Covered (1943) (epikalupto from epà = over + kalúpto = cover) literally means to conceal, hide, cover or cover over (as a shroud). Figuratively or metaphorically it means to cover over sins, i.e., forgive, pardon. Peter uses the derivative noun epikalumma (1Pe 2:16 = figurative "covering" = a strategy for concealing something, a pretext, Lxx - literal cover in 2Sa 17:19). BDAG says that epikalupto means first... to hide from view by covering’, then by fig. extension as synonym for ‘forgive’ cover up. Epikalupto - Used on in Ro 4:7 in the NT but 19x in the non-apocryphal Septuagint (LXX) - Ge 7:19, 20; 8:2; Ex 14:26; Nu 4:11, 13; 2Sa 15:30; 1Kgs 19:13; Job 16:18; Ps 32:1; 44:19; Pr 28:13; Je 3:25; 14:4; Ezek 1:11, 23 The Septuagint (LXX) (Greek translation of the Hebrew OT) uses epikalupto in Ps 32:1-note (and Paul quotes from the Septuagint not the Hebrew). This same Greek word is used in the Septuagint of Pr 28:13 but in an opposite sense for we read that He who conceals (epikalupto in this case covers over so as to keep secret) his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. Vines writes that epikalupto is... the equivalent to the Hebrew word for “to atone.” It signifies, not merely a covering, but the removal of guilt under the covering; this involves the removal of divine wrath from the sinner. The English word “atonement” is not to be split into its parts as if it stood for “at-one-ment.” “At-one-ment” is the effect of atonement. The atonement stands for the sacrifice itself of Christ " (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson ) ><> ><> ><> A Unique Offer - Several years ago a group of Christian missionaries met in Delhi, India, with representatives of other religions to discuss their beliefs. In the course of their talks, a member of a major non-Christian religion said to a missionary, "Tell me one thing your religion can offer the Indians that mine can't." The missionary thought for a moment and replied, "Forgiveness! Forgiveness!" Unlike the followers of all other world religions, those who put their hope in Christ have full assurance that their sins are forgiven. British Bible teacher and lecturer David Pawson says, "I have talked to the most devout Muslims who pray five times a day, have journeyed to Mecca, have fasted during Ramadan, and are more devout than many Christians. But when I ask, 'Do you know if your sins are forgiven?' they've said, 'We don't. We just have to hope for the best.'" In Colossians 1:14 (note), Ephesians 1:7 (note) (and here in Ro 4:7), Paul gave us the basis on which forgiveness rests--the redemption Christ secured through His death on the cross. But Christ is not merely the founder of a major religion. He is the "image of the invisible God" by whom all things were created (Col 1:15, 16-notes). The forgiveness He offers, therefore, is an offer from God Himself. - D J DeHaan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved) Have you accepted the gift of forgiveness? (Ro 6:23-note). What family member, neighbor, or co-worker needs to hear from you about God's offer of forgiveness? The search for forgiveness ends when you find Christ Romans 4:8 "BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT." (NASB: Lockman) Greek: makarios aner ou me logisetai (3SAMS) kurios hamartian. Amplified: Blessed and happy and to be envied is the person of whose sin the Lord will take no account nor reckon it against him. (Amplified Bible - Lockman) KJV: Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. NLT: Yes, what joy for those whose sin is no longer counted against them by the Lord." (NLT - Tyndale House) Wuest: Spiritually prosperous is the man to whose account the Lord does not in any case put sin. (Wuest: Expanded Translation: Eerdmans) Young's Literal: happy the man to whom the Lord may not reckon sin.' BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT: makarios aner ou me logisetai (3SAMS) kurios hamartian: (Isa 53:10, 11, 12; 2Co 5:19, 20; Philemon 1:18,19; 1Pet 2:24; 3:18)