Lexical Summary krupté: Hidden place, secret chamber Original Word: κρυπτή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a dark and hidden place, a cellarFeminine of kruptos; a hidden place, i.e. Cellar ("crypt") -- secret. see GREEK kruptos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. from kruptos Definition a crypt NASB Translation cellar (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2926: κρύπτηκρύπτη (so Relz G L T Tr K C) (but some prefer to write it κρύπτη (so WH, Meyer, Bleek, etc., Chandler § 183; cf. Tdf. on Luke as below)), κρυπτης, ἡ, a crypt, covered way, vault, cellar: εἰς κρύπτην, Luke 11:33 (Athen. 5 (4), 205 a. equivalent to κρυπτός περίπατος, p. 206; (Josephus, b. j. 5, 7, 4 at the end; Strabo 17, 1, 37); Sueton. Calig. 58; Juvenal 5, 106; Vitruv. 6, 8 (5); others). Cf. Meyer at the passage cited; Winer's Grammar, 238 (223). Topical Lexicon Definition and Concept Strong’s Greek 2926 (κρυπτή, kryptē) denotes a concealed chamber or cellar—an interior space deliberately set apart from the open areas of a home. In the singular New Testament occurrence (Luke 11:33) it functions as a vivid contrast to the prominent lampstand. First-Century Architectural Context Palestinian homes of the Second Temple era often included a small underground or interior room without windows. Such cellars preserved valuables, wine, grain, or oil, benefiting from cooler temperatures and security. Because little natural light entered, a lamp placed there would be wasted, illuminating neither household activity nor guests. Jesus draws upon this familiar domestic feature to frame a spiritual principle of public witness. Biblical Setting in Luke 11:33 “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a cellar or under a basket. Instead, he puts it on a lampstand, so those who come in may see the light.” (Luke 11:33) The statement concludes a discourse on spiritual perception (Luke 11:29-36). Here the cellar symbolizes deliberate concealment of divine illumination. Christ’s hearers are warned that the true light of His message is meant for proclamation, not private safekeeping. Themes of Light and Witness 1. Revelation versus concealment: Light exists to reveal (John 1:9; Ephesians 5:13). A cellar suppresses that purpose. Relation to Parallel Lamp Passages • Matthew 5:15; Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16 all insist that a lit lamp belongs on a stand. The singular reference to a “cellar” in Luke 11:33 heightens the folly—placing a light not merely under, but away from influence altogether. Old Testament Background God’s word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Israel’s golden lampstand in the tabernacle was to burn continually before the Lord (Exodus 27:20-21), forecasting the perpetual witness of redeemed people. Historical Church Interpretation Early Christian writers—e.g., Tertullian, Chrysostom—cited Luke 11:33 against secret discipleship, urging open confession even under persecution. The Reformers employed the verse to defend vernacular preaching and Scripture translation, opposing the figurative “cellar” of inaccessible truth. Ministerial Implications • Preaching and teaching must avoid esoteric elitism; clarity places light “on a lampstand.” Practical Application 1. Personal examination: Are there areas of life functionally sealed off from Christ’s light? Doctrinal Harmony Luke 11:33 fits seamlessly with Scripture’s overarching revelation motif: what God makes manifest must not return to obscurity. The cellar image condemns hypocrisy and spiritual inertia, reinforcing the unity of faith and practice (James 2:14-17). Related Concepts Hiddenness (Psalm 32:3-5), stewardship of mysteries (1 Corinthians 4:1-2), the city on a hill (Matthew 5:14), and walking in the light (1 John 1:7) all complement the exhortation implicit in kryptē. Summary Kryptē, though occurring only once, crystallizes a central biblical principle: light is for shining. The cellar illustrates the self-defeating result of concealing divine truth. Scripture calls every follower of Christ to remove the lamp from the crypt of secrecy, elevating it where all who enter may see and glorify the Father. Forms and Transliterations κρυπτην κρύπτην krupten kruptēn krypten kryptēn krýpten krýptēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |