"secretly, privately, Mt. 1:19; 2:7; Jn. 11:28; Acts 16:37*"
Definition and meaning
secretly, privately, Mt. 1:19; 2:7; Jn. 11:28; Acts 16:37*
In the original Greek the word is written: λάθρᾳ
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of lathrai (G2977) across the King James Bible.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
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Common questions
Strong's G2977 (lathrai) is a Greek word that means: secretly, privately, Mt. 1:19; 2:7; Jn. 11:28; Acts 16:37* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word lathrai (G2977) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2977 is lathrai, a Greek word defined as: secretly, privately, Mt. 1:19; 2:7; Jn. 11:28; Acts 16:37*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
lathrai is a Greek word found in the New Testament.