Initiation into an open and shut mystery

2 Peter 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. [kjv]

ω γαρ μη παρεστιν ταυτα τυφλος εστιν μυωπαζων ληθην λαβων του καθαρισμου των παλαι αυτου αμαρτιων [gnt]

The English word "mystery" comes from the Greek word that had to do, not only with not knowing something, but had to do with initiation rites of secret societies, such as Greek philosophical societies.

It comes from the Greek word for "shut" as in the English word "myopia" as in "shut eye" which appears in 2 Peter 1:9.

Today, a "mystery" is something that is unknown and may never be known.

Note: Image from Wikipedia under "Question mark".

Today, a mystery is often a question.

In English, a question ends with a "?".
In Spanish, a question starts with a "¿" and ends with a "?". (since 1754)
In Greek, a question ends with a ";".
In Arabic, the question mark is inverted (and smaller) as "؟" from the English question mark.

2 Peter 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. [kjv]

ω γαρ μη παρεστιν ταυτα τυφλος εστιν μυωπαζων ληθην λαβων του καθαρισμου των παλαι αυτου αμαρτιων [gnt]

Today, a condition known as "myopia" is described as "nearsightedness". That is, an ability to see near but not far unless corrected by appropriate lenses. Peter uses the Greek word for "myopia".

The modern Greek word "μυωπία" (mee-o-PEE-a) ≈ "myopia" and comes from the ancient Greek word "μύωψ" (MEE-ops) ≈ "shortsighted" which comes from two other words.

The ancient Greek word "μύω" (MEE-o) ≈ "to close or shut" as in the eyes. This is the word to be built on below.
The ancient Greek word "ωψ" (ops) ≈ "view".

2 Peter 1:9

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KJV: But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Greek: ω γαρ μη παρεστιν ταυτα τυφλος εστιν μυωπαζων ληθην λαβων του καθαρισμου των παλαι αυτου αμαρτιων

Latin: cui enim non praesto sunt haec caecus est et manu temptans oblivionem accipiens purgationis veterum suorum delictorum

Wycliffe: But to whom these ben not redi, he is blynd, and gropith with his hoond, and foryetith the purgyng of his elde trespassis.

Luther: Welcher aber solches nicht hat, der ist blind und tappet mit der Hand und vergißt der Reinigung seiner vorigen Sünden.

2 Peter 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. [kjv]

ω γαρ μη παρεστιν ταυτα τυφλος εστιν μυωπαζων ληθην λαβων του καθαρισμου των παλαι αυτου αμαρτιων [gnt]

Note that the Luther German and Wycliffe interpret the Greek for "myopia" as "groping" or "tapping" with the "hand".

Both appear to rely on the Latin Vulgate.

The Latin word "caecus" ≈ "blind".
The Latin word "manu" ≈ "hand" from which we get the English word "manual".
The Latin word "temptans" ≈ "test" from which we get the English word "tempt".

$Expanded$

In about 500 B.C., Pythagoras had a secret society who membership was a mystery to anyone outside the group. It was a closed group and required a special initiation.
Pythagoras had a simple proof (omitted) to show the irrationality of the square root of two. This secret was not to be revealed to anyone outside the group. The punishment for revealing this secret was death.

The Greek word for "mystery" is based on the Greek word for "initiation" as in a member to a group that is "shut" until one is "initiated". The term "mystery cult" is still heard today.

Do whole numbers exist? Do real numbers exist? Explain.

Pythagoras had a simple proof (omitted) to show the irrationality of the square of two.

This secret was not to be revealed to anyone outside the group. The punishment for revealing this secret was death.

A square root of a tree may not be obvious. How about a cube root? In the Bible:

Mountains represent empires.
Trees represent the human infrastructure of an empire.
The birds represent people who make nests in the tree.
The root represents the human leader of the tree.
A fox may have to settle for a den near the tree root.

More: Radical square and other roots

The Greek prefix "μυστηρι-" appear in 37 verses, 8 verses in the LXX (Septuagint) (all in Daniel) and in 28 verses in the GNT (Greek New Testament).

Gospels: 3 (mysteries of the kingdom of heaven)
Paul: 22
Revelation: 4
Daniel: 8

Here is the usage of the Greek word for "mystery" by Paul. The Greek audience to whom Paul was writing would have understood the special meaning of "mystery" in Greek history and philosophy.

