Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "enigma" refers to something that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. The concept of enigma is often associated with the divine mysteries and the ways in which God communicates with humanity. While the word "enigma" itself is not directly used in most English translations of the Bible, the idea is present in various passages that speak of God's wisdom, the nature of prophecy, and the limitations of human understanding.Divine Mysteries and Wisdom The Bible frequently acknowledges that God's ways and thoughts are beyond human comprehension. In Isaiah 55:8-9 , it is written: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." This passage highlights the enigmatic nature of God's wisdom, which surpasses human understanding. The Apostle Paul also speaks to this theme in 1 Corinthians 13:12 : "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." Here, Paul acknowledges the partial and enigmatic nature of human knowledge in this life, contrasting it with the complete understanding that will come in the presence of God. Prophecy and Parables Prophecy in the Bible often contains enigmatic elements, as prophets convey messages from God that may not be immediately clear to their audience. In Numbers 12:6-8 , God distinguishes between the clarity of His communication with Moses and the more enigmatic nature of visions and dreams given to other prophets: "He said, 'Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream. But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD.'" Jesus often used parables, which are short, allegorical accounts, to convey spiritual truths. These parables can be seen as enigmatic, requiring contemplation and spiritual insight to understand. In Matthew 13:10-11 , the disciples ask Jesus why He speaks in parables, and He replies, "The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them." This indicates that the parables contain deeper meanings that are not immediately apparent to all listeners. Human Limitations and the Pursuit of Understanding The enigmatic nature of certain biblical teachings serves to remind believers of their limitations and the need for humility in the pursuit of understanding. Proverbs 25:2 states, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out." This suggests that while God may conceal certain truths, it is a noble pursuit for humans to seek understanding, even if complete comprehension remains elusive. In the New Testament, James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This verse underscores the belief that while some aspects of God's will and purpose may be enigmatic, He is willing to grant wisdom to those who earnestly seek it. In summary, the concept of enigma in the Bible is closely tied to the divine mysteries, the nature of prophecy, and the limitations of human understanding. It serves as a reminder of the vastness of God's wisdom and the importance of seeking His guidance in the pursuit of spiritual truth. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An obscure or inexplicable saying; a riddle; something the hidden meaning of which is to be discovered or guessed.2. (n.) An action, mode of action, or thing, which cannot be satisfactorily explained; a puzzle; as, his conduct is an enigma. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ENIGMAe-nig'-ma. Greek 135. ainigma -- a riddle ... a riddle. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: ainigma Phonetic Spelling: (ah'-ee-nig-ma) Short Definition: a riddle, an enigma Definition: a riddle ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/135.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 280. achidah -- a riddle... hard sentence. (Aramaic) corresponding to chiydah, an enigma -- hard sentence. see HEBREW chiydah. 279, 280. achidah. 281 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/280.htm - 6k Library Of the Term "Enigma," and of Tropical Modes of Speech. My Soul is on Fire to Know this Most Intricate Enigma. ... He Prays God that He Would Explain this Most Entangled Enigma. Concerning the Word of the Mind, in which we See the Word of God ... Whether the First Man Saw God through his Essence? Christ's Exclamation: Psalm xxii. --His Last Words. The Natural Invisibility of the Father, and the visibility of the ... The Likeness of the Divine Word, Such as it Is, is to be Sought ... If any one Wishes to Hear the Arrangements for My Journey from ... Of the Likeness of the Father and of the Son Alleged to be in Our ... Thesaurus Enigma... 2. (n.) An action, mode of action, or thing, which cannot be satisfactorily explained; a puzzle; as, his conduct is an enigma. Int. ...ENIGMA. e-nig'-ma. ... /e/enigma.htm - 6k Riddle (11 Occurrences) Interpretation (45 Occurrences) En-ha'zor (1 Occurrence) Enigmas (4 Occurrences) Mystery (31 Occurrences) Proverb (24 Occurrences) Death (1610 Occurrences) Genealogy (29 Occurrences) Providence (3 Occurrences) Resources Summary of the Book of Hebrews - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat caused the extinction of the dinosaurs? | GotQuestions.org Enigma: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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