Mystery

The calling of the Gentiles into the Christian Church, so designated (Eph. 1:9, 10; 3:8-11; Col. 1:25-27); a truth undiscoverable except by revelation, long hid, now made manifest. The resurrection of the dead (1 Cor. 15:51), and other doctrines which need to be explained but which cannot be fully understood by finite intelligence (Matt. 13:11; Rom. 11:25; 1 Cor. 13:2); the union between Christ and his people symbolized by the marriage union (Eph. 5:31, 32; comp. 6:19); the seven stars and the seven candlesticks (Rev. 1:20); and the woman clothed in scarlet (17:7), are also in this sense mysteries. The anti-Christian power working in his day is called by the apostle (2 Thess. 2:7) the “mystery of iniquity.”

MYS'TERY, in the N.T. usage, is a spiritual truth hitherto hidden, incapable of discovery by mere reason, but now revealed, though yet beyond the full understanding of our finite intelligence. The Greek word means "secret doctrine," and is mostly used in the plural ("the mysteries"), denoting certain religious ceremonies and celebrations. The gospel is termed a "mystery," because it was long hidden. Eph 3:9; Col 1:26; 1 Tim 3:9. In the same sense various doctrines are called mysteries, Rom 11:25; 1 Cor 15:51; Eph 1:9; 1 Tim 3:16, and truths as well which required elucidation and received it. Matt 13:11; 1 Cor 13:2. Again, the import of the seven stars and seven candlesticks. Rev 1:20, of the woman arrayed in scarlet, Josh 17:7, the deeper significance of marriage, as symbolizing the union of Christ and his Church, Eph 5:32, are mysteries.

MYS'TERY, in the N.T. usage, is a spiritual truth hitherto hidden, incapable of discovery by mere reason, but now revealed, though yet beyond the full understanding of our finite intelligence. The Greek word means "secret doctrine," and is mostly used in the plural ("the mysteries"), denoting certain religious ceremonies and celebrations. The gospel is termed a "mystery," because it was long hidden. Eph 3:9; Col 1:26; 1 Tim 3:9. In the same sense various doctrines are called mysteries, Rom 11:25; 1 Cor 15:51; Eph 1:9; 1 Tim 3:16, and truths as well which required elucidation and received it. Matt 13:11; 1 Cor 13:2. Again, the import of the seven stars and seven candlesticks. Rev 1:20, of the woman arrayed in scarlet, Josh 17:7, the deeper significance of marriage, as symbolizing the union of Christ and his Church, Eph 5:32, are mysteries.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A profound secret; something wholly unknown, or something kept cautiously concealed, and therefore exciting curiosity or wonder; something which has not been or can not be explained; hence, specifically, that which is beyond human comprehension. We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery. 1 Cor. ii. 7. If God should please to reveal unto us this great mystery of the Trinity, or some other mysteries in our holy religion, we should not be able to understand them, unless he would bestow on us some new faculties of the mind. Swift.

2. A kind of secret religious celebration, to which none were admitted except those who had been initiated by certain preparatory ceremonies; -- usually plural; as, the Eleusinian mysteries.

3. The consecrated elements in the eucharist.

4. Anything artfully made difficult; an enigma.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A trade; a handicraft; hence, any business with which one is usually occupied. Fie upon him, he will discredit our mystery. Shak. And that which is the noblest mystery Brings to reproach and common infamy. Spenser.

2. A dramatic representation of a Scriptural subject, often some event in the life of Christ; a dramatic composition of this character; as, the Chester Mysteries, consisting of dramas acted by various craft associations in that city in the early part of the 14th century. "Mystery plays," so called because acted by craftsmen. Skeat.