Romans: 2 in 16 chapters
Corinthians: 7 in 29 chapters
Ephesians: 6 in 6 chapters
Colossians: 4 in 3 chapters
Thessalonians: 1 in 8 chapters
Timothy: 2 in 10 chapters

Colossians has the greatest frequency of appearance. Next is Ephesians. Both contain many allusions to Greek philosophy.

The progression of the word "mystery" appears to be as follows.

The Pythagoras secret society with initiation, etc. (Daniel in the LXX)
Something whose details are known, but only to those that are initiated into those details, and may be revealed to others who join. (Paul and inner details of the Church)
Something that is not known in general, or even to anyone, and not involving a (human) secret society with secret knowledge. (John in Revelation, unknowns in the scientific world, etc.)

Let us look at a few passages in the Daniel in the LXX and then some in the GNT.

The Greek word "mystery" was associated an initiation into a secret society connected with Pythagoras about 500 B.C.

The story of Daniel takes place about 600 B.C., before Pythagoras, but was written in Hebrew (and Aramaic).

The Greek prefix "μυστηρι-" (mystery) appears 8 times in the LXX, all in Daniel. Daniel is in captivity in Babylon. Interestingly, Babylon is mentioned in connection with "mystery" in Revelation.

More: Mysteries in Babylon

The LXX was translated from Hebrew into Greek about 270 B.C. The translators used the Greek word "mystery" to translate the Hebrew word "רזה" (ra-zah) ≈ "secret" . רזה - secret

Read the verses from Daniel below and ask yourself the following. How well does the idea of a secret society with special secret information, as in the Greek word, fit the context of the verse?

Daniel 2:27

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KJV: Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;

Hebrew: ענה דניאל קדם מלכא ואמר רזה די מלכא שאל לא חכימין אשפין חרטמין גזרין יכלין להחויה למלכא׃

Greek: και απεκριθη δανιηλ ενωπιον του βασιλεως και λεγει το μυστηριον ο ο βασιλευς επερωτα ουκ εστιν σοφων μαγων επαοιδων γαζαρηνων αναγγειλαι τω βασιλει

Latin: et respondens Danihel coram rege ait mysterium quod rex interrogat sapientes magi et arioli et aruspices non queunt indicare regi

Wycliffe: And Danyel answeride bifore the king, and seide, The priuytee which the kyng axith, wise men, and astronomyens, and dyuynours, and lokeris of auteris, moun not schewe to the kyng.

Luther: Daniel fing an vor dem Könige und sprach: Das verborgene Ding, das der König fordert von den Weisen, Gelehrten, Sternsehern und Wahrsagern, stehet in ihrem Vermögen nicht, dem Könige zu sagen,

The Latin word "magi" ≈ "magi" from which we get the English word "magic".

The modern Greek word "μάγων" (MA-gon) ≈ "magi, wise men" is the source of the term "wise men" or "magi" as in the Christmas carol "We three Kings, of orient are". Daniel was eventually put in charge of the Magi and provided with special prophecies, some written as directed, some not to be written. About 600 years later, it appears that some of those Magi, provided with secret information, made a trip to Judea to see the new-born Messiah.

Wycliffe uses the Middle English word "priuytee" ≈ "private" as in "secret". In modern English, a "privy" was a name for an "outhouse". Daniel continues in the next verse.

It appears that Daniel has been initiated into a special position of knowledge in the Kingdom of God.

Paul will offer more on that special position in the GNT.

Daniel 2:28

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KJV: But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

Hebrew: ברם איתי אלה בשמיא גלא רזין והודע למלכא נבוכדנצר מה די להוא באחרית יומיא חלמך וחזוי ראשך על משכבך דנה הוא׃

Greek: αλλ η εστιν θεος εν ουρανω αποκαλυπτων μυστηρια και εγνωρισεν τω βασιλει ναβουχοδονοσορ α δει γενεσθαι επ εσχατων των ημερων το ενυπνιον σου και αι ορασεις της κεφαλης σου επι της κοιτης σου τουτο εστιν

Latin: sed est Deus in caelo revelans mysteria qui indicavit tibi rex Nabuchodonosor quae ventura sunt novissimis temporibus somnium tuum et visiones capitis tui in cubili tuo huiuscemodi sunt

Wycliffe: But God is in heuene, that schewith priuytees, which hath schewid to thee, thou king Nabugodonosor, what thingis schulen come in the laste tymes. Thi dreem and visiouns of thin heed, in thi bed, ben sich.

