Colossians 1:26
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Original Language Analysis
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μυστήριον
Even the mystery
G3466
μυστήριον
Even the mystery
Strong's:
G3466
Word #:
2 of 17
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποκεκρυμμένον
hath been hid
G613
ἀποκεκρυμμένον
hath been hid
Strong's:
G613
Word #:
4 of 17
to conceal away (i.e., fully); figuratively, to keep secret
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 17
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰώνων
ages
G165
αἰώνων
ages
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
9 of 17
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γενεῶν
generations
G1074
γενεῶν
generations
Strong's:
G1074
Word #:
11 of 17
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
ἐφανερώθη
is made manifest
G5319
ἐφανερώθη
is made manifest
Strong's:
G5319
Word #:
14 of 17
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 8:10And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.Matthew 13:11He 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.Mark 4:11And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:1 Corinthians 2:7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:2 Timothy 1:10But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:Psalms 25:14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Historical Context
Mystery religions pervaded the Roman Empire, promising secret knowledge through elaborate initiations. Gnostic systems developing in this period claimed hidden truths beyond apostolic teaching. Paul co-opts mystery language but inverts its meaning: Christianity's mystery is revealed to all believers through public proclamation, not hidden from outsiders through secret ritual. This makes Christianity both deeply profound and widely accessible.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you approach Scripture expecting to understand God's revealed truth, or do you assume it remains mysterious and inaccessible?
- What modern movements claim 'deeper' revelation beyond Scripture, and how should these be evaluated?
- How does knowing you possess God's complete revelation affect your confidence in understanding and applying biblical truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints. "The mystery" (to mystērion, τὸ μυστήριον) in Paul's usage doesn't mean permanently obscure puzzle but previously hidden truth now revealed. This contrasts pagan mystery religions offering secret knowledge to initiates. Paul's mystery was divinely concealed in previous eras but now publicly proclaimed to all believers.
"Hid from ages and from generations" (apokekrymmenon apo tōn aiōnōn kai apo tōn geneōn, ἀποκεκρυμμένον ἀπὸ τῶν αἰώνων καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν γενεῶν) emphasizes long concealment. Old Testament saints saw shadows and types; New Testament believers see fulfillment. God's plan existed eternally but remained partially veiled until Christ's coming revealed it fully. This progressive revelation doesn't mean contradiction but increasing clarity.
"But now is made manifest to his saints" (nyn de ephanerōthē tois hagiois autou, νῦν δὲ ἐφανερώθη τοῖς ἁγίοις αὐτοῦ) announces revelation's completion. "His saints"—all believers, not spiritual elite—now access truth previously hidden. This democratizes divine knowledge, opposing heretical systems claiming that only advanced initiates receive full truth. Every Christian possesses the complete revelation through Scripture.