Unveiling the Word
Understanding Greek words is a cornerstone of Biblical studies because it allows for deeper comprehension of the text’s meaning and context. The Greek word κρυπτός (kryptos), which appears in Matthew 6:4, holds particular significance as it deals with the concept of hiddenness or secrecy. This word is crucial for interpreting New Testament passages that discuss the inner, unseen aspects of spiritual life, contrasting them with external, visible displays. It also reflects broader themes in ancient Greek culture, where the hidden and the revealed were often in dialogue, impacting ethical and philosophical discussions.
Necessary Information
Greek Word: κρυπτός (kryptos) [kroo-PTOS]
Etymology: The word κρυπτός comes from the root κρύπτω (kryptō), meaning “to hide” or “to conceal.” This root word has led to various related terms in English, such as “cryptic,” “cryptography,” and “encrypt,” all of which convey ideas of secrecy or hiddenness.
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Part of Speech: Adjective. κρυπτός is an adjective that describes something that is hidden, concealed, or secret. It follows the second declension pattern in Greek grammar for masculine, feminine, and neuter forms. As an adjective, it can modify nouns to convey the idea of something being unseen or not immediately apparent.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Defining Meanings
Hidden or Concealed: The primary meaning of κρυπτός is “hidden” or “concealed.” This usage is common in the New Testament, where it often describes actions, thoughts, or intentions that are not visible to others but are known to God.
Secret: Another primary meaning of κρυπτός is “secret.” This can refer to secret things, actions, or motives. It emphasizes that which is intentionally kept from view or awareness.
Unseen: The term can also denote something that is “unseen” by the human eye, implying a spiritual or divine awareness that contrasts with human ignorance.
Exploring Similar Words
κρύπτω (kryptō) [KROOP-toh]: As the root word for κρυπτός, this verb means “to hide” or “to conceal.” While κρύπτω focuses on the act of hiding, κρυπτός describes the state of being hidden.
λανθάνω (lanthanō) [lan-THAH-no]: This word means “to escape notice” or “to be hidden from.” While κρυπτός is an adjective, λανθάνω is a verb emphasizing the result of being hidden or unnoticed.
ἀπόκρυφος (apokryphos) [a-PO-kri-phos]: This adjective also means “hidden” but often has a more specific connotation of being deliberately kept secret or concealed, especially in contexts of esoteric knowledge or forbidden writings.
Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Case, Number, Gender: κρυπτός is an adjective and can be used in masculine, feminine, and neuter forms, following the second declension pattern:
| Case | Masculine | Feminine | Neuter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | κρυπτός | κρυπτή | κρυπτόν |
| Genitive | κρυπτοῦ | κρυπτῆς | κρυπτοῦ |
| Dative | κρυπτῷ | κρυπτῇ | κρυπτῷ |
| Accusative | κρυπτόν | κρυπτήν | κρυπτόν |
| Vocative | κρυπτέ | κρυπτή | κρυπτόν |
For more on Greek grammar, including declensions and other grammatical details, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Studying Lexicon Insights
The word κρυπτός is well-documented in Greek lexicons, each providing unique insights. In New Testament contexts, κρυπτός often emphasizes the contrast between external appearances and internal realities, particularly in ethical and spiritual teachings. For example, it is used to describe how God sees the hidden aspects of a person’s life that are not visible to others. In classical literature, the word may also describe hidden treasures or concealed knowledge. The theological implications of κρυπτός focus on divine omniscience and the call for authentic living, where one’s true self and intentions are aligned with God’s will rather than outward appearances.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Tracing Related Scriptures
Matthew 6:4: “So that your giving may be in secret (κρυπτός). Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Here, κρυπτός emphasizes the importance of sincere, hidden generosity rather than public acts done for praise.
Colossians 3:3: “For you died, and your life is now hidden (κρυπτός) with Christ in God.” The use of κρυπτός conveys the concept of a spiritual reality that is not visible to the human eye but known to God.
Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Phaedrus | “The hidden (κρυπτός) meaning of the text reveals much about the soul.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “He hid his treasure in a secret (κρυπτός) chamber.” |
| Septuagint (LXX) | Isaiah 45:3 | “I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden (κρυπτός) riches.” |
Noteworthy Summary
The Greek word κρυπτός (kryptos) captures the essence of hiddenness, secrecy, and the unseen in both physical and spiritual contexts. Its use in the New Testament often points to the importance of genuine, unseen spiritual practices over public displays of religiosity. Understanding κρυπτός deepens our appreciation of the Biblical narrative and provides a lens for exploring themes of authenticity, divine awareness, and hidden realities.
Did You Know?
Did you know? The English word “cryptic,” meaning mysterious or obscure, is derived directly from the Greek κρυπτός.
Did you know? In Greek philosophy, κρυπτός often related to hidden truths or mysteries that could only be understood by the initiated.
Did you know? The use of κρυπτός in the New Testament reflects a counter-cultural emphasis on the hidden, inward life rather than external validation.
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