Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, enigmas refer to riddles, mysteries, or obscure sayings that require interpretation or insight to understand. The concept of enigmas is woven throughout Scripture, often highlighting the depth and complexity of divine wisdom and human understanding.
Old Testament ReferencesOne of the most notable references to enigmas in the Old Testament is found in the account of Samson. In
Judges 14:12-14, Samson poses a riddle to the Philistines during his wedding feast: "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet." This riddle, based on his earlier encounter with a lion, serves as an enigma that the Philistines struggle to solve without deceit.
The Book of Proverbs also touches on the concept of enigmas.
Proverbs 1:6 speaks of understanding "proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise." Here, enigmas are associated with wisdom literature, emphasizing the need for discernment and insight to grasp deeper truths.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, enigmas are often linked to the teachings of Jesus. Jesus frequently used parables, which can be seen as a form of enigma, to convey spiritual truths. In
Matthew 13:10-11, the disciples ask Jesus why He speaks in parables, and He responds, "The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them." This indicates that the parables, while seemingly simple accounts, contain profound mysteries accessible only to those with spiritual insight.
The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of enigmas in
1 Corinthians 13:12, where he writes, "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 understanding of divine truths in this life, likening it to seeing through a dim mirror, an enigma that will be fully revealed in the future.
Theological ImplicationsEnigmas in the Bible underscore the limitations of human understanding and the necessity of divine revelation. They remind believers of the depth of God's wisdom and the importance of seeking His guidance to comprehend spiritual truths. The use of enigmas also serves to humble the human intellect, encouraging reliance on God for insight and understanding.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, engaging with biblical enigmas involves prayerful study and meditation on Scripture, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance to unlock the mysteries contained within. It also involves a willingness to embrace the mystery of faith, recognizing that not all questions will be answered in this life, but trusting in God's ultimate wisdom and plan.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Plural of Enigma.
Strong's Hebrew
280. achidah -- a riddle... 279, 280. achidah. 281 . a riddle. Transliteration: achidah Phonetic Spelling:
(akh-ee-daw') Short Definition:
enigmas. Word Origin
...Library
The Solution to Present SpiritualEnigmas to be Awaited in the...
... CHAPTER XXIV. The Solution to Present SpiritualEnigmas to Be Awaited in
the Life of the World To Come. 94. And thus it will be that...
The Egyptian Symbols andEnigmas of Sacred Things.
... The Stromata, or Miscellanies. Book IV. Chapter VII."The Egyptian Symbols
andEnigmas of Sacred Things. Whence also the Egyptians...
Divine Things Wrapped up in Figures Both in the Sacred and in...
... Thence the prophecies and oracles are spoken inenigmas, and the mysteries are not
exhibited incontinently to all and sundry, but only after certain...
Our Friends Take it Amiss that I have Spoken of the Origenists as...
... even in the way of economy; only, if the good of the hearer requires it, he speaks
in ambiguous language, and reveals what he wills inenigmas, taking care at...
Proper Mode of Interpreting Parables and Obscure Passages of...
... but to certain only of His disciples who could comprehend them, and who understood
what was intended by Him through means of arguments,enigmas, and parables....
After These Matters, Celsus Brings the Following Charges against...
... errors," he says, "are committed by them, due to their extreme ignorance, in which
they have wandered away from the meaning of the divineenigmas, creating an...
Concerning Things Performed in the Muron, and Concerning Things...
... advances not yet in the same way to the inferior, but by them as deep contemplators
of the thing contemplated is concealed under theenigmas of the wings...
Letter ix. To Titus, Hierarch, Asking by Letter what is the House...
... the Fathers of the unutterable wisdom explain the Divine and Mystical Truth,
unapproachable by the profane, through certain, certainly hidden and daringenigmas...
Introductory Notice to Lactantius.
... [16]. There is also a collection of A HundredEnigmas, [17] which has been attributed
to Lactantius; but there is good reason to suppose that they are not the...
Handbook on Faith, Hope, and Love
... The Reality of the Resurrection. CHAPTER XXIV. The Solution to Present Spiritual
Enigmas to Be Awaited in the Life of the World To Come. CHAPTER XXV....
Thesaurus
Enigmas (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Enigmas (4 Occurrences).
... (DBY). Proverbs 1:6 to understand
a proverb and an allegory, the words of the wise and their
enigmas. (DBY).
...Enjoin (15 Occurrences)
Enigma
Belteshaz'zar (8 Occurrences)
... Daniel 5:12 because that an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding,
interpreting of dreams, and showing ofenigmas, and loosing of knots was found...
Allegory (6 Occurrences)
... Hagar. (WEB KJV ASV WBS RSV). Proverbs 1:6 to understand a proverb and an
allegory, the words of the wise and theirenigmas. (DBY)....
Parable (52 Occurrences)
... Christian, who has some understanding of the truth, can readily understand figurative
illustrations of this truth, which would be absoluteenigmas even to an...
Connection (72 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Kings 10:1 And the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon in connection
with the name of Jehovah, and came to prove him withenigmas. (DBY)....
Try (84 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:1 And the queen of Sheba is hearing of the fame of Solomon concerning
the name of Jehovah, and cometh to try him withenigmas, (YLT)....
Affliction (120 Occurrences)
... light, except in moments of rare exaltation and insight, when the thought of a perfect
future blessedness seemed to offer a solution of theenigmas of life...
Games (2 Occurrences)
... The Septuagint seems to have understood the word as "riddle" here also, for it renders
"enigmas," and some of the later Jews not only adopted this...
Resources
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