Lexical Summary kruptó: To hide, conceal, keep secret Original Word: κρύπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to concealA primary verb; to conceal (properly, by covering) -- hide (self), keep secret, secret(-ly). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to hide NASB Translation concealed (1), hid (7), hidden (8), hide (1), secret (1), things hidden (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2928: κρύπτωκρύπτω: 1 aorist ἔκρυψα; passive, perfect 3 person singular κέκρυπται, participle κεκρυμμένος; 2 aorist ἐκρύβην (so also in the Sept., for the earlier ἐκρυφην, cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Spr. i., p. 377; Fritzsche on Matthew, p. 212; (Veitch, under the word)); (cf. καλύπτω; from Homer down); the Sept. for הֶחְבִּיא, הִסְתִּיר, צָפַן, טָמַן, כִּחֵד, כִּסָּה; to hide, conceal; a. properly: τί, Matthew 13:44 and L T Tr WH in b. metaphorically, to conceal (that it may not become known): κεκρυμμένος, clandestine, John 19:38; τί ἀπό τίνος (the genitive of person), Matthew 11:25 L T Tr WH; (Luke 18:34); κεκρυμμένα things hidden i. e. unknown, used of God's saving counsels, Matthew 13:35; ἀπ' ὀφθαλμῶν τίνος, Luke 19:42 (cf. Buttmann, § 146, 1 at the end Compare: ἀποκρύπτω, ἐνκρύπτω, περικρύπτω.) Concealment in Scripture is never morally neutral. From the first couple hiding in Eden to the saints hidden with Christ in God, the idea conveys either man’s attempt to shield himself from divine gaze or God’s sovereign decision to veil or protect. In the Greek New Testament κρύπτω traces this two-sided dynamic in eighteen verses. Divine Initiative: Hidden Revelation God sometimes withholds truth to display His sovereignty and cultivate humility. “You have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children” (Matthew 11:25). The Lord veils kingdom mysteries (Matthew 13:35) until the appointed moment (Colossians 1:26), ensuring that spiritual understanding rests on grace, not aptitude. Human Blindness and Judicial Hiding When people reject light, further illumination is concealed. Jerusalem’s refusal of her Messiah led to prophetic concealment: “But now it is hidden from your eyes” (Luke 19:42). Three times the disciples are told of the cross, yet “the meaning of this message was hidden from them” (Luke 18:34). Such withholding is both judgment and mercy, delaying accountability while preparing hearts for later revelation. Protection and Preservation Hiding can signal faith-filled guardianship. Moses’ parents “hid him for three months” (Hebrews 11:23) in defiance of Pharaoh’s decree. Joseph of Arimathea “secretly” sought Jesus’ body (John 19:38), shielding the Lord’s honor. God likewise promises safe concealment: “Your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). The believer’s security is out of reach of earthly hostility and spiritual assault. Discipleship and Stewardship The parable of the talents contrasts faithless concealment with diligent service. The third servant admits, “I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground” (Matthew 25:25). Fearful secrecy forfeits reward, while courageous investment advances the Master’s interests. Leaders must therefore cultivate transparency; even “good deeds… that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden” (1 Timothy 5:25). Kingdom Treasure and Joyful Secrecy Concealment can heighten value. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field” (Matthew 13:44). Discovery births sacrificial joy; the finder hides it anew to secure lawful purchase. Spiritual riches are not broadcast indiscriminately but entrusted to those who prize them enough to seek and surrender. Christological Implications Jesus Himself embodies paradoxical hiddenness. During opposition He “was hidden and left the temple area” (John 8:59) and later “was hidden from them” (John 12:36), yet He is “the light of the world” (John 8:12). His messianic identity, concealed from hostile eyes, is progressively unveiled through cross and resurrection. Eschatological Exposure At the breaking of the sixth seal “the kings of the earth… hid in the caves and among the rocks” (Revelation 6:15). Futile attempts to escape final judgment fulfill Isaiah’s imagery (Isaiah 2:19). Conversely, overcomers receive “the hidden manna” (Revelation 2:17), a secret fellowship reserved for the faithful. Pastoral Application 1. Guarded hearts: believers rest in God’s covert protection. Hiddenness, therefore, magnifies God’s wisdom. He conceals to judge or to save, to humble or to honor, always furthering His redemptive purpose until “nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed” (Luke 8:17). Englishman's Concordance Matthew 5:14 V-ANPGRK: δύναται πόλις κρυβῆναι ἐπάνω ὄρους NAS: on a hill cannot be hidden; KJV: an hill cannot be hid. INT: is able A city to be hidden on a hill Matthew 11:25 V-AIA-2S Matthew 13:35 V-RPM/P-ANP Matthew 13:44 V-RPM/P-DMS Matthew 13:44 V-AIA-3S Matthew 25:18 V-AIA-3S Matthew 25:25 V-AIA-1S Luke 18:34 V-RPM/P-NNS Luke 19:42 V-AIP-3S John 8:59 V-AIP-3S John 12:36 V-AIP-3S John 19:38 V-RPM/P-NMS Colossians 3:3 V-RIM/P-3S 1 Timothy 5:25 V-ANP Hebrews 11:23 V-AIP-3S Revelation 2:17 V-RPM/P-GMS Revelation 6:15 V-AIA-3P Revelation 6:16 V-AMA-2P Strong's Greek 2928 |
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