfillment and apostolic authority. The Reformation reclaimed Romans 1:17 as the heartbeat of justification by faith, stressing that the gospel reveals—not achieves—God’s righteousness. Throughout church history, orthodox theology has maintained that public, canonical revelation concluded with the apostolic era, yet personal illumination (never contradicting Scripture) continues, aligning with passages such as Philippians 3:15. Summary Strong’s 601 charts the movement from concealment to disclosure, from promise to fulfillment, and from present struggle to future glory. Every occurrence reinforces the conviction that God speaks, God acts, and God will finally unveil His purposes in Christ for the salvation of His people and the vindication of His holy name. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 10:26 V-FIP-3SGRK: ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται καὶ κρυπτὸν NAS: concealed that will not be revealed, or KJV: shall not be revealed; and hid, INT: which not will be revealed or hidden Matthew 11:25 V-AIA-2S Matthew 11:27 V-ANA Matthew 16:17 V-AIA-3S Luke 2:35 V-ASP-3P Luke 10:21 V-AIA-2S Luke 10:22 V-ANA Luke 12:2 V-FIP-3S Luke 17:30 V-PIM/P-3S John 12:38 V-AIP-3S Romans 1:17 V-PIM/P-3S Romans 1:18 V-PIM/P-3S Romans 8:18 V-ANP 1 Corinthians 2:10 V-AIA-3S 1 Corinthians 3:13 V-PIM/P-3S 1 Corinthians 14:30 V-ASP-3S Galatians 1:16 V-ANA Galatians 3:23 V-ANP Ephesians 3:5 V-AIP-3S Philippians 3:15 V-FIA-3S 2 Thessalonians 2:3 V-ASP-3S 2 Thessalonians 2:6 V-ANP 2 Thessalonians 2:8 V-FIP-3S 1 Peter 1:5 V-ANP 1 Peter 1:12 V-AIP-3S Strong's Greek 601 |
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