Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

god works in mysterious ways

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.08 in modern English

Syllables: god -work-s in mys-te-ri-ous ways
IPA

44

Scrabble Score

24

Letters

6

Syllables

15

Unique Chars

Meaning

proverb

Expressing confidence that a conundrum has a solution despite it not being apparent.

proverb

Commenting on a situation that has led to some unexpected outcome in a surprising or convoluted way.

proverb

Commenting that a seemingly unfortunate or unfavourable situation or change may be beneficial later or in the long run.

Example Sentences

"Person A: It seems that I'm about to be fired from my job. Person B: Well, God works in mysterious ways — maybe it'll be the kick you need to apply to university..."

Etymology

Possibly originating from a poem by William Cowper (floruit 1731–1800), whose first stanza reads: God moves in a mysterious way / His wonders to perform; / He plants His footsteps in the sea / And rides upon the storm. Despite the late attestation, the general sentiment of the phrase does hold apparent wide-ranging and prehistoric theological currency.

Inflected Forms

the Lord works in mysterious ways (alternative)

Phrases

blessing in disguise

Frequently Paired Words

blessing in disguise

Synonyms

everything happens for a reason every cloud has a silver lining

Questions

What does god works in mysterious ways mean?: Expressing confidence that a conundrum has a solution despite it not being apparent.
Where does god works in mysterious ways come from?: Possibly originating from a poem by William Cowper (floruit 1731–1800), whose first stanza reads: God moves in a mysterious way / His wonders to perform; / He plants His footsteps in the sea / And rides upon the storm. Despite the late attestation, the general sentiment of the phrase does hold apparent wide-ranging and prehistoric theological currency.

How to pronounce god works in mysterious ways

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