ἀπόκρυφος
apókryphos
G614 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Hidden or concealed; primarily refers to something kept out of sight or not disclosed. In context, can convey both the sense of being physically hidden or, in a more figurative sense, knowledge, wisdom, or treasures that are kept secret or reserved for a select group. In Hellenistic writings and the New Testament, often used for things precious because of their concealment, such as 'hidden treasures' or 'secret wisdom.'
Semantic Range
hidden, concealed, kept secret, not revealed, reserved or stored away (often precious); in some contexts: secret (especially of knowledge, wisdom, or treasures)
Root / Etymology
From the verb ἀποκρύπτω (to hide away, conceal), which is composed of the preposition ἀπό (from) and the verb κρύπτω (to hide). The basic sense is 'hidden away from.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Earliest attested in Hellenistic Greek; attested in the Septuagint (e.g., Sirach 20:30, where it refers to hidden wisdom) and the New Testament (e.g., Colossians 2:3, in reference to wisdom and knowledge hidden in the Anointed). The word often denotes something valuable or important because it is concealed, as opposed to common or revealed knowledge. In wider Hellenistic literature, ἀπόκρυφος can describe secret books, concepts, or wealth. In later Christian tradition, 'apocrypha' comes from this word, referring to writings deemed 'hidden' or not publicly acknowledged, but this specialized usage is not present in the earliest biblical texts. Standard English translations (e.g., 'hid,' 'hidden,' 'secret') sometimes obscure the nuance that the concealed item may be precious or reserved. The term overlaps with related Greek words like κρυπτός (hidden) but ἀπόκρυφος emphasizes intentional concealment or separation from general knowledge or access.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀποκρύπτω; secret; by implication, treasured:--hid, kept secret.
Root Family
ἀπόκρυφος (apokryphos) — hidden, concealed, kept secret, stored away
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G614-02 |
ἀπόκρυφον | apokruphon | ADJ.S NOM N SG |
secret | hidden thing | hidden thing | 2 |
G614-01 |
ἀπόκρυφοι | apokruphoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
hidden | hidden ones | hidden | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G614-02 |
Mark 4:22 | ἀπόκρυφον | apokruphon | ADJ.S NOM N SG |
secret | hidden thing | hidden thing |
G614-02 |
Luke 8:17 | ἀπόκρυφον | apokruphon | ADJ.S NOM N SG |
secret | hidden thing | hidden thing |
G614-01 |
Colossians 2:3 | ἀπόκρυφοι | apokruphoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
hidden | hidden ones | hidden |