Heard one way, meaning another

Five words, set straight

As we often hear it

What it first meant

Mystery: something spooky, or a puzzle no one can solve.

From mysterion: a hidden truth now made known (Romans 16:25–26).

Apocalypse: the end of the world.

From apokalypsis: an unveiling, a revelation.

Repent: to grovel in shame.

From metanoia: a change of mind, a turning of the whole self.

Meek: weak, a doormat.

From praus: strength held gently in hand.

Esoteric: odd, obscure, not for ordinary people.

From the Greek for “further within”: the inner meaning.