ἑλίσσω (helissō)
helissō
to roll up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb helissō describes the physical act of rolling or folding something up tightly. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both in vivid apocalyptic imagery where it conveys a sense of sudden, total change to the natural order.
In Revelation 6:14, the sky is said to "roll up" like a scroll as it disappears. This image draws on the common ancient practice of rolling parchment for storage; here, the heavens are gathered away as if they were a document being put aside. Similarly, Hebrews 1:12 quotes Psalm 102, describing how garments and cloaks become worn and are rolled up or cast off.
The word emphasizes a complete gathering or folding rather than a gradual fading. By using this specific term for the sky in Revelation, the text suggests a decisive removal of the current creation’s structure, marking a clear transition to what follows.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word helissō describes the physical act of rolling something up tightly, much like gathering a parchment scroll for storage. In the New Testament, this specific term appears only twice, both times in vivid apocalyptic imagery that conveys sudden and total change to the natural order. It emphasizes a complete gathering or folding rather than a gradual fading.
In Revelation 6:14, the sky is said to roll up like a scroll as it disappears. This image suggests a decisive removal of the current creation’s structure, marking a clear transition to what follows. Similarly, Hebrews 1:12 uses this concept to describe how garments become worn and are rolled up or cast off, contrasting the temporary nature of created things with God's eternal constancy.
For your faith, this word offers comfort in times of upheaval. When the world around you seems to shift or fade, remember that these changes are part of a larger divine narrative. The same God who rolls up the heavens remains unchanged, offering stability and hope amidst all transitions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- being rolled up,1×
- You will roll up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἑλίξεις1×
- ἑλισσόμενον,1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 6:14
The sky was removed like a scroll when it is rolled up. Every mountain and island was moved out of its place.
This verse uses helissō to depict the sky disappearing like a rolled-up scroll, symbolizing the sudden end of the current cosmic order.
-
Hebrews 1:12
You will roll them up like a mantle, and they will be changed; but you are the same. Your years won’t fail.”
Here the word describes garments being rolled up and changed, illustrating the temporary nature of creation in contrast to God's unchanging eternity.