αἴνιγμα (ainigma)
ainigma
obscure thing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ainigma refers to a dark saying or riddle, something that is obscure and difficult to understand. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Here, it describes the limited and unclear nature of human knowledge when compared to the fullness of future revelation.
The word comes from a root meaning to speak in riddles or to be strange and dreadful. It corresponds to the Hebrew chidah used in the Old Testament for Solomon’s wise sayings and God’s mysterious dealings with Moses. Paul uses it to illustrate how our current understanding is fragmented, like seeing through a mirror dimly, rather than face-to-face.
This single usage highlights the contrast between present partial knowledge and future clarity. The sources note that ainigma carries a sense of something hidden or enigmatic, requiring interpretation. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul contrasts this obscure state with the direct vision believers will eventually enjoy, marking a transition from mystery to clear understanding.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ainigma describes something hidden or obscure, like a riddle that requires effort to solve. In our daily lives, we often feel like we are missing key pieces of information. We make decisions with incomplete data and try to understand events that seem confusing or out of order. This feeling of uncertainty is natural for those living in the present age.
Paul uses this term in 1 Corinthians 13:12 to explain our current spiritual state. He compares our understanding to seeing a reflection in a mirror, which was often dim and distorted in ancient times. We know only in part because we cannot see the full picture of God’s plan right now. This limitation is not a failure on your part but a reality of our human condition.
There is a hopeful promise attached to this obscurity. The same passage assures us that one day we will see face to face and know fully. Until then, you can trust that God is working even when the path seems unclear. Your faith does not require perfect vision; it only requires trust in the One who sees everything clearly.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- obscurity,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αἰνίγματι,1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 13:12
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known.
Paul uses this term to contrast our fragmented, mirror-like perception of truth now with the direct, clear understanding believers will experience in the future.