Brief Overview of περικρύβω (Strong’s G4032: perikrybo)
Strong’s G4032: A compound verb combining περί (around) and κρύβω (to hide), meaning “to hide completely, conceal entirely.” Used uniquely in Luke to describe Elizabeth’s self-concealment during early pregnancy, suggesting both privacy and divine purpose in the timing of revelation.
U- Unveiling the Word
Περικρύβω represents complete concealment or hiding. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the hiding action of κρύβω, creating a picture of thorough concealment. In the New Testament, it appears only in Luke’s account of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, where she hid herself for five months. This concealment carried deep significance, suggesting both cultural sensitivity and divine timing in revealing God’s work. Early church writers saw in this hiding a pattern of God’s ways – periods of concealment before divine revelation. Today, it reminds believers that God often works in hidden ways before public manifestation.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: περικρύβω, perikrybo, [peh-ree-KREE-boh]
- Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-KREE-boh (stress on third syllable)
- Part of Speech: Verb
Etymology:
- περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around, completely”
- κρύβω (krybo): root verb meaning “to hide”
- Combined meaning: to hide completely
D – Defining Meanings
- To hide completely
- To conceal thoroughly
- To keep oneself hidden
For compound words: The prefix περί adds “completely” to κρύβω “to hide,” emphasizing total concealment
Translation Options:
- Hide completely – Emphasizes thoroughness
- Conceal entirely – Highlights intentionality
- Keep hidden – Suggests ongoing action
E – Exploring Similar Words
- κρύπτω [krypto, KRIP-toh] – simple “to hide”
- ἀποκρύπτω [apokrypto, ah-po-KRIP-toh] – to hide away
- ἐγκρύπτω [enkrypto, en-KRIP-toh] – to hide within
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Verbal Features:
- Tense: Aorist
- Voice: Active
- Mood: Indicative
- Person: Third
- Number: Singular
- Aspect: Punctiliar
Examples: hide completely, hides completely, hid completely, hiding completely
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its completeness of concealment. Thayer’s notes its unique usage. LSJ provides examples of thorough hiding. Vine’s connects it to divine purpose. Strong’s emphasizes comprehensive concealment. Moulton and Milligan document its rare usage.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she [kept herself hidden], saying…” (Luke 1:24)
Additional References:
None
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Sophocles: Ajax | “He [concealed himself] from all eyes” |
| Euripides: Medea | “She [hid completely] from public view” |
| Plutarch: Lives | “The fugitive [kept himself hidden] thoroughly” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Περικρύβω powerfully illustrates how God sometimes works in hiddenness before revelation. Elizabeth’s concealment preceded the public manifestation of God’s miracle, reminding us that the good news of King Jesus often develops in hidden ways before being revealed in His perfect timing.
D – Did You Know?
- Only appears once in the New Testament
- Used in ancient privacy customs during pregnancy
- Influenced early Christian practices of spiritual retreat
Strong’s G4032: Compound verb expressing complete concealment or hiding. Used specifically of Elizabeth’s self-concealment during pregnancy, suggesting both cultural sensitivity and divine timing in revealing God’s work.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: #Concealment #Privacy #DivineWork #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #Elizabeth #Pregnancy #Revelation #Timing #LukesGospel
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
