Lexical Summary atomos: Indivisible, moment, instant Original Word: ἄτομος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance moment. From a (as a negative particle) and the base of tomoteros; uncut, i.e. (by implication) indivisible (an "atom" of time) -- moment. see GREEK a see GREEK tomoteros HELPS Word-studies 823 átomos (from 1 /A "not" and 5114 /tomṓteros, "to cut") – properly, not able to cut (divide) because too small to be measured, like a "split second"; an "instant; an indivisible moment of time, too short to measure" (Souter). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and tomos Definition uncut, indivisible, (an indivisible) moment (of time) NASB Translation moment (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 823: ἄτομοςἄτομος, ἀτομον (τέμνω to cut), that cannot be cut in two or divided, indivisible (Plato, Sophocles 229 d.; of time, Aristotle, phys. 8, 8, p. 263b, 27): ἐν ἀτόμῳ in a moment, 1 Corinthians 15:52. Topical Lexicon Linguistic background The single New Testament appearance of ἀτόμῳ (823) in 1 Corinthians 15:52 employs a term drawn from classical Greek physics, where it described something so minute or indivisible that it could not be cut further. Paul appropriates this imagery to communicate the absolute swiftness and indivisibility of the resurrection event, emphasizing that God accomplishes His transforming work in a time-slice beyond human measurement. Biblical setting in 1 Corinthians 15:52 Paul’s great resurrection chapter climaxes with the assurance that “in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed”. The surrounding verses contrast the perishable with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality. By choosing ἀτόμῳ, Paul underscores not only speed but also finality: the moment cannot be subdivided, delayed, or reversed. The transformation is as decisive as creation itself (Genesis 1:3) and as irreversible as the sealing of the saints by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14). Theological significance of sudden transformation 1. Certainty of divine action: The indivisible moment highlights that resurrection is entirely God’s work. Human effort, chronology, or technological progress plays no part; salvation history culminates precisely when God decrees. Eschatological implications The “twinkling of an eye” forms part of a larger cluster of passages about the suddenness of the Lord’s coming (Matthew 24:27; Luke 12:40; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 22:7). Together they teach watchfulness, moral urgency, and pastoral comfort. Believers live in the tension of imminence: every generation can expect that the indivisible moment might arrive within its lifetime, motivating holiness and mission (2 Peter 3:11-12). Historical interpretation in the Church Early patristic writers such as Irenaeus and Tertullian quoted 1 Corinthians 15:52 to defend bodily resurrection against gnostic spiritualization. Medieval theologians linked the verse to the doctrine of glorified bodies, while Reformers appealed to it to rebut soul-sleep theories. In modern evangelical teaching the term informs discussions of the rapture and the sequencing of end-times events, yet all orthodox streams agree on the core truth: the consummation will be instantaneous and universal. Pastoral and ministry applications • Funeral comfort: The word reassures mourners that their loved ones in Christ await not a drawn-out process but a momentary change into glory (Philippians 3:21). Related Scriptures Matthew 24:44 – “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” Luke 17:24 – “For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His day.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2 – “The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” Hebrews 9:28 – “He will appear a second time…to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.” Doctrinal synthesis ἀτόμῳ encapsulates the biblical doctrine that God’s redemptive purposes reach fulfillment through a singular, sovereign, undividable act. The same power that spoke the universe into being will, without interval, reconstitute every believer into incorruptible splendor. For the church this indivisible moment secures hope, kindles readiness, and magnifies the glory of the One who “makes all things new” (Revelation 21:5). Forms and Transliterations ατομω ατόμω ἀτόμῳ atomo atomō atómoi atómōiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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