Understanding ἀπόκρυφος (apokruphos) Strong’s G614: Unveiling the Hidden Things that God Will Bring to Light

Pronunciation Guide: ah-POK-roo-fos (emphasis on second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G614: ἀπόκρυφος describes something that is hidden, concealed, or kept secret – but with the important nuance that it is temporary and destined to be revealed. In biblical usage, it often carries the sense of divine truth or wisdom that is currently veiled but will be made manifest in God’s perfect timing. This word teaches us that what seems hidden now is part of God’s unfolding plan of revelation.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Word: From ἀπό (away from) + κρύπτω (to hide)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative and teaching passages
• Literary Style: Used in contexts of divine revelation and eschatological disclosure

ἀπόκρυφος Morphology:

• ἀπόκρυφος (nominative singular masculine) – hidden, secret
• ἀπόκρυφον (accusative singular neuter) – hidden thing
• ἀπόκρυφοι (nominative plural masculine) – hidden ones
• ἀπόκρυφα (accusative plural neuter) – hidden things

Origin & History

The term ἀπόκρυφος has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it was used to describe things deliberately concealed from public view. Plato employed it in his “Republic” (460c) when discussing hidden knowledge reserved for the philosophical elite. In the Septuagint, it appears in Daniel 11:43 describing hidden treasures.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Contra Celsum” (1.7), used ἀπόκρυφος to discuss the mystery of divine wisdom that was once hidden but now revealed in the Messiah. This usage shaped the term’s theological development in early Christian literature.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Something deliberately hidden or concealed
• A mystery awaiting divine revelation
• Knowledge reserved for appropriate timing
• Treasures stored away from public view

ἀπόκρυφος Translation Options:

• Hidden – Best captures the basic meaning of physical or spiritual concealment
• Secret – Emphasizes the intentional nature of the concealment
• Concealed – Highlights the temporary nature of the hiding
• Reserved – Suggests purpose in the concealment

Biblical Usage

The word ἀπόκρυφος appears most prominently in the New Testament in contexts where the Messiah teaches about God’s revelation of truth. Its usage suggests a divine pedagogy where truth is unveiled progressively according to God’s wisdom and timing.

The concept particularly resonates with the Messiah’s teaching style through parables, where spiritual truth is both revealed and concealed simultaneously, depending on the spiritual readiness of the hearer.

• “[For nothing is] hidden [ἀπόκρυφος] that will not be revealed” Mark 4:22
• “In whom are hidden [ἀπόκρυφοι] all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” Colossians 2:3
• “That their hearts may be encouraged… attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, the Messiah Himself, in whom are hidden [ἀπόκρυφοι] all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” Colossians 2:2-3

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish wisdom literature, particularly in apocalyptic texts, the concept of hidden knowledge played a significant role. The Dead Sea Scrolls community at Qumran used similar terminology when referring to their secret teachings, which they believed would be revealed in the end times.

The Jewish concept of הסתר פנים (hester panim) or “the hiding of God’s face” provides important background for understanding ἀπόκρυφος. This theological idea suggests that God’s temporary concealment serves a greater purpose in His redemptive plan.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπόκρυφος in the New Testament reveals a profound truth about God’s nature and His way of working in history. It shows us that God is both a revealer and a concealer, but His ultimate purpose is always revelation. The temporary hiding serves to develop our faith, wisdom, and spiritual maturity.

This word teaches us about the progressive nature of divine revelation, culminating in the Messiah Jesus, in whom all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge reside. It reminds us that God’s timing in revelation is perfect and purposeful.

Personal Application

When we encounter seasons where God seems hidden or His purposes unclear, ἀπόκρυφος reminds us that what is concealed will be revealed in His perfect timing. This truth calls us to trust God’s wisdom in both His revealing and His concealing, knowing that both serve His good purposes in our lives.

This understanding can transform how we approach spiritual mysteries and apparent silences in our walk with God. Rather than becoming discouraged by what we don’t yet understand, we can trust that these temporary concealments are part of God’s perfect pedagogical strategy for our spiritual growth.

Related Words

• κρυπτός (kryptos) – hidden, concealed (more general term for hiding) – See G2927
• καλύπτω (kalypto) – to cover, hide (emphasizes the act of covering) – See G2572
• μυστήριον (mysterion) – mystery, secret (emphasizes the sacred nature of what’s hidden) – See G3466
• θησαυρός (thesauros) – treasure, storehouse (often used with hidden things) – See G2344

Did you Know?

• The English word “apocrypha” derives from ἀπόκρυφος, though its modern usage to describe non-canonical books would have been foreign to the original biblical context.
• In ancient Greek mystery religions, ἀπόκρυφος was used to describe secret teachings reserved for initiated members, but the New Testament transforms this concept by promising universal revelation of God’s mysteries in His timing.
• The Dead Sea Scrolls community used the Hebrew equivalent (נסתר – nistar) to describe their special teachings, believing they possessed hidden wisdom that would be revealed in the last days.

Remember This

What God has hidden, He has hidden for a purpose, and what He has hidden, He will reveal in His perfect timing for His glory and our good.