### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **mystḗrion**, represented by `{{G3466}}`, refers to a secret or "mystery," deriving from the idea of shutting the mouth, as if by religious initiation. It appears **27 times** across **27 unique verses** in the Bible, signifying a concept that was previously hidden but is now revealed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3466}}` is used to describe divine truths that are made known by God. It refers to the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven," which are given to some to know but not to others ([[Matthew 13:11]], [[Mark 4:11]]). The content of this revelation is often centered on Christ, described as "the mystery of Christ" [[Colossians 4:3]] and "the mystery of the gospel" [[Ephesians 6:19]]. This includes the profound truth of "Christ in you, the hope of glory" among the Gentiles [[Colossians 1:27]]. The term also encompasses eschatological truths, such as the "mystery of God" which will be finished [[Revelation 10:7]] and the "mystery of iniquity" [[2 Thessalonians 2:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of a divine secret being revealed:
* `{{G602}}` **apokálypsis** (disclosure:--appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation): This word highlights that a mystery is made known through divine action, as seen in the phrase "by revelation he made known unto me the mystery" [[Ephesians 3:3]].
* `{{G613}}` **apokrýptō** (to conceal away (i.e. fully); figuratively, to keep secret:--hide): This term emphasizes the formerly hidden nature of the mystery, which "hath been hid from ages and from generations" [[Colossians 1:26]].
* `{{G1097}}` **ginṓskō** (to "know" (absolutely)): This word is often used in connection with receiving the mystery, as it is "given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" [[Matthew 13:11]].
* `{{G1107}}` **gnōrízō** (to make known; subjectively, to know): This describes the act of God revealing the mystery, "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will" [[Ephesians 1:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3466}}` is significant, outlining core tenets of God's redemptive plan.
* **A Revealed Truth:** A mystery is not something undiscoverable, but a truth once kept secret that God has now made manifest [[Colossians 1:26]] through revelation [[Ephesians 3:3]]. It is the "hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory" [[1 Corinthians 2:7]].
* **Christ-Centered:** The ultimate content of the mystery is Christ himself. It is the "mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh" [[1 Timothy 3:16]] and the "acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ" [[Colossians 2:2]].
* **Inclusion of the Gentiles:** A key aspect of the revealed mystery is the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan, which is described as the "riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles" [[Colossians 1:27]].
* **Stewardship:** Believers, and apostles in particular, are called to be "stewards of the mysteries of God" [[1 Corinthians 4:1]], responsible for holding "the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience" [[1 Timothy 3:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3466}}` **mystḗrion** is not a puzzle to be solved by human intellect, but a sacred secret of God that has been unveiled in His timing. It primarily concerns the person and work of Christ, the inclusion of the Gentiles into the church, and the unfolding of God's sovereign will. The term shows that what was once hidden for ages has now been made known through the gospel, entrusted to believers to hold and proclaim.
TRV