[Greek] ἀνακαλύπτω (anakalyptō), [Latin] revelare: to reveal, to unveil, to uncover; 2Cor.3:14,18
Moses Receives the Tablets of the Law: painting by Joao Zeferino da Costa (1868). Upon his return from Mt. Sinai, Moses later wears a veil to protect the Israelites from being blinded by God’s reflected glory on him.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to remove, to undo, to reveal, and to unveil. Objects, truth, character, and other aspects can often be revealed or uncovered. Polybius’ Histories 4.85.6 states “I claim that you should, in the present instance of these accusations of Apelles, summon those who heard my words; and openly produce the man that informed Apelles of them, and omit no means of ascertaining the truth.” Euripides’ Iphegenia in Aulis 1146 states “Well now listen; I will unfold my meaning and no longer employ dark riddles.” Xenophon’s Hellenica 5.4.6 states “And the agreement was that when they were seated, they should unveil themselves and strike at once.”
Old Testament: This term means to uncover, to reveal, to lay bare, to expose oneself, to take from, and to empty.
Jewish Hellenistic philosopher Philo: Virtue veils itself like Tamar at the cross-roads in order that curious wayfarers may see her virgin beauty when she unveils it.
“But there are times when virtue does not come forward to meet them, but veiling her face like Tamar, sits down in the public road, giving room to those who are traveling along the road to look upon her as a harlot. Those who are over curious may take off her veil and may behold the untouched, unpolluted, and most exquisite and truly virgin beauty of modesty and chastity.” On Mating with the Preliminary Studies 124
New Testament: This term means to uncover, to reveal, and to unveil. Paul makes reference to Moses returning from Mt. Sinai. Moses veiled his face to protect the Israelites from being blinded from seeing God’s reflected glory on him. The Israelites of Moses’ time are like the Israelites of Paul’s time. These Israelites, like wearing a veil, cannot clearly see the glory of the Lord. For these Israelites, the same veil remains when they read the Old Testament, of which Christ has taken away. Whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. All who gaze with an unveiled face can be transformed by the Lord.
Scripture:
“Rather, their thoughts were rendered dull, for to this present day, the same veil remains unlifted when they read the old covenant, because through Christ it is taken away.” 2Cor.3:14
Paul refers to the Israelites (of his times) wearing this veil, unable to see the glory of the Lord. Christ takes away (supercedes) the Old Testament.
“All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2Cor.3:18
Etymology: The Greek base verb kalypto means to cover, to hide, to veil, or to conceal. The Greek prefix ana- means against, back, or not. The Latin verb velare means to cover or to conceal. Therefore, the Latin verb revelare means the opposite of the Latin verb velare.
Conclusion:
Reveal, revealing
This term essentially means to reveal (uncover) or to find something. We all can relate to the many everyday situations where there is a need to reveal the truth (mysteries, court cases, disputes and arguments, etc.). If we are not being clear (speaking in riddles), then it is sometimes necessary to clearly state one’s meanings or intentions. Strategy and battle plans are essential for determining (unveiling) an opponent’s intentions.
In the Old Testament, this term is used extensively. The more nuanced meanings include exposing oneself, laying bare, emptying oneself, and taking from. Philo provides timeless wisdom about one’s virtue. Virtue must be protected, guarded, and cherished if it is to have any value or meaning.
In the New Testament, failing to see the Lord’s glory is like wearing a veil. Wearing a veil is like having a lack of understanding. It is with an unveiled face that one can see this glory.
Wisdom from Venerable Fulton Sheen:
“When a woman veils here body in modest clothing, she is not hiding herself from men. On the contrary, is she is revealing her dignity to them.”
Unfortunately, our culture generally seems to minimize (or not value) modesty, chastity, and virginity. However, there are still times where these values are still held in high esteem.
Wisdom from MLK:
“I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
Yet our political climate continues to have identity politics where African-Americans are expected to vote in a certain away.
Very revealing character of some corporations:
NBA: more concerned with doing business with China rather than using their corporate influence (financial and social) to voice any concerns about human rights. Any criticism of China’s policies may lead to potential suspensions for NBA employees, managers, owners, or players who voice their concerns.
Disney: More willing to do business with China rather than using their corporate influence (financial and social) to voice any concerns about human rights.
NFL: highlighting and supporting the general BLM message, yet remaining silent on the Marxist BLM groups causing havoc (violence, damage, property destruction, rioting, looting) in our cities. (I guess they didn’t get the memo (manifesto). Do they know where these charitable contributions are going to? ) The NFL permits a public platform for a black national anthem. The national anthem is now being trashed. (You wonder why the fans are booing and TV ratings are falling).
Netflix: Airing and defending a show about sexual depictions of children
I can reveal more such companies, but you get the message.
These woke companies, perceiving to be aware of issues in society, need to wake up and take off their veils of wokeness!