Privy; Privily
Understanding the Archaic Terms
In modern English, "privy" and "privily" have largely fallen out of everyday use. In the King James Version and other older translations, "privy" means having secret knowledge of something, and "privily" means doing something secretly or in a concealed manner. Modern translations typically replace these with "secret," "secretly," "privately," or "in private." Understanding these terms helps Bible readers navigate older translations and appreciate the nuances of the original Hebrew and Greek texts.
Secret Actions in the Old Testament
The concept of acting "privily" appears in several significant Old Testament passages. In Psalm 11:2, the wicked are described as bending their bows to shoot "privily" (or "in darkness") at the upright in heart. This image captures the covert nature of evil, which often operates through stealth and deception. In Judges 9:31, Abimelech's rival is said to act "craftily" or "privily" in stirring up opposition. The idea of secret plotting against the righteous runs throughout the Psalms, where David frequently cries out to God for deliverance from hidden enemies (Psalm 10:8-9, Psalm 64:2-4).
Being Privy to Knowledge
To be "privy to a thing" in biblical usage simply means to know about it. In 1 Kings 2:44, Solomon confronts Shimei, saying that Shimei is privy to (that is, he knows) all the wickedness he did to David. The implication is that hidden knowledge carries moral weight; knowing about wrongdoing and failing to act makes one complicit. Similarly, in Acts 5:2, Ananias sold property and kept back part of the price, with his wife Sapphira being "privy to it," meaning she was fully aware of the deception. Their shared secret knowledge made both of them guilty before God.
God Sees What Is Hidden
A central biblical theme connected to these terms is that nothing is truly hidden from God. While humans may act "privily" and conceal their intentions from others, God sees all. Psalm 139:1-4 declares that God knows every thought and word before it is spoken. Hebrews 4:13 affirms that "nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight." Jesus taught that what is whispered in secret will be proclaimed from the rooftops (Luke 12:3), and that the Father who sees in secret will reward openly (Matthew 6:4, 6).
The New Testament and Secret Discipleship
In the New Testament, acting "privily" can have both negative and positive connotations. Negatively, false teachers are said to "privily bring in destructive heresies" (2 Peter 2:1), and Jude warns of ungodly people who have "crept in privily" (Jude 1:4). On the positive side, Joseph initially planned to divorce Mary "privily" to avoid public disgrace (Matthew 1:19), showing mercy and discretion. These contrasting uses show that secrecy itself is morally neutral; what matters is the intent behind the hidden action.
Lessons for Today
The biblical language of "privy" and "privily" reminds readers that integrity means consistency between public and private life. The Bible repeatedly warns against hidden sin (Psalm 90:8) and calls believers to walk in the light (1 John 1:7). At the same time, it encourages private acts of devotion and generosity done without seeking public recognition (Matthew 6:1-4).
Biblical Context
These terms appear across multiple biblical books. Key Old Testament passages include Psalm 11:2 (secret attacks), 1 Kings 2:44 (hidden knowledge), and Judges 9:31 (covert scheming). In the New Testament, Acts 5:2 describes Sapphira's complicity, 2 Peter 2:1 warns about false teachers entering secretly, and Matthew 1:19 shows Joseph's merciful discretion. The concept touches on themes of divine omniscience, human deception, and moral integrity.
Theological Significance
The biblical treatment of secret action and hidden knowledge underscores God's omniscience and the importance of moral integrity. Nothing is truly hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13), and believers are called to live transparently before him. The contrast between human secrecy and divine knowledge points to the ultimate accountability that all people face before God, while also affirming that private devotion and quiet generosity are valued in God's kingdom.
Historical Background
The English words "privy" and "privily" come from Old French "prive" (private), derived from Latin "privatus." These terms were common in Middle English and Early Modern English, which is why they appear frequently in the King James Version (1611). The Revised Version (1885) and later translations gradually replaced them with more modern equivalents. Understanding the evolution of English vocabulary helps readers appreciate how Bible translation reflects the language of its era.