καλύπτω (kaluptō)
kaluptō
to cover
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kaluptō means to cover or hide something from view. In the New Testament, it describes both physical concealment and spiritual obscurity. Jesus uses it literally when he compares his disciples to lamps placed under baskets, hidden so they cannot shine (Luke 8:16). He also employs it metaphorically to promise that nothing secret will remain uncovered in the end (Matthew 10:26).
Paul expands this imagery in Second Corinthians, describing how a veil lies over people’s hearts when they read the Old Testament, preventing them from seeing its true meaning (2 Corinthians 4:3). The word also appears in contexts of forgiveness, where sins are covered or pardoned, as seen in James 5:20 and First Peter 4:8. Its root suggests a simple act of placing something over another, yet Scripture uses it to explore themes of revelation and hidden truth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kaluptō describes the simple act of covering or hiding something from view. In Scripture, this physical action often points to deeper spiritual truths about what is hidden and what is revealed. Jesus used it to encourage his followers not to fear those who seek to conceal the truth, because nothing remains covered forever (Matthew 10:26). This promise offers comfort when we feel our faith or our struggles are unseen by others.
Yet the word also appears in contexts of grace and forgiveness. When James and Peter speak of love covering a multitude of sins, they describe a protective veil that shields relationships from judgment. It is not about ignoring wrongs, but about choosing mercy over exposure. This gentle covering allows space for healing and restoration within the community of believers.
We can trust that God sees what is hidden from us, and He invites us to extend that same grace to one another. In a world that often demands transparency or exposes our faults, this word reminds us that there is safety in being known by God, even when we feel covered by shame or fear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- concealed2×
- will cover over1×
- do cover1×
- covers over1×
- covers1×
- concealed;1×
- being swamped1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κεκαλυμμένον2×
- καλύπτει2×
- κεκαλυμμένον·1×
- καλύψει1×
- καλύψατε1×
- καλύπτεσθαι1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:26
Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
This verse uses the word to promise that all hidden truths will eventually be revealed, offering comfort against fear.
-
Luke 8:16
“No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a container or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a stand, that those who enter in may see the light.
Here it describes physically covering a light with a container, illustrating how believers should not hide their faith.
-
I Peter 4:8
And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.
Peter uses the term to describe how love acts as a protective cover that shields others from judgment.
-
II Corinthians 4:3
Even if our Good News is veiled, it is veiled in those who are dying,
Paul employs this word metaphorically to explain how a spiritual veil can prevent people from seeing the truth of the gospel.