Luther: sondern Gott vom Himmel, der kann verborgene Dinge offenbaren; der hat dem Könige Nebukadnezar angezeiget, was in künftigen Zeiten geschehen soll.

The ancient Greek word "ενύπνιον" (eh-NEE-pnee-on) ≈ "dream" is the source of the modern Greek word "ύπνος" (EE-pnos) ≈ "sleep" is the source of the English word "hypnosis".

The modern Greek word "όραση" (O-ra-see) ≈ "vision, sight". The modern Greek word "όρος" (O-ros) ≈ "mountain, definition, boundary" is the origin of the English word "horizon".

That revelation, or revealing, by Daniel, later Paul, and then John in Revelation, follows from the Greek word used here.

The modern Greek word "αποκαλυπτική" (a-po-ka-lee-ptee-KEE) ≈ "revelation, revealing" is the bases for the name of the book of Revelation.

Note that the interpretation of the dream of Nebuchadnezzar takes history to the present day and further. Details for another time.

Daniel 4:7

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KJV: Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.

Hebrew: באדין עללין חרטמיא אשפיא כשדיא וגזריא וחלמא אמר אנה קדמיהון ופשרה לא מהודעין לי׃

Greek: και εισεπορευοντο οι επαοιδοι μαγοι γαζαρηνοι χαλδαιοι και το ενυπνιον ειπα εγω ενωπιον αυτων και την συγκρισιν αυτου ουκ εγνωρισαν μοι

Latin: tunc ingrediebantur arioli magi Chaldei et aruspices et somnium narravi in conspectu eorum et solutionem eius non indicaverunt mihi

Daniel 4:8

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KJV: But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,

Hebrew: ועד אחרין על קדמי דניאל די שמה בלטשאצר כשם אלהי ודי רוח אלהין קדישין בה וחלמא קדמוהי אמרת׃

Greek: εως ου ηλθεν δανιηλ ου το ονομα βαλτασαρ κατα το ονομα του θεου μου ος πνευμα θεου αγιον εν εαυτω εχει και το ενυπνιον ενωπιον αυτου ειπα

Daniel 4:9

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KJV: O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.

Hebrew: בלטשאצר רב חרטמיא די אנה ידעת די רוח אלהין קדישין בך וכל רז לא אנס לך חזוי חלמי די חזית ופשרה אמר׃

Greek: βαλτασαρ ο αρχων των επαοιδων ον εγω εγνων οτι πνευμα θεου αγιον εν σοι και παν μυστηριον ουκ αδυνατει σε ακουσον την ορασιν του ενυπνιου ου ειδον και την συγκρισιν αυτου ειπον μοι

Latin: Balthasar princeps ariolorum quem ego scio quod spiritum deorum sanctorum habeas in te et omne sacramentum non est inpossibile tibi visiones somniorum meorum quas vidi et solutionem eorum narra

Spanish: Beltsasar, príncipe de los magos, ya que he entendido que hay en ti espíritu de los dioses santos, y que ningún misterio se te esconde, dime las visiones de mi sueño que he visto, y su interpretación.

Here we see that Daniel was put in charge of the group that included the magi.

Some 50 years later, this will be mentioned again in the episode involving the handwriting on the wall (below).

In Daniel 5:11, the queen tells the king of his father, Nebuchadnezzar, who put Daniel (Belshazzar) in change of the group that included the magi.

