135. ainigma
Lexical Summary
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)
KJV: X darkly
NASB: dimly
Word Origin: [from a derivative of G136 (αἶνος - praise) (in its primary sense)]

1. an obscure saying, "enigma"
2. (abstractly) obscureness

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
Overview

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:
• “We know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2)
• “They will see His face.” (Revelation 22:4)

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.
2. Perseverance in love: Since knowledge is partial, love is the more excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:31–13:13).
3. Pastoral comfort: Suffering saints can be assured that perplexing providences will one day be understood (Romans 8:18).
4. Worship and prayer: Acknowledging the “enigma” fosters reverent awe and expectancy (1 Corinthians 2:9).

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.
• Parabolē (Strong’s 3850) – a comparison or parable that conveys truth indirectly.
• Krupsis (Strong’s 2927) – something hidden, awaiting disclosure.

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.

Forms and Transliterations
αινίγμασι αινίγμασιν αινίγματα αινιγματι αινίγματι αἰνίγματι αινιγματισταί αινιγμάτων ainigmati ainígmati
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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.

134
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