Lexical Summary mueó: to initiate, to instruct, to learn the secret Original Word: μυέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance instruct. From the base of musterion; to initiate, i.e. (by implication) to teach -- instruct. see GREEK musterion HELPS Word-studies 3453 myéō (akin to 3466 /mystḗrion, "mystery") – properly, shutting the eyes and mouth to experience mystery; (figuratively) initiated into the wonderful "mystery revelation" of learning to be content in Christ in every scene of life – no exceptions! See also 3804 /páthēma ("suffering"). [The metaphor was also used of "the initiatory rites of the pagan mysteries. 'I have been initiated' " (WS, 893).] Reflection: Experiencing the revelation of the Holy Spirit enables the believer to learn God's "open secrets." By experiencing faith ("God's inworked persuasions"), every decision (action) of life becomes equally, eternally meaningful. See 2472 /isotimos ("of equal value"). [In 2 Pet 1:1, the mighty apostle Peter makes it clear that every believer-priest lives on "level (equal) ground" through the Lord's inworkings of faith.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom muó (to shut the eyes or mouth) Definition to initiate into the mysteries, hence to instruct NASB Translation learned the secret (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3453: μυέωμυέω, μύω: perfect passive μεμύημαι; (from μύω to close, shut ((cf. Latinmutus); Curtius, § 478)); a. to initiate into the mysteries (Herodotus, Aristophanes, Plato, Plutarch, others; 3Macc. 2:30). b. universally, "to teach fully, instruct; to accustom one to a thing; to give one an intimate acquaintance with a thing": ἐν παντί καί ἐν πᾶσι μεμύημαι, to every condition and to all the several circumstances of life have I become accustomed; I have been so disciplined by experience that whatsoever be my lot I can endure, Philippians 4:12; (but others, instead of connecting ἐν παντί etc. here (as object) with μεμύημαι (a construction apparently without precedent; yet cf. Lünemann in Winer's Grammar, § 28, 1) and taking the infinitives that follow as explanatory of the ἐν παντί etc., regard the latter phrase as stating the sphere (see πᾶς, II. 2 a.) and the infinitives as epexegetic (Winers Grammar, § 44, 1): in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled etc.). The verb translated “I have learned the secret” in Philippians 4:12 conveys the idea of being initiated into a deeper, previously hidden understanding. It implies entry into an experiential knowledge that is reserved for the “inside” rather than mere intellectual grasp. In the New Testament the term appears only in this single verse, yet its background and Paul’s deliberate choice of it provide rich insight into Christian life and ministry. Biblical Occurrence Philippians 4:12 — “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, of having abundance and suffering need.” Historical Background: Mystery Cults and Initiation In the Greco-Roman world “mysteries” referred to religious societies whose members underwent rites of initiation before being granted access to sacred knowledge and participation in communal meals. The language of initiation was widespread, carrying connotations of personal commitment, exclusive revelation, and solidarity among the initiated. By choosing this culturally loaded verb, Paul communicates that he has been ushered into a divinely provided insight surpassing the famed pagan mysteries, yet he immediately applies it not to esoteric ritual but to practical contentment in Christ. Paul’s Usage and Theological Significance 1. Christ-centered contentment. Paul’s “initiation” is into a secret that is simultaneously open to every believer: the sufficiency of Christ (Philippians 4:13). The mystery once hidden is now public in the gospel (Colossians 1:26-27). Lessons for Christian Ministry and Discipleship • Formation through circumstances. God’s curriculum often uses both lack and plenty to bring believers into maturity (James 1:2-4; 2 Corinthians 12:9). Practical Application Believers cultivate the same secret knowledge by: 1. Embracing providence—receiving both prosperity and adversity as divine appointments (Romans 8:28). Related Terms and Concepts • μυστήριον (mystērion, “mystery”): the revealed gospel once hidden (Ephesians 3:3-6). In sum, Strong’s Greek 3453 marks the believer’s passage from mere information to Spirit-wrought transformation, calling the church to embody and proclaim the open secret of contentment in Christ. Englishman's Concordance Philippians 4:12 V-RIM/P-1SGRK: ἐν πᾶσιν μεμύημαι καὶ χορτάζεσθαι NAS: circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled KJV: all things I am instructed both INT: in all things I am initiated and to be full |
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