What is the meaning of the word ‘Apocalypse?’

‘Apocalypse’ is from a Greek word that literally means ‘unveiling’, ‘drawing back the curtain.’ This recalls the Temple, where a curtain (veil) separated the holy place from the Holy of Holies, the very presence of God: “Then the sanctuary of God in heaven was opened [the curtain was drawn], and the ark of the covenant could be seen within it” (Rev 11:19; see Q118, Q190). To remove the curtain is to make manifest the realm beyond, where history and events are fulfilled according to God’s counsel, and to describe it in visions and images.