Brief Overview of στιγμή (Strong’s G4743: stigmē)

Strong’s G4743: A feminine noun meaning “a point, moment, or instant of time.” In its sole New Testament appearance, it describes the instantaneous nature of Satan’s temptation of Jesus, emphasizing the brevity of temporal power compared to eternal kingdom values.

U- Unveiling the Word

στιγμή literally refers to a point or prick, and metaphorically to a moment so brief it’s like a puncture in time. In Luke’s Gospel, it appears in the temptation narrative, describing how Satan showed Jesus all kingdoms “in a moment of time,” highlighting the fleeting nature of worldly power. Early church fathers saw in this word a contrast between temporal and eternal values. Today, it reminds us of the momentary nature of earthly glory compared to eternal significance.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στιγμή, stigmē, STIG-may
• Detailed pronunciation: stig (as in stigma) + may (as in may)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• From στίζω (stizō) – to prick
• -μη (-mē) suffix – forms result nouns
• Indicates point/moment in time

D – Defining Meanings

• Point of time
• Instant
• Moment
• Brief duration
• Punctiform time

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a simple noun

Translation Options:

• “Moment” – general temporal meaning
• “Instant” – emphasizes brevity
• “Point of time” – most literal translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καιρός (kairos) [kahee-ROS] – appointed time – See G2540
• χρόνος (chronos) [KHRO-nos] – time, duration – See G5550
• ἀτομός (atomos) [AT-om-os] – moment, indivisible – See G823

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Examples:

• Nominative singular: στιγμή (moment)
• Genitive singular: στιγμῆς (of a moment)
• Dative plural: στιγμαῖς (in moments)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes instantaneous nature. Thayer’s notes mathematical point origin. LSJ documents technical usage in astronomy. Vine’s highlights temporal brevity. Strong’s connects to punctiform concept. LEH traces Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show precise time references.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 4:5: “Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment [στιγμή] of time.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στιγμή reveals the transient nature of worldly power and temptation. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah rejected momentary glory for eternal purpose. This word reminds us to value eternal kingdom priorities over temporary earthly attractions.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient mathematicians used it for geometric points
• Astronomers used it for precise observational moments
• The word influenced modern concepts of instantaneous time

Strong’s G4743: A feminine noun meaning “a point, moment, or instant of time.” In its sole New Testament appearance, it describes the instantaneous nature of Satan’s temptation of Jesus, emphasizing the brevity of temporal power compared to eternal kingdom values.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: moment, time, instant, temptation, temporal-values, eternity, brevity, Jesus-temptation, worldly-power, temporal-vs-eternal, Satan, momentary-glory, temptation-narrative, time-measurement, mathematical-point​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​