The word ‘privily’ appears in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible and is often used to describe something done secretly, in a hidden manner, or with stealth. Understanding its meaning provides deeper insight into biblical passages that warn about deception, hidden intentions, and secret actions.
This topic explores the definition of ‘privily’, its usage in scripture, examples from the Bible, and its spiritual significance.
1. Definition of ‘Privily’ in the Bible
The word ‘privily’ is an older English term derived from the word ‘private’, meaning secretly or stealthily. In biblical context, it refers to actions done in secrecy, often with a hidden motive-whether good or evil.
Biblical Meaning of Privily
- Secretly or in a concealed manner
- Without public knowledge
- Done in stealth, often with deception
- Hidden from plain sight
Synonyms for Privily
- Secretly
- Quietly
- Stealthily
- In a hidden manner
- In a concealed way
The term is often used to warn against secretive actions that cause harm or to describe how someone acted in discretion.
2. Bible Verses That Use ‘Privily’
Several passages in the King James Bible contain the word ‘privily’ to describe actions done in secrecy. Here are some key verses:
A. Psalm 10:8 (KJV) – The Wicked Attack Privily
‘He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.’
This verse describes how wicked people operate in secrecy to harm the innocent. Their intentions are hidden, and they seek to take advantage of the weak.
B. Psalm 64:2-4 (KJV) – The Secret Counsel of the Wicked
‘Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.’
The wicked privily attack others, using both words and actions to harm them. This passage warns about secret plots and hidden evil.
C. Proverbs 1:11 (KJV) – The Warning Against Sinners
‘If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:’
This verse cautions against evil people who act in secrecy to harm others. It warns against falling into sinful traps and engaging in hidden wickedness.
D. Matthew 1:19 (KJV) – Joseph’s Righteous Discretion
‘Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.’
This verse highlights a positive use of the word ‘privily.’ Joseph, upon learning of Mary’s pregnancy, intended to separate from her quietly to avoid shaming her publicly.
3. Biblical Examples of ‘Privily’ Actions
A. Judas Betraying Jesus Privily (Luke 22:4-6)
Judas conspired with the chief priests in secrecy to betray Jesus.
‘And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.’
Judas acted privily, plotting in secret to hand over Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
B. The Philistines Plotting Against Samson (Judges 16:5)
The Philistine leaders privily sought a way to defeat Samson by using Delilah to discover his weakness.
‘And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him; and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.’
This shows how hidden schemes can lead to destruction and downfall.
C. David Hiding from King Saul (1 Samuel 19:2)
When King Saul sought to kill David, Jonathan warned David privily, helping him escape.
‘But Jonathan Saul’s son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself.’
Here, privily does not refer to evil, but rather to discreetly protecting someone.
4. The Spiritual Lessons of ‘Privily’ in the Bible
A. Beware of Hidden Evil
The Bible frequently warns that evil actions often happen in secret. Sinners plot, deceive, and harm others without being open about their intentions.
‘For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.’
(2 Corinthians 11:13, KJV)
B. The Righteous Act with Discretion
While wickedness thrives in secrecy, the righteous use discretion to act wisely, as seen in Joseph’s decision to protect Mary from disgrace.
‘The prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.’
(Proverbs 22:3, KJV)
C. God Sees All Things
Even when people act privily, God is aware of everything done in secret. No scheme or hidden intention can escape His judgment.
‘For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.’
(Luke 8:17, KJV)
5. How to Apply This Understanding in Daily Life
A. Avoid Secret Sin
Since God sees everything, we should avoid sinful actions done in secret.
‘Be sure your sin will find you out.’
(Numbers 32:23, KJV)
B. Seek God’s Protection from Hidden Evil
The Bible warns about evil people who scheme in secrecy. We should pray for God’s guidance and protection.
‘Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.’
(Psalm 140:1-2, KJV)
C. Trust in God’s Justice
Even if the wicked act in secret, God will bring their actions to light and execute justice.
‘Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.’
(Romans 12:19, KJV)
The word ‘privily’ in the Bible refers to secret actions, whether for evil schemes or wise discretion. The wicked use secrecy to deceive and harm others, while the righteous use it for protection and wisdom.
By understanding how ‘privily’ is used in scripture, we can learn to avoid hidden sins, seek wisdom, and trust in God’s justice. Ultimately, nothing remains hidden from God, and all things will be revealed in His perfect time.