κρύπτω (kruptō)
kruptō
to hide
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kryptō means to hide or conceal something so it is not seen. In the New Testament, it describes physical acts of hiding treasure in a field (Matthew 13:44) or burying money in the ground (Matthew 25:18). It also appears in passive forms, such as when Jesus’ face was concealed from the crowd (John 8:59) or when believers’ lives are hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).
Its meaning extends beyond physical concealment to spiritual truths. Jesus uses it metaphorically when he says he hides things from the wise and reveals them to children (Matthew 11:25). Similarly, the parables of the kingdom are described as mysteries that were hidden but are now revealed (Matthew 13:35). This dual use shows how the word bridges simple secrecy with divine revelation.
Etymologically, kryptō is a primary verb with no known root, emphasizing its fundamental nature in Greek. Translators often render it as "hide," "conceal," or "secret." The sources note its frequent appearance in Matthew and John, where it helps explain how God’s kingdom operates through hiddenness before becoming manifest.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kryptō reminds us that not everything visible is all there is to see. In daily life we often equate being hidden with being lost or forgotten, but Scripture paints a different picture. Sometimes God conceals truth from those who rely only on their own intellect, reserving it for those with humble hearts (Matthew 11:25). This suggests that spiritual insight is not earned by status, but received as a gift.
There is also comfort in the idea that our true lives are hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). When we face rejection or uncertainty, this verse assures us that our identity is secure and protected in a place no one can touch. We do not need to constantly prove ourselves because our worth is anchored in something deeper than public opinion.
Even when circumstances feel dark or confusing, remember that God’s plans are often hidden until the right time. Like the treasure in the field (Matthew 13:44), what seems concealed may actually be of immense value. Trust that He is working behind the scenes, bringing His purposes to light in His perfect timing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- hidden4×
- to be hidden1×
- to be concealed1×
- they are hidden1×
- hid.1×
- hid Himself1×
- hid1×
- he was hidden1×
- he hid1×
- has been hidden1×
- do hide1×
- concealed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκρύβη4×
- κρυβῆναι2×
- ἔκρυψεν.1×
- ἔκρυψεν1×
- ἔκρυψας1×
- ἔκρυψαν1×
- ἔκρυψα1×
- κέκρυπται1×
- κρύψατε1×
- κεκρυμμένῳ1×
- κεκρυμμένου1×
- κεκρυμμένος1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 3:3
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
This verse uses the passive voice to show that believers' lives are securely kept by God, offering protection from worldly judgment.
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Matthew 11:25
At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants.
Here Jesus explains that divine truth is intentionally concealed from the proud but revealed to those with childlike humility.
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Matthew 13:44
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
The parable uses hiding to describe a treasure so valuable that finding it changes one's entire life and priorities.
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John 8:59
Therefore they took up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple, having gone through the middle of them, and so passed by.
Jesus physically hides Himself, demonstrating His sovereignty over time and circumstance even when facing hostile opposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kryptō mean in the New Testament?
Why does God hide things according to the Bible?
How is kryptō different from related words?
What does it mean that our life is hidden with Christ?
Every Occurrence (17 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 6 verses
“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.
Matthew 11:25At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise…
Matthew 13:35that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, “I will open my mouth in parables; I will…
Matthew 13:44“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and…
Matthew 25:18But he who received the one talent went away and dug in the earth and hid his lord’s money.
Matthew 25:25I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.’