Lexical Summary exaiphnés: Suddenly Original Word: ἐξαίφνης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance suddenly. From ek and the base of aiphnidios; of a sudden (unexpectedly) -- suddenly. Compare exapina. see GREEK ek see GREEK aiphnidios see GREEK exapina NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and the same as aiphnidios Definition suddenly NASB Translation suddenly (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1810: ἐξαίφνηςἐξαίφνης (WH ἐξέφνης (except in Acts 22:6), see their Appendix, p. 151), adverb (αἰφνης, ἄφνω, ἀφνως suddenly), of a sudden, suddenly, unexpectedly: Mark 13:36; Luke 2:13; Luke 9:39; Acts 9:3; Acts 22:6. (Homer, et al.; the Sept..) STRONGS NT 1810: ἐξέφνης [ἐξέφνης, see ἐξαίφνης.] Topical Lexicon Definition and Overview Strong’s Greek 1810 describes an event that breaks in without warning, interrupting the normal flow of life. Scripture uses the term to heighten awareness that God, angels, or even hostile spirits may act in a moment that cannot be forecast by human calculation. Occurrences in Scripture Mark 13:36; Luke 2:13; Luke 9:39; Acts 9:3; Acts 22:6. Sudden Divine Revelation Luke records two decisive moments in which God discloses Himself “suddenly.” When the angel announces the birth of Christ, “suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God” (Luke 2:13). At Saul’s conversion, “suddenly a light from heaven shone around him” (Acts 9:3). In both cases the unanticipated arrival underscores that divine initiatives depend on God’s timing, not human scheduling. Salvation history advances in startling bursts of grace. Suddenness and Eschatological Watchfulness Jesus uses the word to warn His disciples: “Otherwise, he may come suddenly and find you sleeping” (Mark 13:36). The element of surprise serves as a pastoral prod: complacency is incompatible with Christian hope. The Lord’s return will not be preceded by a countdown that allows for last-minute repentance. Vigilance is therefore an enduring mark of authentic discipleship. Sudden Spiritual Assault A contrasting usage appears in Luke 9:39, where a demonic spirit “seizes him, and he suddenly screams.” The boy’s affliction dramatizes how evil often intrudes without notice. The same adverb that highlights God’s redeeming intervention also describes the enemy’s destructive ambush, reminding believers that spiritual warfare can erupt at any moment and must be met with continuous dependence on Christ. Suddenness in Apostolic Testimony Paul’s defense before the Jerusalem crowd repeats the Damascus-road narrative: “About noon … suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me” (Acts 22:6). The repetition legitimizes his apostleship and illustrates the irreversible authority of a divine call that interrupts and redirects a life. Paul’s ministry is rooted in a moment he neither initiated nor anticipated. Theological Reflections 1. Sovereignty: God alone determines the moment of revelation, judgment, or rescue. Practical Ministry Applications • Preaching: Urge hearers to respond “today” rather than presume upon tomorrow. Summary Strong’s Greek 1810 weaves through the New Testament as a literary alarm clock. Whether announcing angelic praise, demonic rage, prophetic warning, or saving illumination, its every occurrence signals that the living God is free to act without consultation. Wise believers therefore watch, worship, and work in constant readiness for the next “suddenly.” Forms and Transliterations εξαίφνης ἐξαίφνης εξάκις εξακισχίλιαι εξακισχίλιοι εξακισχιλίους εξεφνης ἐξέφνης exaiphnes exaiphnēs exaíphnes exaíphnēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 13:36 AdvGRK: μὴ ἐλθὼν ἐξαίφνης εὕρῃ ὑμᾶς NAS: he should come suddenly and find KJV: Lest coming suddenly he find you INT: lest having come suddenly he should find you Luke 2:13 Adv Luke 9:39 Adv Acts 9:3 Adv Acts 22:6 Adv |
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