ΜΥΣΤΗΡΙΟΝ

Definition

According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, "mystērion" initially signifies "a secret rite, a secret worship," particularly referring to the Eleusinian and Samothracian Mysteries. It describes any sacred act or teaching kept secret from the uninitiated and revealed only to those who have undergone the proper initiation. This primary meaning underscores the concept of exclusivity and profound, esoteric knowledge not accessible to all.

In philosophy, especially in Plato, the concept expands to describe deep truths or doctrines that require spiritual "initiation" or special preparation to be apprehended. It is no longer about ritual but a metaphorical "initiation" into the knowledge of the Forms or the true nature of reality, as seen in works like the "Republic" or "Phaedrus."

During the Hellenistic period and later in the New Testament, "mystērion" acquires a new, theological dimension. It is no longer something humans keep secret, but a divine truth that God had kept hidden and now reveals to His believers. The Apostle Paul uses it extensively to describe the plan of salvation through Christ, which was hidden for ages and is now made manifest. This revelation does not completely remove the mystery but makes it accessible through faith, while maintaining its transcendent nature.

In later Christian tradition, "mystērion" evolved to describe the sacred rituals of the Church, the "Mysteries" or "Sacraments," through which divine grace is conveyed. This usage connects the original ritualistic meaning with theological revelation, making the mysteries visible signs of invisible spiritual realities.

Main Meanings

1. Sacred rite, secret worship — The primary and most prevalent meaning in classical Greece, referring to ceremonies accessible only to initiates, such as the Eleusinian Mysteries.
2. Secret doctrine, esoteric knowledge — In philosophy, particularly in Plato, it describes profound truths requiring spiritual preparation for comprehension.
3. Secret, hidden thing, private matter — A more general use for anything concealed, unknown, or not to be disclosed.
4. Divine truth, God's plan — In the New Testament, especially in Paul, it refers to truths God kept hidden and now reveals to His believers.
5. Allegory, symbolic meaning — Something possessing a hidden or deeper significance beyond its literal interpretation.
6. Sacrament, sacred ritual — In later Christian tradition, the sacred rituals of the Church that convey divine grace.
7. Incomprehensible phenomenon, unsolved problem — In modern usage, anything inexplicable or enigmatic.

Word Family

my- (root of the verb myō, meaning "to close the eyes or mouth")

The Ancient Greek root "my-" is the basis of a word family revolving around the concept of closing, silence, and secrecy. From the simple act of closing the eyes or mouth, this root gave rise to concepts concerning initiation into hidden knowledge, sacred rites requiring silence and discretion, and ultimately divine truths that remain partially concealed. Each member of the family develops an aspect of this original meaning, from the action of initiation to the quality of being secret and the very notion of mystery itself.

In Ancient Texts

Three significant passages that highlight the different facets of mystery in ancient and Christian literature.

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΜΥΣΤΗΡΙΟΝ:

Sources & Bibliography

• Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon, with a Revised Supplement. Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1996.
• Bauer, W., Arndt, W. F., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (BDAG). University of Chicago Press, 2000.
• Plato — Phaedrus, Republic.
• Apostle Paul — Ephesians, Colossians.
• Herodotus — Histories.
• Euripides — Bacchae.
• Lexicon of Modern Greek — Institute of Modern Greek Studies (Manolis Triantafyllidis Foundation), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.