Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most commonly searched questions about mysteries in the Bible. Each answer is brief, with links to longer studies for those who want to go deeper.
How many mysteries are in the Bible?
The Greek word mystērion appears approximately 27-28 times in the New Testament, depending on the manuscript tradition. Paul accounts for about 21 of these. The word does not appear in the Hebrew Old Testament, though the Aramaic rāz ("mystery") appears nine times in Daniel 2. See Every Mystery in the Bible for a complete reference table.
What is the greatest mystery in the Bible?
This depends on how you define "greatest." In terms of scope, the mystery of God's will (Ephesians 1:9-10) is arguably the most comprehensive — it describes God's plan to unite all things under Christ. In terms of Paul's personal emphasis, the mystery of Christ (Gentile inclusion in the body) receives the most attention. In terms of emotional intensity, Paul himself calls the mystery of marriage "profound" (mega, "great") in Ephesians 5:32.
Are there still mysteries of God today?
In the biblical sense of mystērion, the mysteries that have been revealed are no longer hidden — they are available to anyone who hears the gospel. However, Paul himself acknowledges that our present understanding is incomplete: "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face" (1 Corinthians 13:12). Revelation 10:7 looks forward to a time when "the mystery of God would be fulfilled," suggesting that the full consummation is still future. So while the core mysteries have been revealed, their final resolution awaits Christ's return.
Does "mystery" mean something we can't understand?
No. In the Bible, a mystery is something that was hidden and has now been revealed. It is not permanently unknowable; it is a truth that required divine disclosure and is now available to be understood, believed, and proclaimed. See What Does "Mystery" Mean in the Bible?
Why do some Bibles say "secret" instead of "mystery"?
Different translation philosophies lead to different word choices. Translations like the NIV and NLT sometimes render mystērion as "secret" or "secret plan" because the word does refer to something that was once hidden. However, "secret" can be misleading because it suggests the information is still concealed, whereas the biblical emphasis is on its revelation. See Mystery vs. Secret and How Bible Translations Handle Mystērion.
What is the difference between a mystery and a parable?
A parable is a teaching method — a story with a hidden meaning. A mystery is a theological concept — a truth that God has revealed. The two intersect in Mark 4:11, where Jesus says the mystery of the kingdom is given to the disciples, while outsiders receive everything in parables. The parables are the vehicle; the mystery is the content.
Did Paul invent the concept of mystery?
No. The concept has its roots in Daniel 2, where the Aramaic word rāz is used for a divine secret revealed to the prophet. Jesus also used the word in Mark 4:11. Paul developed the concept more fully than any other writer, but he did not originate it. See Paul and the Mystery of God.
Is the mystery of God related to Greek mystery religions?
The word mystērion was used in Greek mystery cults (like the Eleusinian Mysteries), but the New Testament usage is fundamentally different. In pagan mystery religions, the secrets were permanently hidden from outsiders. In the Bible, the mystery is proclaimed publicly. The primary background for biblical usage is the Old Testament and Second Temple Judaism, not pagan ritual. See Mystērion: Greek Word Study.
What is the "mystery of iniquity" in the KJV?
"The mystery of iniquity" is the KJV rendering of 2 Thessalonians 2:7, which modern translations typically translate as "the mystery of lawlessness." It refers to the hidden working of evil in the present age, prior to the revelation of the "man of lawlessness." See The Mystery of Lawlessness.
Where can I read all the mystery verses at once?
See our complete reference table, which lists every occurrence of mystērion in the New Testament with verse references, brief descriptions, and links to detailed study pages. For the biblical text itself, BibleGateway.com allows you to search for "mystery" across multiple translations.