περιβόλαιον (peribolaion)
peribolaion
covering
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun peribolaion refers to a garment thrown around the body, such as a cloak or outer mantle. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, yet its usage highlights both divine imagery and social custom. Hebrews 1:12 quotes Psalm 102, describing God as one who wraps himself in light like a garment, using this word to convey majesty and protection.
Paul employs the term differently in 1 Corinthians 11:15 when discussing women’s hair. He suggests that long hair serves as a natural peribolaion, or covering, for a woman. This usage shifts the focus from woven fabric to something inherent, framing hair as a God-given veil that signifies honor and modesty within the cultural context of the time.
The word derives from roots meaning "around" and "to throw," emphasizing the act of draping oneself. It captures the physical reality of an outer layer worn for warmth or dignity. By applying this term to both God’s glory and human appearance, the text bridges the gap between heavenly majesty and earthly order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word peribolaion describes something thrown around us for protection or dignity, like a cloak. In Hebrews 1:12, this image is used to show God’s majesty, wrapping Himself in light and power. It reminds us that the Creator who holds the universe together also provides a covering of safety and honor.
Paul uses the same term in 1 Corinthians 11:15 to speak about women’s hair as a natural covering. This highlights how God designs everyday details to reflect modesty and glory. Whether it is divine light or human hair, the concept points to something given to us that shields and signifies our worth before God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of a covering1×
- a robe1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιβόλαιον1×
- περιβολαίου1×
Key Verses
-
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.”
This verse applies the word to God’s majesty, showing He wraps Himself in light like a garment of power.
-
I Corinthians 11:15
But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering.
Paul uses this term to describe long hair as a natural covering that signifies honor and modesty for women.