ἀποκαλύπτω (apokaluptō)
apokaluptō
to reveal
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 26 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apokaluptō means to remove a covering and make something visible or known. Its literal sense is physical uncovering, as seen when Jesus says hidden things will be brought to light (Matthew 10:26) or when Simeon prophesies that Mary’s own heart will be pierced (Luke 2:35). In these cases, the word describes a shift from obscurity to clarity.
However, the New Testament uses it most often for divine revelation. It refers to God making known truths that were previously hidden from human understanding. Jesus thanks the Father for hiding things from the wise and revealing them to children (Matthew 11:25), and Paul speaks of mysteries kept secret for ages but now disclosed to the saints (Ephesians 3:5). The focus is on God’s initiative in lifting the veil.
Etymologically, the word combines apo ("from") and kaluptō ("to cover"). This structure emphasizes the action of removal rather than just the state of being known. While synonyms like phanerōō exist, apokaluptō carries a strong sense of unveiling what was deliberately concealed. It appears in key passages about the end times, such as the revelation of the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3), and in Peter’s description of the future glory that will be revealed at Christ’s return (1 Peter 1:5).
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apokaluptō describes the act of lifting a veil to show what was hidden. In your life, this means God does not leave you in the dark about His heart or His plans. He takes the initiative to make truth known, turning confusion into clarity. This is not just intellectual information but a personal unveiling that draws you closer to Him.
When Jesus thanked the Father for revealing truth to children (Matthew 11:25), He showed that humility opens the door to divine insight. You do not need complex credentials to understand God’s love. The same God who reveals mysteries to the simple also promises to show you the glory waiting for you in the future (1 Peter 1:5). This hope anchors your present struggles.
Trust that God is actively removing barriers between you and Himself. Whether through Scripture, prayer, or community, He continues to unveil His goodness. Let this assurance settle your heart, knowing that the light of Christ is always breaking through the shadows of doubt and fear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 26 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to be revealed4×
- will be revealed2×
- to reveal [Him].2×
- revealed [it]2×
- will reveal;1×
- will be revealed,1×
- to reveal1×
- to be revealed.1×
- shall have been revealed1×
- revealed1×
- may be revealed1×
- it was revealed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποκαλυφθῆναι3×
- ἀποκαλύψαι.¶2×
- ἀποκαλυφθῇ2×
- ἀποκαλυφθήσεται2×
- ἀπεκάλυψας2×
- ἀπεκαλύφθη2×
- Ἀποκαλύπτεται1×
- ἀποκαλύψει·1×
- ἀποκαλύψαι1×
- ἀποκαλύπτεται.¶1×
- ἀποκαλύπτεται,1×
- ἀποκαλύπτεται1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 11:25
At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants.
Jesus credits the Father for revealing spiritual truth to children, highlighting humility as the key to understanding divine mysteries.
-
Romans 1:17
For in it is revealed God’s righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, “But the righteous shall live by faith.”
Paul states that God’s righteousness is actively revealed in the Gospel, showing that salvation comes through faith made visible by God's action.
-
Ephesians 3:5
which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit,
Paul notes that mysteries once hidden are now disclosed to apostles and prophets by the Spirit, showing God’s progressive plan for the church.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does apokaluptō mean in the New Testament?
Is apokaluptō only about the end times?
How is apokaluptō different from phaneroo?
Why does Jesus thank the Father for revealing things to children?
Every Occurrence (26 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be…
Matthew 11:25At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise…
Matthew 11:27All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know…
Matthew 16:17Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father…