### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term mystḗrion (`{{G3466}}`) derives from a root related to "to shut the mouth," conveying the primary sense of something hidden, secret, or unrevealed. In its classical usage, it often referred to the secrets of pagan mystery religions, known only to initiates who were bound by an oath of silence. However, in the biblical context, particularly the New Testament, the term undergoes a significant transformation. It does not refer to esoteric knowledge accessible only to a select few through human effort or ritual, but rather to a divine truth previously hidden by God and now revealed by Him, often through Christ and the apostles. Its semantic range in the New Testament encompasses:
* A divine secret or purpose, previously concealed but now disclosed.
* God's saving plan, unfolding throughout history and culminating in Christ.
* Profound spiritual truths that require divine revelation for comprehension.
* The hidden meaning behind symbolic visions or events.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word mystḗrion appears 28 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Pauline epistles, but also in the Gospels and the book of Revelation.
* **In the Gospels:** Jesus speaks of the "mystery of the kingdom of God" being given to His disciples, while for others, it remains veiled in parables ([[Mark 4:11]], [[Matthew 13:11]], [[Luke 8:10]]). This highlights the concept of a truth revealed to an inner circle, not through human merit, but by divine grace.
* **In Pauline Epistles:** Paul extensively uses mystḗrion to describe the core tenets of the Gospel.
* **The Gospel Itself:** The Gospel is often termed a mystḗrion that was "hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to his saints" ([[Colossians 1:26]]). This revelation includes the profound truth that Gentiles are "fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel" ([[Ephesians 3:6]]). This was a previously unrevealed aspect of God's redemptive plan.
* **Christ as the Mystery:** Christ Himself is the embodiment and ultimate revelation of God's mystḗrion ([[Colossians 2:2]]). In Him are "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
* **God's Will and Purpose:** The mystḗrion is also God's eternal purpose, which He "made known to us" in Christ, aiming to "unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth" ([[Ephesians 1:9-10]]).
* **Specific Theological Concepts:** Paul applies the term to the profound truth of the church as Christ's body and the union of Christ and the church ([[Ephesians 5:32]]), the transformation of believers at the resurrection ([[1 Corinthians 15:51]]), and the "mystery of godliness" concerning Christ's incarnation and glorification ([[1 Timothy 3:16]]). He also refers to the "mystery of lawlessness" ([[2 Thessalonians 2:7]]), indicating a hidden working of evil.
* **In Revelation:** Mystḗrion refers to the hidden meaning behind symbolic visions, requiring divine interpretation ([[Revelation 1:20]] - the seven stars and lampstands; [[Revelation 17:5]], [[Revelation 17:7]] - the woman and the beast).
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of mystḗrion in the New Testament is closely intertwined with several other theological terms:
* **Revelation (ἀποκάλυψις - `{{G602}}`):** A mystḗrion is something hidden, while apokalypsis is the act of unveiling or disclosing it. God's mystḗrion is made known through His revelation.
* **Knowledge (γνῶσις - `{{G1108}}`, ἐπίγνωσις - `{{G1922}}`):** The revelation of the mystḗrion leads to true knowledge and understanding of God's will and purpose.
* **Wisdom (σοφία - `{{G4678}}`):** The mystḗrion is part of God's hidden wisdom, which is now revealed through the Spirit to those who believe ([[1 Corinthians 2:7]]).
* **Purpose/Counsel (βουλή - `{{G1012}}`, πρόθεσις - `{{G4286}}`):** The mystḗrion reveals the eternal counsel and predetermined purpose of God concerning salvation and the cosmic order.
* **Preaching/Proclamation (κηρύσσω - `{{G2784}}`):** The revealed mystḗrion is not to be kept secret but is to be proclaimed boldly by those entrusted with it ([[Ephesians 6:19]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mystḗrion is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Initiative and Grace:** It underscores that the deepest truths of God's plan are not accessible through human reason, philosophy, or religious rituals, but are revealed solely by God's gracious initiative. Salvation is a divine gift, not a human achievement.
2. **Christocentricity:** Jesus Christ is not merely the one who reveals the mystḗrion; He *is* the mystḗrion itself. All of God's hidden wisdom and purpose are embodied and made manifest in Him, making Him the key to understanding God's ultimate plan.
3. **Inclusion of Gentiles:** A pivotal aspect of the revealed mystḗrion is the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, bringing both into one body in Christ ([[Ephesians 2:14-16]], [[Ephesians 3:3-6]]). This radical truth, previously hidden, reveals the breadth of God's saving love for all humanity.
4. **Progressive Revelation:** The concept highlights the progressive nature of God's self-disclosure. What was concealed in Old Testament times is now fully illuminated in the "fullness of time" through the person and work of Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
5. **The Church's Stewardship:** Believers, particularly apostles and ministers, are called "stewards of the mysteries of God" ([[1 Corinthians 4:1]]). The church is the sphere where these revealed truths are proclaimed, lived out, and made known to the world, even to the "rulers and authorities in the heavenly places" ([[Ephesians 3:10]]).
6. **Eschatological Dimension:** The mystḗrion encompasses God's ultimate plan for the consummation of all things in Christ ([[Ephesians 1:10]]), including the final transformation of believers ([[1 Corinthians 15:51]]) and the ultimate defeat of evil, represented by the "mystery of lawlessness."
### Summary
The Greek word mystḗrion (`{{G3466}}`), while rooted in the idea of a secret, is transformed in the New Testament to signify a divine truth previously hidden by God but now graciously revealed through Jesus Christ. It encapsulates the core of God's redemptive plan, emphasizing His sovereign initiative in disclosing profound spiritual realities that human wisdom could never discern. Central to this mystḗrion is the person of Christ, in whom all divine wisdom resides, and the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles into one body through the Gospel. The church is entrusted with the stewardship and proclamation of these revealed mystḗrions, which encompass God's eternal purpose, the nature of salvation, and the ultimate culmination of all things in Christ. It invites believers into a deeper understanding of God's character and His ongoing work in the world, fostering awe, worship, and faithful service.
TRV