Daniel 5:11

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KJV: There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;

Hebrew: איתי גבר במלכותך די רוח אלהין קדישין בה וביומי אבוך נהירו ושכלתנו וחכמה כחכמת אלהין השתכחת בה ומלכא נבכדנצר אבוך רב חרטמין אשפין כשדאין גזרין הקימה אבוך מלכא׃

Greek: εστιν ανηρ εν τη βασιλεια σου εν ω πνευμα θεου και εν ταις ημεραις του πατρος σου γρηγορησις και συνεσις ευρεθη εν αυτω και ο βασιλευς ναβουχοδονοσορ ο πατηρ σου αρχοντα επαοιδων μαγων χαλδαιων γαζαρηνων κατεστησεν αυτον

Latin: est vir in regno tuo qui spiritum deorum sanctorum habet in se et in diebus patris tui scientia et sapientia inventae sunt in eo nam et rex Nabuchodonosor pater tuus principem magorum incantatorum Chaldeorum et aruspicum constituit eum pater inquam tuus o rex

Note that in the translations of the LXX, some of the terms for this group are not always in the same order.

Herodotus mentions the magi as a hereditary group whose skills included dream interpretation.

What happens when an outsider is put in charge of a powerful hereditary group who are used to being in control? It appears that the group that had tried the fiery furnace route the first time, which failed, and then, 50 years later, with another king, tried the lion's den route. Neither worked for those who tried that route.

The "deep state" has happened throughout history whenever people and power are combined.

The "mystery" of God is mentioned in Revelation.

Revelation 10:7

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KJV: But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

Greek: αλλα αλλ εν ταις ημεραις της φωνης του εβδομου αγγελου οταν μελλη σαλπιζειν και τελεσθη ετελεσθη το μυστηριον του θεου ως ευηγγελισεν τοις τους εαυτου δουλοις τοις προφηταις δουλους τους προφητας

Latin: sed in diebus vocis septimi angeli cum coeperit tuba canere et consummabitur mysterium Dei sicut evangelizavit per servos suos prophetas

By the time of the GNT, a mystery was an unknown but not too far removed from that secret society group to which one needed to be initiated.

In the Kingdom (of Heaven) Parables of Mathew 13, and the corresponding verses in Mark and Luke, Jesus uses the word "mystery" as secret knowledge for a particular inside group (the disciples) and not to the other people.

Matthew 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? [kjv]

και προσελθοντες οι μαθηται ειπαν αυτω δια τι εν παραβολαις λαλεις αυτοις [gnt]

13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. [kjv]

ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν οτι υμιν δεδοται γνωναι τα μυστηρια της βασιλειας των ουρανων εκεινοις δε ου δεδοται [gnt]

What exactly is the "Kingdom of Heaven"? Since some of the parables tend not to make sense otherwise, the "Kingdom of Heaven" is often taken to be the historical time of the church, from the time of Jesus until the end times.

Matthew 13:10

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KJV: And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

Greek: και προσελθοντες οι μαθηται ειπον ειπαν αυτω δια τι εν παραβολαις λαλεις αυτοις

Matthew 13:11

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KJV: He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Greek: ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν αυτοις οτι υμιν δεδοται γνωναι τα μυστηρια της βασιλειας των ουρανων εκεινοις δε ου δεδοται

Matthew 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. [kjv]

After a few verses, Jesus states that this "mystery" has been since the beginning of time.

Matthew 13:17

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KJV: For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Greek: αμην γαρ λεγω υμιν οτι πολλοι προφηται και δικαιοι επεθυμησαν ιδειν α βλεπετε και ουκ ειδον ειδαν και ακουσαι α ακουετε και ουκ ηκουσαν

Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. [kjv]

ου γαρ θελω υμας αγνοειν αδελφοι το μυστηρ ιον τουτο ινα μη ητε εν εαυτοις φρονιμοι οτι πωρωσις απο μερους τω ισραηλ γεγονεν αχρι ου το πληρωμα των εθνων εισελθη [gnt]

Paul was usually writing to a Greek audience who would have the background of the meaning of the word "mystery" as connected with a somewhat secret society and of initiation into that group to get that knowledge and benefits.

Part of the "mystery" involves the "blindness" of the Jews, until the time of the Gentiles is complete. That is, until the time of the Kingdom of Heaven, or age of the church, is complete.

This "blindness" appears to be stated by Jesus in Luke 13:34-35.

