135. ainigma

Lexicon

ainigma: Riddle, enigma, obscure saying

Original Word: αἴνιγμα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: ainigma
Pronunciation: ah'-ee-nig-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (ah'-ee-nig-ma)
Definition: Riddle, enigma, obscure saying
Meaning: a riddle, an enigma.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

obscure saying, riddle

From 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 Origin
from ainissomai (to speak in riddles)
Definition
a riddle
NASB Translation
dimly (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 135: αἴνιγμα

αἴνιγμα, (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.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb αἰνίσσομαι (ainissomai), meaning "to speak in riddles" or "to hint."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of an enigma or riddle in the Hebrew Bible is often associated with the word חִידָה (chidah), Strong's Hebrew 2420. This term is used in contexts where riddles or dark sayings are presented, such as in Judges 14:12-14, where Samson poses a riddle to the Philistines, and in Proverbs 1:6, which speaks of understanding proverbs and enigmas.

Usage: The term αἴνιγμα is used in the New Testament to describe something that is seen or understood only partially or indirectly, often requiring deeper insight or revelation to be fully comprehended.

Context: The Greek word αἴνιγμα appears in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 13:12, where the Apostle Paul uses it to describe the partial and indirect nature of human understanding in this present age. In this passage, Paul contrasts the current state of knowledge with the complete and direct understanding that will be available in the future, when believers will see "face to face." The verse reads: "For now we see only a 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" (BSB).

In the cultural context of the time, mirrors were made of polished metal and provided a dim and imperfect reflection, which serves as a metaphor for the limited and enigmatic nature of human perception and understanding. The use of αἴνιγμα in this context emphasizes the idea that current spiritual knowledge is incomplete and often requires interpretation, much like a riddle. This concept encourages believers to anticipate a future time of clarity and full revelation.

The notion of seeing "face to face" alludes to a direct and unmediated encounter with God, contrasting with the present experience of understanding divine truths through indirect means. This passage highlights the eschatological hope of believers, where the mysteries of faith will be fully unveiled.

Forms and Transliterations

αινίγμασι αινίγμασιν αινίγματα αινιγματι αινίγματι αἰνίγματι αινιγματισταί αινιγμάτων ainigmati ainígmati

Englishman's Concordance

1 Corinthians 13:12 N-DNS
GRK: ἐσόπτρου ἐν αἰνίγματι τότε δὲ
NAS: in a mirror dimly, but then
INT: a glass in obscurity then moreover

Strong's Greek 135
1 Occurrence

αἰνίγματι — 1 Occ.