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λάθρα

láthra

G2977 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

In a concealed or hidden manner; not openly, in secret, privately. λάθρα is used as an adverb to indicate that an action is performed without public knowledge, attention, or observation. Its semantic range includes acting covertly, in a manner intending to avoid discovery, or in secrecy, whether for benign, neutral, or questionable purposes.

Semantic Range

secretly, privately, in secret, covertly, out of sight, without being seen or known

Root / Etymology

From the root λανθ- (λανθάνω), meaning 'to escape notice' or 'to be hidden.' λάθρα is the adverbial form indicating the manner of being hidden or unnoticed. No evidence of non-Greek borrowing; clearly derived within the Greek language.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, λάθρα is attested from the 5th century BCE, frequently denoting activities performed out of sight, without others' knowledge. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 2:7; John 11:28), it continues this usage, often indicating secrecy, privacy, or avoidance of open recognition. The adverb does not convey moral judgment in itself—it describes manner, not motive—though its context may be positive, negative, or neutral. Standard English translations often use 'secretly,' 'privately,' or 'in secret,' but may narrow the sense in specific passages. Related to λανθάνω (to be hidden or escape notice), and distinct from ἐν κρυπτῷ (in the hidden or in secret), though overlapping in meaning in some contexts. The word often appears in narrative or reported speech when describing covert communication, clandestine intentions, or discreet actions. There is no indication that λάθρα acquired a technical or special sense within Judean or early Christian communities beyond its regular Greek meaning.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

adverb from λανθάνω; privately:--privily, secretly.

Root Family

λανθ- (eklanthánomai) — to forget, to be hidden, to escape notice

Root λανθ- to be hidden, to escape notice, to conceal
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G1585 ἐκλανθάνομαι you have utterly forgotten
G1950 ἐπιλανθάνομαι he forgot
G1953 ἐπιλησμονή of forgetful neglect
G2990 λανθάνω escaped notice
G3024 λήθη forgetfulness

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2977-01 λάθρᾳ lathra ADV secretly secretly secretly 4

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2977-01 Matthew 1:19 λάθρᾳ lathra ADV secretly secretly secretly
G2977-01 Matthew 2:7 λάθρᾳ lathra ADV secretly secretly secretly
G2977-01 John 11:28 λάθρᾳ lathra ADV secretly secretly secretly
G2977-01 Acts 16:37 λάθρᾳ lathra ADV secretly secretly
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