Lexical Summary apokruptó: To hide, to conceal, to keep secret Original Word: ἀποκρύπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hide. From apo and krupto; to conceal away (i.e. Fully); figuratively, to keep secret -- hide. see GREEK apo see GREEK krupto NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and kruptó Definition to hide, conceal NASB Translation hidden (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 613: ἀποκρύπτωἀποκρύπτω: 1 aorist ἀπεκρυψα; perfect passive participle ἀποκεκρυμμενος; a. to hide: τί, Matthew 25:18 (L T Tr WH ἔκρυψε). b. Passive in the sense of concealing, keeping secret: σοφία, 1 Corinthians 2:7; μυστήριον, Colossians 1:26 (opposed to φανερουσθαι); with the addition of ἐν τῷ Θεῷ, Ephesians 3:9; τί ἀπό τίνος, Luke 10:21; Matthew 11:25 (L T Tr WH ἔκρυψας), in imitation of the Hebrew מִן, Psalm 37:10 Strong’s Greek 613 occurs four times in the New Testament and consistently speaks of realities that God intentionally conceals for a time in order to unveil them at the chosen moment. The term is never used of human subterfuge or deceit; every occurrence involves divine initiative and purpose, underscoring the sovereignty and wisdom of God in redemptive history. Occurrences in Scripture • Luke 10:21 – Hidden from the “wise and learned,” revealed to “little children.” Divine Concealment and Revelation Hiddenness is never an end in itself. God veils truth so that He may disclose it in a way that magnifies His grace and humbles human pride. In Luke 10:21 Jesus rejoices because the Father’s concealment thwarts mere intellectualism and honors childlike faith. This pattern echoes Proverbs 25:2: “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter.” Concealment, therefore, becomes an aspect of divine glory and pedagogical wisdom, ensuring that revelation arrives precisely when it best serves the divine plan. Christological Significance The four occurrences converge on the person and work of Christ. The Father’s act of hiding and revealing (Luke 10:21) finds its climactic fulfillment in the incarnation and the cross. In 1 Corinthians 2:7 the hidden wisdom is tied directly to “Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). Human rulers could not recognize this wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:8), illustrating that the concealed plan of redemption was beyond natural comprehension. The mystery “kept hidden in God” (Ephesians 3:9) centers on the unification of Jew and Gentile in one body through Christ (Ephesians 3:6). Likewise, the “mystery… now revealed” in Colossians 1:26 culminates in “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Thus, the hiddenness ultimately safeguards and highlights the riches of the gospel. Implications for the Mystery of the Gospel 1. Progressive Revelation: Scripture unfolds from promise to fulfillment. What was once concealed is now proclaimed by apostles and prophets. Ministry and Pastoral Application • Humility in Teaching: Because God alone unveils truth, ministers depend on the Spirit rather than eloquence or human wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:1–5). Historical-Theological Reflection Early church fathers saw the hidden wisdom as proof of Scripture’s unity. Irenaeus argued that prophecies were “hidden” in the Old Testament, then “manifest” in Christ. Augustine emphasized that concealment prevents boasting, directing all glory to God. The Reformers appealed to these texts to affirm sola gratia: only God opens the eyes of the heart. In modern missions, the once-hidden mystery compels the global church to announce reconciliation in Christ to every people group, fulfilling the stewardship highlighted in Ephesians 3:9. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 613 points to God’s purposeful concealment that culminates in the glorious revelation of Christ and the gospel. The word’s limited but strategic use frames redemptive history, anchors apostolic preaching, and shapes contemporary ministry with humility, confidence, and hope. Englishman's Concordance Luke 10:21 V-AIA-2SGRK: γῆς ὅτι ἀπέκρυψας ταῦτα ἀπὸ NAS: and earth, that You have hidden these things KJV: that thou hast hid these things INT: earth that you did hide these things from 1 Corinthians 2:7 V-RPM/P-AFS Ephesians 3:9 V-RPM/P-GNS Colossians 1:26 V-RPM/P-ANS Strong's Greek 613 |
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