ἀκατακάλυπτος (akatakaluptos)
akatakaluptos
uncovered
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective akatakaluptos describes a state of being uncovered or unveiled. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both within Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. The term literally denotes something that has not been covered, serving as the direct opposite of its counterpart, katakaluptos.
Paul uses this word in 1 Corinthians 11:5 and 13 when discussing head coverings during worship. He addresses whether women should pray or prophesy with their heads covered, noting that if they are akatakaluptos, it is equivalent to having their hair shorn. The word highlights a visible sign of identity and order within the assembly, contrasting those who are covered with those who are not.
Its formation combines a negative prefix with a verb meaning to cover completely. This linguistic structure emphasizes the absence of covering rather than just a lack of decoration. The term carries cultural weight in its original context, marking a distinction that was significant for social and religious propriety in first-century Corinth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word akatakaluptos simply means uncovered or unveiled. In first-century Corinth, this was not merely a fashion choice but a visible marker of social order and respect within the gathering. When Paul addresses this in his letter to the Corinthians, he is guiding a community that struggled with how to express their new freedom in Christ while maintaining harmony and mutual honor.
For your faith today, this term reminds us that worship involves more than our internal feelings; it includes how we relate to one another. The focus shifts from rigid rules about clothing to the heart attitude behind them. We are called to act in ways that build up the community and reflect humility, ensuring that our actions do not cause unnecessary offense or confusion among believers.
Ultimately, this word invites us to consider the balance between personal liberty and communal love. It encourages a thoughtful approach to how we present ourselves in spiritual settings, prioritizing respect for others over individual expression. This perspective helps us navigate cultural differences with grace, keeping our focus on unity and the shared hope we have in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- uncovered1×
- revealed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀκατακάλυπτον1×
- ἀκατακαλύπτῳ1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 11:5
But every woman praying or prophesying with her head uncovered dishonors her head. For it is one and the same thing as if she were shaved.
This verse links being uncovered to dishonoring one's head, equating it with the shame of having hair shorn, which highlights the serious social implications of the state in that culture.
-
I Corinthians 11:13
Judge for yourselves. Is it appropriate that a woman pray to God unveiled?
Paul uses this term here to prompt self-reflection on propriety, asking the congregation to judge what is fitting when approaching God in prayer.