Word of the Week – Apocalypse

When we hear the word apocalypse, we think one thing and one thing only these days: THE END OF THE WORLD!

Ever wonder why?

Apocalypse has come to mean that because it’s the Greek name of the last book in the Bible, which we English-speakers today call Revelation. Its story, however, includes the end (and new beginning) of the world. So it’s no surprise that, over the centuries, apocalypse has taken on that meaning, and it’s had it since the 1200s.

But the word itself means something very different–and a lot more like our English translation. Apocalypse literally means “unveil.”

Yep. See, apo- means “off, away from” and kalyptein means “to cover, to veil.” So apocalypse is “to remove the veil.” To reveal (hence Revelation). I love that the book isn’t actually named for “doom and gloom and destruction” but for the revealing, the unveiling of mysteries. I especially love the way the Church Fathers read this book, not just as a “what will happen someday” but as a glimpse at what is happening in Heaven when we worship on Earth.