ἐξαίφνης (exaiphnēs)
exaiphnēs
suddenly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb exaiphnēs conveys a sense of abruptness, meaning "suddenly" or "unexpectedly." It describes events that occur without warning, catching observers off guard. In the New Testament, this word appears five times, primarily in the Gospels of Luke and Mark, as well as in Acts.
Its usage highlights the dramatic nature of divine intervention. For instance, it describes the sudden appearance of a heavenly host announcing Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:13) and the unexpected light that blinded Saul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3). The term emphasizes that these moments were not anticipated by those present.
The word is formed from a prefix meaning "out of" and a root related to "suddenness." This structure reinforces the idea of something bursting forth into view. Translators typically render it as "suddenly," capturing the immediate and unforeseen quality of the events described in these biblical accounts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word exaiphnēs captures those moments when life shifts without warning. It describes events that burst into view, leaving observers with no time to prepare. In Scripture, this suddenness often marks divine intervention, reminding us that God is not bound by human schedules or expectations.
When we face uncertainty, remembering this term can bring comfort. The same God who brought light suddenly to Saul on the road to Damascus is present in our unexpected moments. His actions may come swiftly, but they are always purposeful, guiding us toward deeper faith and understanding.
This awareness invites trust. Even when circumstances change abruptly, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s plans unfold with precision. His sudden acts are not random; they are invitations to witness His power and grace in ways we could never foresee.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- suddenly5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξαίφνης5×
Key Verses
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Mark 13:36
lest, coming suddenly, he might find you sleeping.
This verse uses exaiphnēs to warn believers that Christ’s return will be unexpected, urging constant spiritual readiness rather than complacency.
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Luke 2:13
Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God and saying,
Here the word highlights the abrupt arrival of the heavenly host, emphasizing that God’s announcement of Jesus’ birth came without prior warning to the shepherds.
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Acts 9:3
As he traveled, he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him.
The sudden light surrounding Saul demonstrates how divine intervention can instantly redirect a life, transforming persecution into purpose through an unforeseen encounter.