Greek word · G2683
κατασκιάζω
kataskiazō
to overshadow
To cover over with shade, to overshadow or shelter. Classical writers use it for something covering or burying, for example trees or earth covering something.
Appears once in the Greek New Testament. ·
What it means
From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).
In depth
- Range of meaning
To cover over with shade, to overshadow or shelter. Classical writers use it for something covering or burying, for example trees or earth covering something.
- Against the English
'Overshadowing' (most versions) is accurate. KJV's 'shadowing' is the same idea. NLT's 'whose wings stretched out over' turns the verb into a picture, which is helpful.
- Used elsewhere in the period
The author echoes the LXX of Exodus 25:20, where the cherubim are 'overshadowing (συσκιάζοντες) the hilastērion with their wings' (also 1 Chr 28:18; 1 Kgs 8:7). The Hebrew there is sokekim, 'screening, covering'. In the New Testament this word occurs only here.
Where it appears
Hebrews · 1
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Hebrews 9:5 κατασκιάζοντα overshadowing
Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.
Here: A present participle: they are pictured continually spreading their wings over and shading the lid, as in Exodus 25:20. It is a picture of sheltering, guarding cover. The word appears only here in the New Testament.
Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.