περικρύπτω (perikruptō)
perikruptō
to hide
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb perikruptō means to conceal entirely, often with the sense of hiding something on all sides or keeping it securely out of view. Its structure combines a prefix implying surrounding or completeness with a root meaning to cover or hide. This suggests an action that is thorough and definitive, leaving little room for exposure.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Luke 1:24. It describes how Elizabeth withdrew from public life after becoming pregnant with John the Baptist. The text says she kept herself hidden for five months. This usage highlights a personal seclusion rather than just an act of concealment by another party.
The specificity of this single occurrence gives the word weight. It marks a period of quiet preparation before the public ministry of her son begins. Translators typically render it as "kept herself in seclusion" or "hid herself," capturing both the physical distance and the intentional nature of her withdrawal from society during that time.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life brings unexpected changes, there is often a season of quiet preparation before the next chapter begins. Elizabeth’s experience in Luke 1:24 shows us that withdrawing from public view can be a sacred space for growth. She did not rush into the spotlight but chose to hide herself for five months, allowing God to work in the background.
This word reminds us that our worth is not tied to constant visibility or social activity. Sometimes, stepping back provides the clarity and peace needed to nurture what God has placed within us. It is okay to protect your energy and focus on inner development during times of transition.
May you find comfort in knowing that periods of seclusion are not about isolation but about alignment with God’s timing. Trust that this quiet time is preparing you for the purpose He has set before you, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was hiding1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιέκρυβεν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:24
After these days Elizabeth his wife conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying,
This verse uniquely uses the word to describe Elizabeth's intentional five-month seclusion, highlighting it as a period of personal preparation rather than forced hiding.