More: Mysteries in the New Testament

Romans 11:25

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KJV: For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Greek: ου γαρ θελω υμας αγνοειν αδελφοι το μυστηριον τουτο ινα μη ητε παρ εν εαυτοις φρονιμοι οτι πωρωσις απο μερους τω ισραηλ γεγονεν αχρις αχρι ου το πληρωμα των εθνων εισελθη

Luke 13:33 Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem. [kjv]

πλην δει με σημερον και αυριον και τη εχομενη πορευεσθαι οτι ουκ ενδεχεται προφητην απολεσθαι εξω ιερουσαλημ [gnt]

13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! [kjv]

ιερουσαλημ ιερουσαλημ η αποκτεινουσα τους προφητας και λιθοβολουσα τους απεσταλμενους προς αυτην ποσακις ηθελησα επισυναξαι τα τεκνα σου ον τροπον ορνις την εαυτης νοσσιαν υπο τας πτερυγας και ουκ ηθελησατε [gnt]

The verse in Luke 13:33 ends with "Jerusalem" and then repeats that word twice more at the start of the next verse.

This is one of three places in the GNT where a word is repeated three times.

More: Words repeated thrice in the GNT

Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! [kjv]

13:35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. [kjv]

ιδου αφιεται υμιν ο οικος υμων λεγω δε υμιν ου μη ιδητε με εως ειπητε ευλογημενος ο ερχομενος εν ονοματι κυριου [gnt]

Note the use in Greek of a double negative as emphasizing a negative (unlike English).

More: Do not no way use double negatives

Luke 13:34

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KJV: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

Greek: ιερουσαλημ ιερουσαλημ η αποκτεινουσα τους προφητας και λιθοβολουσα τους απεσταλμενους προς αυτην ποσακις ηθελησα επισυναξαι τα τεκνα σου ον τροπον ορνις την εαυτης νοσσιαν υπο τας πτερυγας και ουκ ηθελησατε

Luke 13:35

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KJV: Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Greek: ιδου αφιεται υμιν ο οικος υμων ερημος αμην λεγω δε λεγω υμιν οτι ου μη με ιδητεμε εως αν ηξη οτε ειπητε ευλογημενος ο ερχομενος εν ονοματι κυριου

Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [kjv]

τω δε δυναμενω υμας στηριξαι κατα το ευαγγελιον μου και το κηρυγμα ιησου χριστου κατα αποκαλυψιν μυστηριου χρονοις αιωνιοις σεσιγημενου [gnt]

Back to Paul and "mystery". This "secret" has been since the world began.

Romans 16:25

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KJV: Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

Greek: τω δε δυναμενω υμας στηριξαι κατα το ευαγγελιον μου και το κηρυγμα ιησου χριστου κατα αποκαλυψιν μυστηριου χρονοις αιωνιοις σεσιγημενου

Latin: ei autem qui potens est vos confirmare iuxta evangelium meum et praedicationem Iesu Christi secundum revelationem mysterii temporibus aeternis taciti

Wycliffe: Amen. And onour and glorie be to hym, that is myyti to conferme you bi my gospel, and prechyng of Jhesu Crist, bi the reuelacioun of mysterie holdun stylle in tymes euerlastinge;

Tyndale: To him that is of power to stablisshe you accordinge to my gospell and preachinge of Iesus Christ in vtteringe of the mistery which was kept secret sence the worlde begane

1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: [kjv]

αλλα λαλουμεν θεου σοφιαν εν μυστηριω την αποκεκρυμμενην ην προωρισεν ο θεος προ των αιωνων εις δοξαν ημων [gnt]

Here we have the revealing, or "revelation" of the "mystery" for a select group who, for whom it is given, can understand.

1 Corinthians 2:7

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KJV: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

Greek: αλλα λαλουμεν σοφιαν θεου σοφιαν εν μυστηριω την αποκεκρυμμενην ην προωρισεν ο θεος προ των αιωνων εις δοξαν ημων

Latin: sed loquimur Dei sapientiam in mysterio quae abscondita est quam praedestinavit Deus ante saecula in gloriam nostram

Wycliffe: but we speken the wisdom of God in mysterie, `which wisdom is hid; which wisdom God bifor ordeynede bifor worldis in to oure glorie,

Tyndale: but we speake ye wysdome of God which is in secrete and lieth hyd which God ordeyned before the worlde vnto oure glory:

1 Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. [kjv]

καν και εαν εχω προφητειαν και ειδω τα μυστηρια παντα και πασαν την γνωσιν καν και εαν εχω πασαν την πιστιν ωστε ορη μεθιστανειν αγαπην δε μη εχω ουθεν ειμι [gnt]

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul states that knowing the "mysteries" and having "knowledge" is not enough, if one has not "love".

