### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κρύπτω (krýptō), Strong's `{{G2928}}`, fundamentally means "to hide," "to conceal," or "to keep secret." Its primary sense, as indicated by its etymology, involves the act of covering something so as to render it invisible or unknown. This can be a physical act, such as burying an object or withdrawing oneself from sight, or a more abstract, figurative concealment, such as keeping information secret or obscuring truth. The semantic range extends from deliberate, active hiding to the passive state of being hidden or remaining unknown. It often implies an intentional act to prevent discovery or revelation, but can also describe a natural state of obscurity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word κρύπτω appears frequently in the New Testament, encompassing a variety of contexts:
* **Physical Concealment:** In its most literal sense, κρύπτω describes the act of physically hiding something or someone. For instance, in the parable of the treasure, a man "hides" (κρύπτω) a treasure in a field ([[Matthew 13:44]]). Similarly, the unfaithful servant "hid" (κρύπτω) his master's money in the ground ([[Matthew 25:18]], [[Matthew 25:25]]). Moses' parents "hid" (κρύπτω) him for three months after his birth ([[Hebrews 11:23]]). Jesus himself "hid" (κρύπτω) from those who sought to stone him ([[John 8:59]]).
* **Figurative Concealment of Truth/Knowledge:** κρύπτω is often used to describe things that are hidden from human understanding or knowledge, often by divine design. Jesus states that a city on a hill "cannot be hidden" (οὐ δύναται κρυβῆναι), implying its inherent visibility ([[Matthew 5:14]]). He also declares that "nothing is hidden that will not be revealed" (οὐδὲν γάρ ἐστιν κρυπτόν, ὃ οὐ φανερωθήσεται), a principle of ultimate disclosure applicable to both human actions and divine truth ([[Matthew 10:26]], [[Luke 12:2]]). In a profound theological statement, Paul speaks of God's wisdom as a "mystery, the hidden wisdom" (μυστήριον τὴν ἀποκεκρυμμένην σοφίαν) which God predestined before the ages ([[1 Corinthians 2:7]]).
* **Spiritual or Esoteric Concealment:** The term also describes spiritual realities that are not immediately apparent to the world. The "hidden manna" promised to the one who conquers in [[Revelation 2:17]] symbolizes a spiritual nourishment or reward that is mysterious and uniquely given by Christ. Most significantly, Paul declares to believers in [[Colossians 3:3]], "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν κέκρυπται σὺν τῷ Χριστῷ ἐν τῷ θεῷ). This speaks to the secure, supernatural nature of the believer's true identity and existence, which is beyond the grasp of earthly powers and rooted in the divine.
* **Divine Hiding/Withholding:** In some instances, κρύπτω implies a divine act of withholding understanding or revelation. Jesus thanks the Father for "having hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and having revealed them to infants" ([[Matthew 11:25]], [[Luke 10:21]]), indicating a sovereign choice in the distribution of spiritual insight. Similarly, the things "hidden from your eyes" (ἐκρύβη ἀπὸ ὀφθαλμῶν σου) of Jerusalem in [[Luke 19:42]] refer to their failure to recognize the time of their visitation, a spiritual blindness permitted by God.
### Related Words & Concepts
κρύπτω is part of a family of words related to concealment and secrecy.
* **Cognates:**
* `{{G2927}}` (κρυφός, kryphos): An adjective meaning "hidden," "secret," often used substantively as "secret place" or "secret thing."
* `{{G2813}}` (κρυπτός, kryptos): Another adjective meaning "hidden," "secret," often referring to what is concealed from view or knowledge, as in "the hidden person of the heart" ([[1 Peter 3:4]]).
* `{{G2930}}` (κρυπτή, kryptē): A noun meaning "crypt" or "secret place."
* **Synonyms/Related Concepts:**
* `{{G614}}` (ἀποκρύπτω, apokryptō): A compound verb meaning "to hide away," "to conceal completely." This often carries a stronger sense of divine concealment, particularly regarding mysteries ([[Matthew 11:25]]).
* `{{G3144}}` (μυστήριον, mystērion): "Mystery," refers to something hidden or unknown, but now revealed or in the process of being revealed, especially divine truths.
* **Antonyms/Opposites:**
* `{{G5319}}` (φανερόω, phaneroō): "To make manifest," "to reveal," "to make visible."
* `{{G601}}` (ἀποκαλύπτω, apokalyptō): "To unveil," "to uncover," "to reveal." This is the core verb for "revelation."
The interplay between κρύπτω and its antonyms highlights a key biblical tension: the tension between what is concealed and what is revealed, a dynamic central to God's dealings with humanity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κρύπτω is multifaceted and profound:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Revelation:** The use of κρύπτω underscores God's sovereign control over truth and knowledge. God "hides" certain truths or insights until the appointed time, or from those who are not prepared to receive them ([[Matthew 11:25]]). This is not arbitrary but purposeful, often related to the mystery of the gospel and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. What is hidden now will be revealed in God's timing and through His chosen means.
* **Human Accountability and Judgment:** The repeated assertion that "nothing is hidden that will not be revealed" ([[Matthew 10:26]], [[Luke 12:2]]) carries significant implications for human accountability. It teaches that all actions, motives, and intentions, even those concealed from human eyes, are known to God and will ultimately be brought into the light for judgment. This emphasizes the importance of integrity and purity of heart before God.
* **The Nature of the Kingdom of God:** The Kingdom of God is often presented as something "hidden" or unobtrusive in its initial stages, like the hidden treasure in the field ([[Matthew 13:44]]) or the leaven hidden in dough ([[Matthew 13:33]]). Its power and presence are not always outwardly spectacular but are profoundly transformative, operating beneath the surface of worldly perception.
* **Believer's Security and Identity:** Perhaps one of the most comforting theological uses of κρύπτω is in [[Colossians 3:3]], "your life is hidden with Christ in God." This speaks to the absolute security and eternal nature of the believer's new life in Christ. Our true identity and spiritual essence are not exposed to the world's fluctuations, attacks, or decay, but are safely secured in the unassailable reality of Christ's resurrection life and His union with God. This "hiddenness" is a source of profound peace and assurance.
* **The Incarnation and God's Wisdom:** While not always using the verb κρύπτω directly, the concept of God's glory and wisdom being "hidden" in the person of Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry is a foundational truth. God's ultimate wisdom, previously hidden, is revealed in Christ ([[1 Corinthians 2:7]]).
### Summary
The Greek verb κρύπτω (krýptō, `{{G2928}}`) denotes the act of concealing or keeping secret, whether physically by covering an object or person, or figuratively by withholding information or obscuring truth. Its biblical usage spans from literal acts of hiding ([[Matthew 13:44]], [[Matthew 25:18]]) to profound theological concepts. It highlights God's sovereign control over revelation, where certain truths are "hidden" until their appointed time or from those not prepared to receive them ([[Matthew 11:25]]). Simultaneously, it underscores human accountability, asserting that all hidden deeds and intentions will ultimately be brought to light ([[Matthew 10:26]]). Most significantly, κρύπτω conveys the secure and eternal nature of the believer's life, which is "hidden with Christ in God" ([[Colossians 3:3]]), a testament to divine protection and spiritual identity beyond the world's grasp. The word thus encapsulates the dynamic interplay between divine mystery, human responsibility, and ultimate revelation.
TRV