What does "Mystery" mean in the Bible?

What does the Bible say about Mystery?

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.

What is the Greek word for Mystery?

Where does Mystery appear in the Bible?

Mystery is referenced in 20 verses across 8 books. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.

• 1 Corinthians 15:51
• 1 Timothy 3:9
• 1 Timothy 3:16
• 2 Thessalonians 2:7
• Colossians 1:26
• Colossians 1:27
• Colossians 2:2
• Colossians 4:3
• Ephesians 1:9
• Ephesians 3:3
• Ephesians 3:4
• Ephesians 3:9
• Ephesians 5:32
• Ephesians 6:19
• Mark 4:11
• Revelation 1:20
• Revelation 10:7
• Revelation 17:7
• Romans 11:25
• Romans 16:25

What else appears in these passages?

These turn up in the same passages as Mystery.