1 Corinthians 13:2

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KJV: And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

Greek: καν και εαν εχω προφητειαν και ειδω τα μυστηρια παντα και πασαν την γνωσιν καν και εαν εχω πασαν την πιστιν ωστε ορη μεθιστανειν αγαπην δε μη εχω ουθεν ειμι

Latin: et si habuero prophetiam et noverim mysteria omnia et omnem scientiam et habuero omnem fidem ita ut montes transferam caritatem autem non habuero nihil sum

1 Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. [kjv]

ο γαρ λαλων γλωσση ουκ ανθρωποις λαλει αλλα θεω ουδεις γαρ ακουει πνευματι δε λαλει μυστηρια [gnt]

Speaking in tongues can be considered a "mystery".

1 Corinthians 14:2

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KJV: For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Greek: ο γαρ λαλων γλωσση ουκ ανθρωποις λαλει αλλα τω θεω ουδεις γαρ ακουει πνευματι δε λαλει μυστηρια

Latin: qui enim loquitur lingua non hominibus loquitur sed Deo nemo enim audit Spiritu autem loquitur mysteria

1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [kjv]

ιδου μυστηριον υμιν λεγω παντες ου κοιμηθησομεθα παντες δε αλλαγησομεθα [gnt]

1 Corinthians 15:51

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KJV: Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Greek: ιδου μυστηριον υμιν λεγω παντες μεν ου κοιμηθησομεθα παντες δε αλλαγησομεθα

Latin: ecce mysterium vobis dico omnes quidem resurgemus sed non omnes inmutabimur

Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; as I wrote afore in few words, [kjv]

οτι κατα αποκαλυψιν εγνωρισθη μοι το μυστηριον καθως προεγραψα εν ολιγω [gnt]

… revelationem … sacramentum … [v]

… Geheimnis … Offenbarung… [lu]

Note that the Latin Vulgate uses the Latin word "sacramentum" ≈ "sacraments" rather than "mystery". Wycliffe uses this for his translation.

Luther uses the German word "Geheimnis" ≈ "secret" which over 400 years later formed the name of the Nazi Secret Police, or "Geheime Staatspolizei" which was abbreviated to "Gestapo".

Ephesians 3:3

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KJV: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; as I wrote afore in few words,

Greek: οτι κατα αποκαλυψινεγνωρισεν εγνωρισθη μοι το μυστηριον καθως προεγραψα εν ολιγω

Latin: quoniam secundum revelationem notum mihi factum est sacramentum sicut supra scripsi in brevi

Wycliffe: For bi reuelacioun the sacrament is maad knowun to me, as Y aboue wroot in schort thing,

Luther: daß mir ist kund worden dieses Geheimnis durch Offenbarung, wie ich droben aufs kürzeste geschrieben habe,

1 Timothy 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. [kjv]

εχοντας το μυστηριον της πιστεως εν καθαρα συνειδησει [gnt]

The Greek for "mystery" is that of an "initiation" into a group whose rules are secret.

More: 1 Timothy 3:1-16 Style and content issues

Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. [kjv]

το μυστηριον των επτα αστερων ους ειδες επι της δεξιας μου και τας επτα λυχνιας τας χρυσας οι επτα αστερες αγγελοι των επτα εκκλησιων εισιν και αι λυχνιαι αι επτα επτα εκκλησιαι εισιν [gnt]

sacramentum … [v]

There are many "mysteries" in the book of Revelation, and the word is used several times. Some of the "mysteries" are explained.

Does this "mystery" have to do with "initiation" in any way?

The Latin Vulgate again sometimes uses the word "sacrament" rather than "mystery", and Wycliffe follows.

