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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding key Greek words helps uncover deeper theological meanings, especially when such words carry significant cultural and historical weight. One such word is μυστήριον (mystērion), which appears in several critical New Testament passages, including Matthew 13:11. This word is particularly significant because it refers to a “mystery” or divine secret revealed only to those initiated into the truth. In both ancient Greek and New Testament contexts, μυστήριον highlights the distinction between hidden spiritual truths and those who are given divine insight to understand them.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μυστήριον (mystērion), pronounced moo-STAY-ree-on.

Etymology: The word μυστήριον comes from the root μυέω (myeō), which means “to initiate into mysteries” or “to instruct.” The concept of mystērion is deeply rooted in ancient Greek religious traditions where it referred to secret rites or knowledge known only to the initiated.

Part of Speech: Noun, neuter. In the Greek New Testament, μυστήριον is often used in contexts where divine truths are hidden from general knowledge but revealed to the faithful.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Divine Mysteries: In the New Testament, μυστήριον often refers to divine truths or plans hidden in the mind of God, revealed progressively to humanity through Christ. This meaning is prominent in passages like Matthew 13:11, where Jesus explains that the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been revealed to his disciples but remain hidden from others.

2. Spiritual Revelation: In Pauline theology, mystērion is frequently used to describe the unfolding revelation of God’s redemptive plan through Christ. For example, in Ephesians 3:4-6, Paul refers to the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s covenant as a mystērion revealed through the Gospel.

3. Hidden Wisdom: In classical Greek thought, mystērion refers to religious rites and sacred knowledge reserved for initiates. This background influences the New Testament usage, particularly when describing divine wisdom hidden from human understanding but made known by God.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἀπόκρυφος (apokryphos) [pronunciation: a-PO-kry-phos]: This word means “hidden” or “concealed,” often used to refer to hidden or esoteric knowledge. Unlike μυστήριον, which implies revelation to initiates, apokryphos emphasizes that something remains unrevealed.

2. γνῶσις (gnōsis) [pronunciation: GNO-sis]: Meaning “knowledge,” gnōsis is more general, while μυστήριον conveys a specific kind of hidden, divine knowledge revealed to believers.

3. ἀποκάλυψις (apokalypsis) [pronunciation: a-po-ka-LYPS-is]: This word, meaning “revelation,” is closely related to μυστήριον but focuses more on the process of uncovering or revealing truths, particularly through divine intervention.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

• Nominative Singular: μυστήριον

• Genitive Singular: μυστηρίου

• Dative Singular: μυστηρίῳ

• Accusative Singular: μυστήριον

Number: Singular (though it can also appear in the plural form, μυστήρια).

Gender: Neuter.

Declension: Second declension, neuter noun.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term μυστήριον holds significant weight across different theological and lexicographical sources. In the New Testament, it primarily refers to divine truths once hidden but now revealed in Christ, particularly in the teachings about salvation, the inclusion of the Gentiles, and the Kingdom of God. Classical sources emphasize the religious and ritualistic connotations of the word, where mysteries were guarded secrets only revealed to the initiated. New Testament usage emphasizes God’s role as the revealer of these divine mysteries.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 13:11 – “He replied, ‘Because the knowledge of the mysteries [μυστήρια] of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.’”

2. Ephesians 3:4-6 – “In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery [μυστήριον] of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed.”

3. Colossians 1:26 – “The mystery [μυστήριον] that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Greek Usage in Text

Plato Phaedrus “The divine mysteries [μυστήρια] are revealed to the initiated.”

Herodotus Histories “In the rites of Demeter, the μυστήρια were not to be disclosed.”

Septuagint Daniel 2:28 “But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries [μυστήρια].”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μυστήριον (mystērion) carries rich theological significance in the New Testament, referring to divine secrets and truths revealed by God to believers, especially concerning the kingdom of God and Christ’s redemptive work. It emphasizes the distinction between those who understand spiritual truths through divine revelation and those who remain unaware. The word’s roots in ancient Greek religious practice provide context for its usage, denoting knowledge previously hidden but now made known.

Did You Know?

1. In Greek mystery religions, mystērion referred to sacred rituals and knowledge accessible only to initiates, a concept later adapted in Christian theology to signify divine revelation.

2. The plural form of μυστήριον (μυστήρια) is also used to describe the sacraments in early Christian theology, particularly the Eucharist and Baptism.

3. In the Gnostic traditions, μυστήριον often referred to esoteric knowledge believed to be key to salvation, differing from mainstream Christian interpretations.

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