"a matter to the knowledge of which initiation is necessary; a secret which would remain such but for revelation, Mt. 3:11; Rom. 11:25; Col. 1:26; a concealed power or principle, 2 Thess. 2:7; a hidden meaning of a symbol, Rev. 1:20; 17:7"
Definition and meaning
a matter to the knowledge of which initiation is necessary; a secret which would remain such but for revelation, Mt. 3:11; Rom. 11:25; Col. 1:26; a concealed power or principle, 2 Thess. 2:7; a hidden meaning of a symbol, Rev. 1:20; 17:7
In the original Greek the word is written: μυστήριον
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of mysterion (G3466) across the King James Bible.
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
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Common questions
Strong's G3466 (mysterion) is a Greek word that means: a matter to the knowledge of which initiation is necessary; a secret which would remain such but for revelation, Mt. 3:11; Rom. 11:25; Col. 1:26; a concealed power or principle, 2 Thess. 2:7; a hidden... It appears 27 times in the King James Bible.
The word mysterion (G3466) appears 27 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3466 is mysterion, a Greek word defined as: a matter to the knowledge of which initiation is necessary; a secret which would remain such but for revelation, Mt. 3:11; Rom. 11:25; Col. 1:26; a co. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
mysterion is a Greek word found in the New Testament.