Lexical Summary kruphe: Secret, hidden Original Word: κρυφή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance in secret. Adverb from krupto; privately -- in secret. see GREEK krupto Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2931: κρυφῇκρυφῇ (L WH κρυφῇ; cf. εἰκῇ, at the beginning), adverb, (κρύπτω), secretly, in secret: Ephesians 5:12. (Pindar, Sophocles, Xenophon; the Sept..) Topical Lexicon Concept of Hiddenness in Scripture Throughout the Bible, secrecy is often linked either to righteous discretion before God or to sinful concealment from Him. The same umbrella idea—something withdrawn from immediate sight—can signal reverent privacy (Matthew 6:4) or rebellious darkness (John 3:19-20). The single New Testament appearance of Strong’s 2931 underscores the latter, placing the term squarely in the context of deeds that flourish outside the light of Christ’s holiness. Occurrence and Context in Ephesians 5:12 Ephesians 5 contrasts “fruitless deeds of darkness” with the illuminating presence of Christ. Verse 12 reads, “For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret”. Here secrecy is not neutral; it is tied to conduct so debased that verbal repetition alone defiles. Paul’s purpose is pastoral: believers must neither participate in nor publicize such deeds, but expose them by living as children of light (Ephesians 5:8-11). Moral and Ethical Dimension 1. Sin thrives in concealment. Scripture presents darkness as a cover people seek when they wish to act without moral accountability (Job 24:15; Proverbs 7:9-10). Light versus Darkness Paul’s imagery springs from the Old Testament, where God’s first creative act separated light from darkness (Genesis 1:3-4). Prophets later used light to depict covenant faithfulness (Isaiah 60:1-3). The same contrast frames the Gospel message: “I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12). By embedding 2931 within this motif, Ephesians shows that secret sin contradicts a believer’s new identity as “light in the Lord.” Historical and Cultural Background First-century Ephesus was notorious for occult practices (Acts 19:18-19) and covert immoral rites tied to fertility cults. Such activities often took place at night or behind closed temple doors, away from public scrutiny. Paul’s wording likely evokes these hidden ceremonies, reminding converts that genuine Christianity can have no symbiotic relationship with the city’s clandestine vices. Implications for Church Discipline 1. Protective Silence: Mentioning lurid details can tempt others or desensitize the community. Spiritual Vigilance and Personal Holiness Believers are urged to cultivate transparency before God. Practical steps include: Gospel Witness A community that renounces secret sin validates its proclamation. Jesus described His followers as a “city on a hill” (Matthew 5:14). Hypocrisy hides the light; integrity amplifies it. When the church embodies openness, the world sees an alternative to the hidden shame it often carries. Related Scriptures Matthew 6:6 – “Pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Luke 12:2 – “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5 – “You are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.” 1 John 1:5-7 – “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.” Summary Strong’s 2931 appears only once, yet it crystallizes a profound biblical principle: whatever is hidden apart from God’s will is destined for exposure. The follower of Christ renounces shameful secrecy, lives transparently, and trusts that the divine light which once revealed sin now empowers holiness. Forms and Transliterations κρυφη κρυφή κρυφῇ κρύφια κρύφιε κρυφίος κρυφίων kruphe kruphē kryphe kryphē kryphêi kryphē̂iLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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