Brief Overview of ῥιπή (Strong’s G4493: rhipē)

Strong’s G4493: A feminine noun meaning “a moment,” “twinkling,” or “rapid movement,” primarily describing an extremely brief instant of time. In the New Testament, it appears uniquely in the phrase “in the twinkling of an eye,” describing the suddenness of the resurrection transformation at Christ’s return.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ῥιπή conveys the concept of an instantaneous moment or lightning-quick movement. In its only New Testament appearance, Paul uses it to describe the incredible speed of the believers’ transformation at the last trumpet. Early church fathers frequently referenced this term when discussing the resurrection, emphasizing both its certainty and suddenness. Today, it continues to illustrate the dramatic and instantaneous nature of our future glorification in Christ.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥιπή, rhipē, /hri-pay/
• Detailed pronunciation: hree-PAY (with emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• From ῥίπτω (to throw, cast)
• Related to quick movement or casting
• Root meaning involves swift motion
• Developed to indicate briefest possible time

D – Defining Meanings

• A rapid movement
• A twinkling (especially of the eye)
• An instant
• A moment of time

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a simple noun formation.

Translation Options:

• “twinkling” – especially in context of eye movement
• “instant” – emphasizing brevity of time
• “moment” – indicating brief duration

E – Exploring Similar Words

• στιγμή (stigmē) /stig-may/ – a point of time, instant
  See G4743
• ἄτομος (atomos) /at-om-os/ – indivisible, moment
  See G823

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a feminine noun:

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

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: ῥιπή
• Genitive singular: ῥιπῆς
• Dative singular: ῥιπῇ
• Accusative singular: ῥιπήν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use for instantaneous movement. Thayer’s connects it to quick eye movement. LSJ provides examples of swift motion in classical usage. Vine’s highlights its unique eschatological context. Strong’s relates it to sudden casting motion. Moulton and Milligan note its rare usage in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“in a moment, in the [ῥιπή] twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ῥιπή powerfully captures the instantaneous nature of our future transformation in Christ. Its use in describing the resurrection proclaims the good news that King Jesus will suddenly and completely transform His people. This word reminds us that our glorification, while awaited, will happen in an instant, demonstrating God’s power to perfect His people immediately at Christ’s return.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient Greek medical writers used this term to describe rapid eye movements.
2. The word was used in astronomical texts to describe the quick movement of stars.
3. Early Christian art sometimes depicted this concept through lightning bolts or swift-moving angels.

Strong’s G4493: A feminine noun meaning “a moment,” “twinkling,” or “rapid movement,” primarily describing an extremely brief instant of time. In the New Testament, it appears uniquely in the phrase “in the twinkling of an eye,” describing the suddenness of the resurrection transformation at Christ’s return.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: moment, twinkling, instant, resurrection, transformation, eschatology, suddenness, glorification, last trumpet, Paul’s teaching, time, rapidity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​