μυέω
myéō
G3453 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To initiate or induct someone into secret or privileged knowledge, especially through ritual or instruction; in extended usage, to educate or instruct, often with the nuance of introducing to specialized or esoteric teachings. The core sense involves bringing someone into the inner circle of knowledge or practice, frequently with the implication of secrecy or exclusivity.
Semantic Range
to initiate (especially into mysteries), to induct into a secret society or ritual, to instruct with privileged knowledge, to teach esoteric truths, to become acquainted with something hidden or rare
Root / Etymology
From the root μυ- (mu-), related to the act of closing (especially the mouth or eyes), possibly cognate with μύω ('to shut, close'), and closely associated with μυστήριον ('secret, mystery'). The sense developed from 'to close the mouth' (as in being silent about secrets) to 'initiate' (i.e., to bring into a mystery or secret society).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, μυέω primarily described the act of initiating someone into the mystery religions, where initiates (μύσται) underwent rituals that revealed secret knowledge or experiences forbidden to outsiders. The basic sense is not simply 'to teach' in a general sense, but to introduce someone into a select group and its hidden knowledge. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, initiation into religious or philosophical mysteries remained the principal use, with the passive form (e.g., μύεται) meaning 'to be initiated.' Within New Testament and broader Koine contexts, the term is rare but retains its association with specialized, often spiritual, knowledge or instruction (cf. Philippians 4:12, where Paul uses it figuratively for learning deep, sometimes secret, truths of existence). English translations often render μυέω as 'instruct' or 'teach,' but these do not always capture the richness of the original term’s association with secrecy, initiation, and belonging to an inner circle. Related terms include μυστήριον (mystery, secret doctrine) and μύστης (initiate). The word is attested in classical Greek literature (e.g., Plato, Plutarch) in mystery rite contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the base of μυστήριον; to initiate, i.e. (by implication) to teach:--instruct.
Root Family
μυέω (myeō) — to initiate, to introduce to mysteries, to instruct in secret knowledge
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3453-01 |
μεμύημαι | memuemai | V PRF PASS IND 1P SG |
I have learned | I have been initiated into mysteries | I have been initiated into mysteries | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3453-01 |
Philippians 4:12 | μεμύημαι | memuemai | V PRF PASS IND 1P SG |
I have learned | I have been initiated into mysteries | I have been initiated into mysteries |