κατακαλύπτω (katakaluptō)
katakaluptō
to cover
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katakaluptō means to cover up or veil completely. It combines a prefix emphasizing intensity with the root for covering, suggesting a thorough concealment rather than a simple drape. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both within Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church.
Paul uses it to discuss head coverings during worship. He argues that a woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head (1 Corinthians 11:5). The term implies a deliberate act of veiling, contrasting with the cultural expectation of modesty and submission in that specific context. It is not merely about hair but about a visible sign of order.
This rare usage highlights how physical gestures carried deep social and theological weight in the early church. The word’s intensity suggests that the covering was meant to be unmistakable, marking a clear distinction in roles or statuses during communal gatherings. Translators often render it as "cover" or "veil," capturing the physical action without losing its symbolic force.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katakaluptō points to a complete covering, one that leaves no ambiguity about its purpose. In the context of Corinth, this physical act was not just about fabric or hair but served as a visible marker of order and respect within the community. It reminds us that our outward actions often communicate deeper truths about how we relate to God and to one another.
While cultural practices shift over time, the underlying principle remains relevant: humility and recognition of our place in the body of Christ matter deeply. When we consider how we present ourselves before others, we are invited to reflect on whether our choices honor those around us and glorify God. This rare term encourages intentionality in worship, urging believers to be mindful of the signals their lives send to the world.
Ultimately, this word invites us to think beyond surface-level appearances. It challenges us to ensure that our external conduct aligns with internal reverence, creating a harmony between what we believe and how we live it out in community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to cover1×
- she should cover her head.1×
- covers her head1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατακαλύπτεται1×
- κατακαλύπτεσθαι1×
- κατακαλυπτέσθω.¶1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 11:6
For if a woman is not covered, let her hair also be cut off. But if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or be shaved, let her be covered.
This verse uses the word to establish a clear standard for modesty, linking the act of covering directly to cultural norms of shame and honor in that specific historical setting.
-
I Corinthians 11:7
For a man indeed ought not to have his head covered, because he is the image and glory of God, but the woman is the glory of the man.
Here the concept is contrasted with men, highlighting how the covering served as a distinct sign of the created order and relational roles within the worship gathering.