ῥιπή (rhipē)
rhipē
twinkling
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun rhipe refers to a sudden, rapid movement, such as the throw of a javelin or the flash of flame. In Scripture, it appears only once, describing the instantaneous change at the last trumpet in 1 Corinthians 15:52. The phrase "in the twinkling of an eye" captures this speed, suggesting that the transformation from death to life happens so quickly it is nearly imperceptible.
Its root implies a casting or throwing motion, emphasizing force and swiftness rather than gentle progression. Translators typically render this as "twinkling," though the Greek sense is closer to a flash or a sudden blink. The word highlights the abruptness of the resurrection event, contrasting sharply with any gradual human process.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ῥιπὴ (rhipē) describes a sudden flash or rapid movement, like the throw of a javelin. It appears only once in Scripture, capturing the instant change at the last trumpet. This imagery reminds us that resurrection is not a slow process but an immediate act of God’s power.
When we face uncertainty about the future, this word offers comfort. The transformation from death to life happens so quickly it is nearly imperceptible. It shows that God’s work is decisive and complete, requiring no waiting or gradual effort on our part.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] twinkling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ῥιπῇ1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 15:52
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.
The word ῥιπὴ appears here to emphasize the instantaneous nature of the resurrection, contrasting with any idea of gradual change.