Biblical Comparison of 'Hidden' and 'Concealed'

 

Biblical Comparison of 'Hidden' and 'Concealed'

Isaiah 45:15 "Truly, You are a God who hides Himself,O God of Israel, Savior!"

Matthew 6:6 "But you, when you pray, enter into your private room, and shut your door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you."

Ephesians 3:9 "And to enlighten all that they may see what the economy of the mystery is, which throughout the ages has been hidden in God, who created all things."

 

Aspect	Hidden (Mystery)	Concealed
Basic Meaning	• Inherently unknown matters • Mysteries actively preserved by God • Possesses divine nature	• Temporary covering or concealmen • Human actions • Can stem from various motives
Key Distinctions	• Eternal: Perpetual mystery • Active: God's sovereignty • Purposeful: Reveals God's wisdom	• Temporal: Temporary state • Passive: Human choice • Functional: Achieves specific purposes
Core Description	Refers to God's mysteries and plans, matters that God actively reveals or preserves, related to divine sovereignty	Refers to human actions and choices, may be for protection, fear, avoidance, or waiting for proper timing
Typical Examples	• God's plan of redemption • Mystery of Christ • Mystery of end times	• Moses hidden in the basket • David hiding from Saul • Elijah hiding from Jezebel
Biblical References	• Deuteronomy 29:29 "The secret things belong to the LORD our God" • Ephesians 3:9 "Mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things" • Colossians 2:2-3 "God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge"	• Exodus 2:2-3 "She saw he was beautiful and hid him... placed the child in it" • 1 Samuel 19:2 "Saul seeks to kill you... hide yourself in a secret place" • 1 Kings 17:3 "Hide yourself by the brook Cherith"
Spiritual Application	• Maintain reverent heart in knowing God • Humbly await God's revelation • Respect God's sovereignty • Receive truth in faith	• Wait for God's timing • Handle crises wisely • Protect what God entrusts • Seek God's guidance
Modern Significance	• Acknowledge human limitations • Continue seeking to know God • Maintain reverent attitude • Seek wisdom in Christ	• Discern appropriate timing • Handle conflicts wisely • Protect God's work • Wait for God's leading

 

Summary Reflections

 

Essential Differences:

l   "Hidden (Mystery)" reflects God's sovereignty and wisdom

l   "Concealed" manifests human actions and choices

 

Spiritual Teachings:

l   Both point to trust in God

l   Need wisdom to discern and respond correctly

 

Practical Principles:

l   Maintain humility in the process of knowing God

l   Seek God's leading in our actions

 

*Please refer to the International Training for Elders and Responsible Ones, October 2024 General Subject: Living in the Reality of the Kingdom of God   Week 2: Living the Kingdom Life Through a Hidden Life