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κρυφαῖος (kruphaios)

kruphaios

hidden

G6058 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The adjective kruphaios describes something that is concealed or kept out of sight. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Matthew 6:4, where Jesus instructs his followers to give alms in secret. The word emphasizes the private nature of the act, ensuring that the deed remains unknown to others.

This rare term highlights the contrast between public religious performance and genuine devotion. By using this specific word for hiddenness, the text underscores that true righteousness does not require an audience. The focus shifts entirely from human approval to the awareness of God, who sees what is done in private.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Living a faithful life often feels like performing on a stage where everyone is watching. We naturally want our good deeds to be noticed and praised by those around us. Yet this rare word reminds us that God values the quiet moments just as much as the public ones. He sees what happens behind closed doors, in the privacy of your heart and home.

When you choose to do something kind without telling anyone, you are practicing a deep trust in God's approval rather than human applause. This secret place is not about hiding from the world, but about focusing entirely on Him. It frees you from the exhausting need for validation and allows your faith to grow roots in sincerity.

May you find peace in knowing that your hidden acts of love are seen and treasured by your Father. Let this truth encourage you to live with integrity, even when no one else is looking. Your quiet faithfulness matters deeply to Him.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • secret.1×
  • secret1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • κρυφαίῳ.1×
  • κρυφαίῳ1×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 6:18
    so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

    This verse applies the concept of hiddenness to fasting, showing that private discipline before God is as significant as public acts of piety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the word kruphaios mean in the Bible?

It is a Greek adjective meaning hidden or concealed. In the New Testament, it describes actions done in private, away from the view of others, emphasizing sincerity over public recognition.

Where does this word appear in Scripture?

It appears only once, in Matthew 6:18, where Jesus teaches about fasting in secret so that your Father who sees in secret may reward you.

Why is it important to do good deeds in secret?

Doing good in secret protects the heart from pride and the desire for human praise. It ensures that the motivation for the act remains love for God and neighbor, rather than a need for social approval.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Matthew 1 verse
Matthew 6:18

so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in…