Lexical Summary ainigma: Riddle, enigma, obscure saying Original Word: αἴνιγμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance obscure saying, riddleFrom a derivative of ainos (in its primary sense); an obscure saying ("enigma"), i.e. (abstractly) obscureness -- X darkly. see GREEK ainos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ainissomai (to speak in riddles) Definition a riddle NASB Translation dimly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 135: αἴνιγμααἴνιγμα, (τος, τό (common from (Pindar fragment 165 (190)) Aeschylus down; from αἰνίσσομαι or αἰνίττομαι τί, to express something obscurely (from αἶνος, which see)); 1. an obscure saying, an enigma, Hebrew חִידָה (Judges 14:13, the Sept. πρόβλημα). 2. an obscure thing: 1 Corinthians 13:12, where ἐν αἰνίγματι is not equivalent to αἰνιγματικῶς, i. e., ἀμαυρῶς obscurely, but denotes the object in the discerning of which we are engaged, as βλέπειν ἐν τίνι, Matthew 6:4; cf. DeWette at the passage; the apostle has in mind Numbers 12:8 the Sept.: ἐν εἴδει καί οὐ δἰ αἰνιγμάτων. (Others take ἐν locally, of the sphere in which we are looking; others refer the passage to 1. and take ἐν instrumentally.) The Greek term behind Strong’s 135 denotes a riddle, enigma, or obscure saying. Scripture employs it once, in Paul’s great love chapter, to describe the partial, indirect quality of present spiritual knowledge compared with the clarity believers will enjoy in the age to come. Old Testament Background: Riddles and Dark Sayings Hebrew wisdom literature frequently speaks of “dark sayings” (mishlei-ḥidoth, Psalm 78:2; Proverbs 1:6). These occur when truth is couched in figurative or veiled form, inviting the hearer to seek the Lord for illumination (Psalm 25:14). Samson’s challenge to the Philistines (Judges 14:12-14) illustrates how riddling language can conceal deeper meaning. The Septuagint uses cognate language for such sayings, preparing the way for Paul’s metaphor. Paul’s Use in 1 Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12) Corinth was famed for its polished-bronze mirrors, which gave an imperfect image. Paul likens current revelation to looking into one of those mirrors: the outline is true yet blurred. He selects the noun “enigma” to describe that indistinctness. The context—contrasting the temporary nature of gifts with the permanence of love—shows that even genuine prophetic insight is provisional this side of glory. Eschatological Hope and the Beatific Vision The word points forward to the consummation when faith will give way to sight. Other passages echo this theme: Believers therefore live in a tension between already-revealed truth and not-yet realized fullness. The limitations implied by the “enigma” do not undermine the sufficiency of Scripture; rather, they underscore the need for consummate revelation in Christ’s return. Christological Unveiling of the Mystery In Jesus the hidden purposes of God come to light (Colossians 1:26-27). Yet even with the incarnation, resurrection, and the Spirit’s indwelling, the church’s knowledge remains partial until the final unveiling. The present age is characterized by “mystery” (mystērion) that will one day be disclosed completely (Ephesians 1:9-10). The term “enigma” complements “mystery”: what is hidden now will then be fully revealed in the Lord of Glory. Ministry and Discipleship Implications 1. Humility in teaching: Preachers handle inspired truth yet must confess the limits of current understanding. Historical and Patristic Reception Early commentators such as Chrysostom highlighted the difference between “mirror” knowledge and direct sight, urging believers to long for fuller communion with God. Augustine saw in the term a reason for patient hope amid doctrinal controversies, recognizing that some matters would remain obscure until the resurrection. Related Terms in Scripture • Mystērion (Strong’s 3466) – a secret once hidden, now revealed in part. Together with “enigma,” these words depict Scripture’s pattern of progressive revelation. Summary Strong’s Greek 135 depicts the partial, veiled nature of present spiritual perception. While God’s Word is infallible, human apprehension remains indirect, like viewing an image rendered in riddle form. The term therefore calls believers to humility, steadfast love, and eager anticipation of the day when the enigma will give way to face-to-face clarity in the presence of Christ. Englishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 13:12 N-DNSGRK: ἐσόπτρου ἐν αἰνίγματι τότε δὲ NAS: in a mirror dimly, but then INT: a glass in obscurity then moreover |
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