a prolonged form of a primary verb, which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses; to lie hid (literally or figuratively); often used adverbially, unwittingly:--be hid, be ignorant of, unawares.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **lanthánō**, represented by `{{G2990}}`, means **to lie hid**, either literally or figuratively. It is a prolonged form of a primary verb and can also be used adverbially to mean unwittingly or unawares. It appears **8 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting concepts of concealment, ignorance, and unintentional action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2990}}` is used in both physical and cognitive contexts. It describes the physical impossibility of Jesus concealing his presence, as "he could not **be hid**" [[Mark 7:24]] when he sought privacy. It is also used to describe the woman with the issue of blood realizing she was "not **hid**" after touching him [[Luke 8:47]]. Figuratively, the term describes a state of willful ignorance, where some people "willingly are **ignorant of**" the truth of creation [[2 Peter 3:5]]. In an adverbial sense, it explains how some have shown hospitality to angels **unawares** [[Hebrews 13:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of knowing and forgetting, often standing in direct contrast to being hidden:
* `{{G1950}}` **epilanthánomai** (to lose out of mind; by implication, to neglect): This word is formed from `{{G2990}}` and appears in the same verse, urging believers "be not **forgetful** to entertain strangers" [[Hebrews 13:2]].
* `{{G1097}}` **ginṓskō** (to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications): This word for knowing is contrasted with `{{G2990}}` in the account where Jesus would have no man **know** of his location but could not be hid [[Mark 7:24]]. It speaks of a deep, absolute knowledge.
* `{{G1492}}` **eídō** (properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, to know): The woman who touched Jesus **saw** that she was not hid, linking physical sight with the realization that her actions were known [[Luke 8:47]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2990}}` is significant, touching on themes of divine omniscience, human responsibility, and hidden spiritual realities.
* **Divine Omniscience:** The attempts by humans to hide, or the inability of Christ to **be hid**, underscores the principle that nothing is truly concealed from God's presence or knowledge ([[Mark 7:24]], [[Luke 8:47]]).
* **Willful Ignorance:** The word is used to condemn those who choose to **be ignorant** of God's power in creation and judgment, highlighting ignorance not as a passive state but as an active choice [[2 Peter 3:5]].
* **Unwitting Service:** The concept of entertaining angels **unawares** reveals that acts of faith and obedience can have spiritual significance far beyond our immediate awareness [[Hebrews 13:2]].
* **Apostolic Warning:** The inverse, "be not **ignorant**," functions as a command for believers to actively remember and understand crucial doctrines, such as God's perspective on time [[2 Peter 3:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2990}}` provides a nuanced look at what it means to be hidden. It moves beyond simple physical concealment to explore the nature of knowledge, ignorance, and perception. The word illustrates the contrast between what is hidden from humanity and what is open before God, and it serves as a powerful reminder that ignorance can be a choice and that faithfulness can have unseen consequences.
TRV