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
1. Essential Differences:
- * "Hidden (Mystery)" reflects God's sovereignty and wisdom
- * "Concealed" manifests human actions and choices
2. Spiritual Teachings:
- * Both point to trust in God
- * Need wisdom to discern and respond correctly
3. Practical Principles:
- * Maintain humility in the process of knowing God
- * 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 Message One: The Kingdom of God—The Realm of the Divine Life and the Realm of the Divine Species
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