Meaning of ENIGMA

Speak intricately, twist, alter. It is the expression of a thought in dark form, whose true meaning is surprising.

This means has, at times, been used to receive revelations (Num. 12:8; Jer. 23:28; Dan. 5:12). Sometimes it was expressed in witty phrases, or also with riddles; The typical example of a biblical enigma is that of Samson: "From the eater came food and from the strong came sweetness", by which he was referring to the honey that he had found in the jaws of a dead lion.

It was his wife who revealed the enigma, and Samson responded to the disloyalty also in the form of an enigma (Judg. 14: 14-18).

In the Apocalypse St. John proposes to the sagacity of his readers the enigma of finding out the name of the beast through the number that represents it (Rev. 13:18).

Solomon became famous for his riddles and his wisdom (1 Kings 10:1-3).