κρυπτός (kruptos)
kruptos
hidden
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective kryptos means hidden or concealed in a physical or spiritual sense. In the New Testament it describes things that are not yet visible to human eyes but will eventually be revealed. This concept appears when Jesus teaches that what is done in secret will come to light, as seen in Matthew 10:26 and Mark 4:22.
The word often modifies abstract nouns like "secrets" or "things of darkness," emphasizing their current invisibility rather than their moral quality. For instance, Paul refers to the "hidden things of darkness" in 1 Corinthians 4:5 and Romans 2:16, suggesting that God’s judgment will expose what is currently concealed. It also describes the inner person, such as the "hidden man of the heart" mentioned in 1 Peter 3:4.
Its root verb kryptō means to hide or conceal. The sources note that kryptos is used in contexts where secrecy is temporary, not permanent. Unlike human hiding, divine revelation ensures that all hidden matters will be brought into the open. This usage highlights God’s omniscience and the ultimate transparency of truth before Him.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Life often feels like a series of private moments—quiet prayers, secret struggles, or acts of kindness no one else sees. The word kryptos reminds us that these hidden things are never lost to God. He sees the inner room where you pray and the quiet generosity offered without applause. What feels concealed now is held securely in His sight, awaiting a future where every truth is brought into the light.
This promise offers comfort when we feel unnoticed or misunderstood. It also calls us to integrity, knowing that our inner character matters more than public appearance. Just as Jesus taught that nothing remains hidden forever, we can trust that God’s judgment is fair and His reward is certain. You are seen by Him, even in your most secret places.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- hidden5×
- secret4×
- secret.3×
- secrets2×
- hidden things2×
- inward1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κρυπτῷ5×
- κρυπτὰ4×
- κρυπτῷ.3×
- κρυπτὸν3×
- κρυπτόν1×
- κρυπτὸς1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 6:4
so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
This verse highlights that God observes private acts of mercy, ensuring that hidden generosity receives divine recognition rather than human praise.
-
Romans 2:16
in the day when God will judge the secrets of men, according to my Good News, by Jesus Christ.
Here the term refers to the secrets of the heart, emphasizing that final judgment will expose what is currently concealed from human view.
-
I Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.
Paul uses this word to describe hidden things of darkness, assuring believers that the Lord will eventually reveal true motives and give praise from God.
-
I Peter 3:4
but from the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight.
This occurrence shifts focus to the inner person, valuing a gentle spirit over outward display as something precious in God’s sight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kryptos mean in the New Testament?
How is kryptos different from related words for secrecy?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 3 verses
so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Matthew 6:6But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret;…
Matthew 10:26Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be…