ἐπικαλύπτω (epikaluptō)
epikaluptō
to cover
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epikaluptō means to place a covering over something, literally putting a lid or veil on an object. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Romans 4:7, where Paul quotes Psalm 32:1 to describe how God deals with human sin.
Its meaning shifts from physical concealment to legal and spiritual absolution. Here, it illustrates the idea that sins are "covered" or hidden from view, no longer held against the person. This usage aligns with the Old Testament background where covering sin signifies forgiveness rather than mere secrecy.
The word combines a prefix indicating addition or intensity with a root for covering. By using this specific term, the text emphasizes the completeness of the act; the sin is not just ignored but actively shielded from judgment, reflecting a profound state of pardon.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epikaluptō describes the act of placing a covering over something. In Romans 4:7, Paul uses this term to explain how God treats our sins. He quotes an ancient psalm that speaks of people whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. This is not about hiding mistakes from view, but about God’s gracious decision to shield us from the full weight of judgment.
When your sins are covered, they are no longer held against you. The image suggests a complete protection, where the record of wrongs is set aside. This brings a deep sense of peace, knowing that forgiveness is not just a legal technicality but a tangible relief from guilt. You are seen as forgiven, not because you have erased your past, but because God has chosen to cover it with His mercy.
This assurance allows us to live without the heavy burden of shame. We can walk forward in confidence, knowing that our standing before God is secure. It is a reminder that grace is powerful enough to handle even our deepest failures, offering rest and hope to anyone who trusts in this promise.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- are covered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπεκαλύφθησαν1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 4:7
“Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
This verse uses the word to describe the state of those whose sins are shielded from judgment, linking physical covering to spiritual forgiveness.