Enigma
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Enigma in the Bible?
Enigma refers to a riddle, obscure saying, or metaphorical expression, prominently featured in ancient Greek literature and utilized within biblical texts as a rhetorical device to convey hidden or profound meanings.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing enigmatic language enables readers to accurately interpret metaphorical passages and appreciate the literary strategies biblical authors employed to communicate complex theological concepts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Enigma. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Enigma in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Enigma clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Enigma." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/enigma/