### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐγκρύπτω (enkrýptō, `{{G1470}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning "in" or "within," and the verb κρύπτω (krýptō, `{{G2928}}`), meaning "to hide" or "to conceal." Therefore, its literal and core meaning is "to hide in," "to conceal within," or "to embed." The prefix ἐν is crucial, as it denotes an internal, intrinsic, or thoroughly integrated hiding, rather than a mere superficial covering. This implies a deep assimilation or permeation, where the hidden element becomes an inseparable part of the whole. The action is not to make something disappear entirely, but to make it present yet unseen, often working from within to effect a change.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐγκρύπτω (enkrýptō) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew:
* **[[Matthew 13:33]]**: "He told them still another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and *mixed into* about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.'" (NIV, emphasis added).
* In this verse, ἐγκρύπτω describes the action of the woman incorporating the yeast (ζύμη, zýmē) into a large quantity of flour (ἀλεύρου, aleúrou). The yeast is not merely placed *on* the flour but *into* it, becoming an integral and hidden component of the entire mass.
* **Context:** This is the Parable of the Leaven. The hidden nature of the yeast is essential to its function. Though small and initially imperceptible once ἐγκρύπτω-ed, its presence enables it to permeate and transform the entire dough, causing it to rise. This illustrates a key aspect of the Kingdom of Heaven's growth and operation. The change is profound and pervasive, yet it originates from a subtle, internal process.
### Related Words & Concepts
* κρύπτω (krýptō, `{{G2928}}`): The root verb, broadly meaning "to hide" or "to conceal." While ἐγκρύπτω specifies hiding *within*, κρύπτω can refer to any form of concealment.
* ἀποκρύπτω (apokrýptō, `{{G613}}`): "To hide away," "to keep secret." This term often carries the nuance of deliberate concealment or keeping something unknown.
* λανθάνω (lanthanō, `{{G2990}}`): "To escape notice," "to be hidden from." This focuses more on the state of being unnoticed rather than the active process of hiding.
* **Concepts:**
* **Permeation and Infusion:** The idea of a substance spreading throughout and thoroughly influencing a larger whole, akin to leaven in dough. This concept is vital for understanding the transformative power of the Kingdom of God.
* **Hidden Growth:** The Kingdom's expansion is often depicted as internal and unseen, yet powerfully effective, contrasting with overt displays of power.
* **Influence from Within:** The principle that a seemingly small or insignificant element can profoundly impact its environment by being deeply integrated within it.
### Theological Significance
The singular biblical occurrence of ἐγκρύπτω in the Parable of the Leaven in [[Matthew 13:33]] carries profound theological weight regarding the nature of the Kingdom of God:
* **Inward and Pervasive Growth:** The word emphasizes that the Kingdom of God does not typically manifest with outward fanfare or political might, but begins subtly, "hidden" within individuals and communities. Like the leaven, it works from the inside out, permeating and transforming hearts, minds, and eventually, societies.
* **Transformative Power:** The "hiding" implied by ἐγκρύπτω is not for the purpose of concealment to prevent discovery, but for the purpose of internal, transformative action. The Kingdom's influence, though not always immediately visible, is powerful enough to change the entire "lump" of humanity or society it infiltrates.
* **Organic Development:** It speaks to an organic, vital growth that is not imposed externally but grows internally through the Spirit's work, leading to a natural expansion and influence.
* **Small Beginnings, Great Impact:** The small amount of leaven (ζύμη) hidden (ἐγκρύπτω) in a large quantity of flour (σατα, a significant measure equivalent to about 60 pounds) powerfully illustrates how the seemingly modest beginnings of the Kingdom, or the quiet work of believers, can have an immense, widespread, and ultimately pervasive impact on the world.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐγκρύπτω (enkrýptō, `{{G1470}}`), meaning "to hide in" or "to conceal within," is a unique and highly significant term in the New Testament, appearing exclusively in [[Matthew 13:33]]. In this verse, it describes the woman's action of *mixing* yeast *into* flour in the Parable of the Leaven. This single usage is pivotal for understanding Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of Heaven. The word highlights the pervasive, transformative nature of the Kingdom, which, like leaven, works subtly and invisibly from within to permeate and change its entire environment. It signifies an internal, organic growth that, despite its hidden beginnings, yields a profound and widespread impact, underscoring the Kingdom's power to transform individuals and society from the inside out. The concept of ἐγκρύπτω thus encapsulates the quiet yet powerful influence of God's reign as it spreads throughout the world.
TRV