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to conceal in, i.e. incorporate with
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Commentary
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Pronunciation Guide: eng-kroop'-to (with a rolling 'r' and emphasis on the second syllable)
Basic Definition
Strong's G1470: ἐγκρύπτω (egkryptō) describes the action of hiding something within something else, specifically embedding or concealing one substance inside another. In the New Testament, it appears only once in Matthew 13:33, where Yeshua uses it to illustrate how the Kingdom of Heaven works like leaven hidden in flour, working invisibly yet powerfully from within. This word conveys the mysterious, transformative work that happens beneath the surface, out of sight, yet producing visible results.
Etymology and Morphology
ἐγκρύπτω Morphology:
Origin & History
The compound verb ἐγκρύπτω derives from combining the preposition ἐν (en, "in/within") with the verb κρύπτω (kryptō, "to hide/conceal"). In classical Greek literature, it was used to describe concealing something inside another substance, often with the implication that the hidden item would affect or transform its container. Xenophon, in his "Oeconomicus," uses related forms to describe storing valuables in secure places within the home.
In the Septuagint (LXX), while the specific form ἐγκρύπτω is rare, related words from the same root κρύπτω appear frequently to describe concealment, particularly in contexts where יהוה (Yahweh) hides His face (Deuteronomy 32:20) or where humans attempt to hide from Divine presence (Genesis 3:8). The concept of concealment in Hebrew thought often carries theological significance, suggesting divine mystery or the hiddenness of יהוה's ways that are beyond human comprehension. Early church fathers like Origen and Chrysostom expanded on this idea in their homilies on Matthew, seeing in ἐγκρύπτω a picture of how Divine truth works mysteriously within the human heart.
Expanded Definitions & Translation Options
ἐγκρύπτω Translation Options:
Biblical Usage
In the New Testament, ἐγκρύπτω appears only once, in Matthew 13:33 (and its parallel in Luke 13:21, though with slight variation in form). Here, Yeshua tells a parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid [ἐνέκρυψεν] in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened." This singular usage carries tremendous theological weight, as it illustrates how the Kingdom of Heaven operates—not through external force or visible power, but through an internal, transformative process that starts small and hidden yet eventually permeates and transforms the entire substance.
While ἐγκρύπτω itself appears only once, the concept of hiddenness and revelation is a major theme throughout Scripture. The root word κρύπτω and related terms appear frequently, often in contexts discussing spiritual truths that are hidden from some but revealed to others, or things concealed that will eventually be made manifest.
Cultural Insights
In ancient Jewish culture, leaven (שְׂאֹר, se'or) carried ambivalent symbolism. During Passover, it was removed from homes as a symbol of purging sin and corruption. However, in everyday life, leaven was a powerful agent of transformation used in baking bread, an essential staple food. When a woman prepared dough, she would take a small piece of fermented dough from a previous batch and mix it into the new dough. This process of "hiding" leaven within flour was a daily domestic activity familiar to every household.
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The "three measures of flour" mentioned in the parable (about 50 pounds) is a significant amount, enough to feed over 100 people. This quantity recalls the bread Sarah prepared for the three heavenly visitors in Genesis 18:6, connecting the parable to ancient Hebrew hospitality traditions and suggesting that the Kingdom's transformative power extends far beyond individual lives to affect entire communities. The parable's use of a woman as the agent who hides the leaven would have been particularly striking in the patriarchal society of first-century Judaism, suggesting that the Kingdom works through unexpected agents and means.
Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐγκρύπτω in the New Testament carries profound theological implications. Through this parable, Yeshua reveals that the Kingdom of Heaven operates counter to human expectations of power and prominence. Instead of manifesting through external might or visible authority, God's Kingdom works mysteriously from within, transforming lives and communities through seemingly insignificant beginnings. This reflects יהוה's consistent pattern throughout Scripture of using the small, the hidden, and the overlooked to accomplish His purposes.
The verb ἐγκρύπτω also points to the incarnational nature of God's work. Just as the Word became flesh and "dwelt among us" (John 1:14), so the Kingdom is "hidden" within the world, working for transformation from within rather than imposing change from without. This reveals God's respect for human freedom and His desire for organic, authentic transformation rather than forced compliance. The Kingdom grows not through coercion but through invitation and internal renewal.
Additionally, this concept of hiddenness speaks to the "already but not yet" nature of the Kingdom. Like leaven working silently in dough, God's reign is already present and active in the world, though its full manifestation remains hidden from view. Believers live in the tension of experiencing the Kingdom's reality while awaiting its complete revelation, trusting that what is now hidden will eventually be fully revealed.
Personal Application
The powerful imagery of ἐγκρύπτω invites us to reconsider how we perceive God's work in our lives and in the world. Often, we crave dramatic, visible manifestations of God's power, but the leaven principle reminds us that His most transformative work happens beneath the surface, in the hidden places of our hearts and communities. This should encourage us during seasons when spiritual growth seems slow or imperceptible—like leaven in dough, God's Spirit is working powerfully even when we cannot see immediate results.
This principle also challenges us to examine our own approach to spiritual influence. Rather than seeking prominent positions or spectacular displays, we might be called to be "hidden leaven" in our spheres of influence—working quietly, consistently, and transformatively from within. The Kingdom spreads not primarily through grand gestures but through countless small acts of faithfulness, love, and integrity that gradually transform the environments we inhabit.
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Remember This
ἐγκρύπτω reminds us that the most powerful transformations often begin in the most hidden places—like leaven working silently in dough, God's Kingdom operates not through visible might but through the quiet, persistent power of His Spirit working mysteriously within hearts, lives, and communities.