κρύπτω

krýptō /kroop'-to/ Ask about this word
Meaninga primary verb; to conceal (properly, by covering)
KJV usagehide (self), keep secret, secret(-ly).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word krýptō, represented by G2928, is a primary verb meaning to conceal (properly, by covering). It is also used to mean hide (self), keep secret, secret(-ly). It appears 16 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible, illustrating concepts of both physical concealment and spiritual hiddenness.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical usage, G2928 is applied in several distinct contexts. It can describe the literal act of hiding a person or object, such as when Moses's parents hid him for three months Hebrews 11:23 or when the unfaithful servant hid his master's talent in the earth Matthew 25:25. Figuratively, it describes truths that are intentionally veiled, as when Jesus speaks of things kept secret from the foundation of the world Matthew 13:35 or when a saying was hid from the disciples' understanding Luke 18:34. It is also used to describe the profound spiritual reality of a believer's new identity, whose life is hid with Christ in God Colossians 3:3.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of concealment and its opposite, revelation:

  • G5457 phōs (light): This word stands in direct contrast to being hidden. In Matthew 5:14, the statement that believers are the light of the world is immediately followed by the principle that a city on a hill cannot be hid.
  • G1097 ginṓskō (to "know"): What is hidden is often unable to be known. In Revelation 2:17, the promise of hidden manna is paired with a new name that no man knoweth. Likewise, when a saying was hid from the disciples, they knew not the things which were spoken Luke 18:34.
  • G455 anoígō (to open up): This is a direct antonym. In Matthew 13:35, Jesus declares He will open His mouth in parables to utter things that had been kept secret.
  • G1438 heautoû (himself): This reflexive pronoun is used with G2928 to show a person actively hiding their own self, as when the kings of the earth hid themselves in dens Revelation 6:15 or when Jesus hid himself from the crowd John 8:59.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2928 is significant, touching on themes of revelation, security, and judgment.

  • Divine Revelation and Concealment: The word highlights God's sovereign control over what is known. Prophetic truths are described as things kept secret until they are uttered Matthew 13:35, and spiritual understanding can be hid from those whose hearts are not prepared Luke 19:42.
  • The Believer's Security: The concept is central to the believer's position in Christ. The statement that "your life is hid with Christ in God" Colossians 3:3 signifies a spiritual reality of safety and identity that is concealed from the world's view but is secure in God.
  • Humanity's Response to God: Hiding is a common human reaction to divine presence and wrath. In Revelation, humanity attempts to hide from the face of Him on the throne Revelation 6:16. The servant who was afraid hid his talent, demonstrating a response of fear rather than faith Matthew 25:25.

Summary

In summary, G2928 carries a meaning that extends beyond simple physical hiding. It is a key term for understanding the biblical dynamics of concealment and revelation. From the parables of Jesus involving a hid treasure Matthew 13:44 to the promise of hidden manna for those who overcome Revelation 2:17, the word consistently points to things of great value that are not immediately visible. It illustrates a core biblical theme: that some truths must be sought, some are divinely revealed, and some are securely hid in God himself.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 20 occurrences, inflected in 14 grammatical forms.

  • 2nd Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 4×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Passive Infinitive 2×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 2nd Singular 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Perfect Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Accusative Plural Neuter 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Dative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Genitive Singular Neuter 1×

+ 2 rarer forms

Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Dative
The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 15 verses across 7 books. Most frequent in Matthew (4 verses).

4
Matthew
2
Luke
3
John
1
Colossians
1
1 Timothy
1
Hebrews
3
Revelation

Verse Explorer

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