Revelation 1:20

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KJV: The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Greek: το μυστηριον των επτα αστερων ων ους ειδες επι της δεξιας μου και τας επτα λυχνιας τας χρυσας οι επτα αστερες αγγελοι των επτα εκκλησιων εισιν και αι επτα λυχνιαι ας ειδες αι επτα επτα εκκλησιαι εισιν

Latin: sacramentum septem stellarum quas vidisti in dextera mea et septem candelabra aurea septem stellae angeli sunt septem ecclesiarum et candelabra septem septem ecclesiae sunt

Wycliffe: The sacrament of the seuene sterris, which thou seiyest in my riyt hond, and the seuene goldun candelstikis; the seuene sterris ben aungels of the seuene chirchis, and the seuene candelstikis ben seuene chirchis.

Luther: das Geheimnis der sieben Sterne, die du gesehen hast in meiner rechten Hand, und die sieben güldenen Leuchter. Die sieben Sterne sind Engel der sieben Gemeinden, und die sieben Leuchter, die du gesehen hast, sind sieben Gemeinden.

Revelation 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. [kjv]

και επι το μετωπον αυτης ονομα γεγραμμενον μυστηριον βαβυλων η μεγαλη η μητηρ των πορνων και των βδελυγματων της γης [gnt]

… mysterium Babylon … [v]

17:6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. [kjv]

και ειδον την γυναικα μεθυουσαν εκ του αιματος των αγιων και εκ του αιματος των μαρτυρων ιησου και εθαυμασα ιδων αυτην θαυμα μεγα [gnt]

17:7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. [kjv]

και ειπεν μοι ο αγγελος δια τι εθαυμασας εγω ερω σοι το μυστηριον της γυναικος και του θηριου του βασταζοντος αυτην του εχοντος τας επτα κεφαλας και τα δεκα κερατα [gnt]

Daniel wrote from Babylon in the only book in the LXX that uses the Greek word "mystery" (nine times, eight in chapter 2). In Revelation, Babylon reappears as a "mystery". This "mystery" is not fully explained. What might be a good candidate for this "Babylon"?

John "wondered" with "amazement" and not "admiration".

Revelation 17:5

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KJV: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Greek: και επι το μετωπον αυτης ονομα γεγραμμενον μυστηριον βαβυλων η μεγαλη η μητηρ των πορνων και των βδελυγματων της γης

Latin: et in fronte eius nomen scriptum mysterium Babylon magna mater fornicationum et abominationum terrae

Wycliffe: And a name writun in the forheed of hir, Mysterie, Babiloyn the greet, modir of fornycaciouns, and of abhomynaciouns of erthe.

Tyndale: And in her forhed was a name wrytten a mistery gret Babylon the mother of whordome and abominacions of the erth.

Revelation 17:6

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KJV: And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

Greek: και ειδον την γυναικα μεθυουσαν εκ του αιματος των αγιων και εκ του αιματος των μαρτυρων ιησου και εθαυμασα ιδων αυτην θαυμα μεγα

Revelation 17:7

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KJV: And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

Greek: και ειπεν μοι ο αγγελος δια τι εθαυμασας εγω σοι ερω σοι το μυστηριον της γυναικος και του θηριου του βασταζοντος αυτην του εχοντος τας επτα κεφαλας και τα δεκα κερατα

Latin: et dixit mihi angelus quare miraris ego tibi dicam sacramentum mulieris et bestiae quae portat eam quae habet capita septem et decem cornua

Wycliffe: And the aungel seide to me, Whi wondrist thou? I schal seie to thee the sacrament yf the womman, and of the beeste that berith hir, that hath seuene heedis and ten hornes.

Tyndale: And the angell sayde vnto me: wherfore mervayllyst thou? I wyll shewe the ye mistery of the woman and of the best that berith her which hath seven heddes and ten hornes.

Luther: Und der Engel sprach zu mir: Warum verwunderst du dich? Ich will dir sagen das Geheimnis von dem Weibe und von dem Tier, das sie trägt, und hat sieben Häupter und zehn Hörner.

Hopefully the previous discussion has cleared up some of the "mystery".

Question: How you keep someone from knowing a mystery until the proper time? I'll fill you in on it tomorrow.

The ancient Greek word "μῦς" ≈ "mouse, mussel, muscle" and is the source of the English words "mouse" and "muscle". It is not clear why these words were related in ancient Greek.

This word is the source of the English word "myositis" as an "inflammation of the muscles".

The modern Greek word "μυς" (mees) ≈ "muscle, mouse".