Introduction:

Understanding the nuances of Greek words used in the Bible is crucial for anyone seeking to grasp the depth of the scriptures. The Greek word ἐγκρύπτω (enkrýptō) is one such term that, while not as frequently discussed as others, offers significant insight into the themes of concealment and mystery in the New Testament. Its relevance extends beyond Biblical interpretation to a broader understanding of how the concept of hiddenness played a role in ancient Greek culture, including its literature and philosophy. Exploring ἐγκρύπτω allows us to see how the early Christians understood and conveyed the idea of something being deliberately hidden or kept secret, whether it be divine truth, moral lessons, or even personal faith.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἐγκρύπτω (enkrýptō) [eng-kroop’-toh]
• Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning “in” or “within,” and the verb κρύπτω (krýptō), meaning “to hide” or “to conceal.” The compound form emphasizes the act of hiding something within or keeping it secret.
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• To Hide or Conceal: The primary meaning of ἐγκρύπτω is “to hide” or “to conceal.” This typically refers to the act of hiding something within a particular place, person, or concept, often with the intention that it should not be discovered easily or at all.
• To Keep Secret: It also means “to keep secret,” implying the deliberate act of ensuring that certain information or objects remain unknown or unseen by others.

Similar Words:

• κρύπτω (krýptō) [kroop’-toh]: Meaning “to hide” or “to conceal,” this word is closely related to ἐγκρύπτω but lacks the prefix ἐν-, which adds a nuance of internal or inward hiding in the compound verb.
• ἀποκρύπτω (apokrýptō) [ap-o-kroop’-toh]: Another related word, meaning “to hide away” or “to conceal entirely,” emphasizes a more complete or thorough act of hiding, often used in the context of something being hidden from many people or from the world.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Insights:
• The verb ἐγκρύπτω is in the present active indicative, suggesting an ongoing action of hiding or concealing.
• The prefix ἐν- (en-) emphasizes the idea of something being hidden within a particular context or environment, adding depth to the concept of concealment.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG: ἐγκρύπτω is described as “to hide” or “to conceal,” with a focus on the intentional act of keeping something hidden. This verb is often used in contexts where the hidden object is of significant importance, whether materially or symbolically.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon defines ἐγκρύπτω as “to hide in,” emphasizing the deliberate nature of concealment within something. The lexicon highlights its application in both physical and metaphorical contexts, such as hiding a physical object or concealing a truth.

Vine’s: Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes ἐγκρύπτω as referring to the act of hiding something with the purpose of it remaining undiscovered, often carrying a negative connotation, as in hiding something deceitfully or keeping the truth from others.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon lists ἐγκρύπτω primarily as “to conceal within” or “to hide,” particularly noting its use in classical literature where it is often associated with hiding things of value or knowledge.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s notes ἐγκρύπτω simply as “to hide,” with emphasis on the action of placing something out of sight or keeping it secret. The concordance references its usage in contexts where the hidden nature of an object or truth is of critical importance.

Scripture References:

• Luke 13:21: “It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid (ἐνέκρυψεν) in three measures of flour until it was all leavened.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐγκρύπτω (G1470: enkrýptō):

The verb ἐγκρύπτω (G1470: enkrýptō) plays a significant role in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature. It captures the essence of deliberate concealment, whether of physical objects, truths, or moral teachings. In the Biblical context, this word often appears in parables and teachings where the hidden nature of something is critical to the message being conveyed, such as the hidden leaven in dough symbolizing the Kingdom of God. Understanding ἐγκρύπτω deepens our appreciation for the ways in which the concepts of secrecy and revelation were woven into the fabric of both scripture and ancient Greek thought.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? The concept of ἐγκρύπτω is closely related to the idea of mystery in ancient Greek culture, where hidden knowledge was often associated with wisdom and insight. In the New Testament, the hiddenness of the Kingdom of God, as described through the metaphor of leaven, reflects the mysterious and transformative nature of divine truth, which often works in unseen ways within the world and within the hearts of believers.