στιγμή (stigmē)
stigmē
instant
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun stigmē refers to a single, fleeting moment of time. Its root meaning is "a prick" or "a point," derived from the verb for pricking. This origin gives the word a sharp, precise quality, suggesting a tiny, distinct unit of duration rather than a vague period.
In the New Testament, it appears only once in Luke 4:5, where Jesus describes the kingdoms of the world being shown to Him "in a moment of time." The image is of a brief instant, emphasizing the suddenness and brevity of that vision. Translators often render it as "instant" or "moment," capturing its sense of immediate, punctual time.
The word’s precision contrasts with broader terms for time, focusing instead on a specific point in a sequence. Its use in Luke highlights the transient nature of earthly power when viewed against eternal realities. The etymology reinforces this idea of a sharp, defined moment rather than an extended duration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word στιγμὴ (stigmē) points to a single, sharp instant. It is not a vague stretch of hours or days, but a precise point in time. In Luke 4:5, the devil shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in this fleeting moment. The image is sudden and brief, highlighting how quickly earthly power can appear and vanish.
When we face long seasons of waiting or uncertainty, this word offers a quiet comfort. God’s timing does not move in vague, endless stretches. He works in specific moments, bringing clarity when it is needed most. Even if a situation feels prolonged, the focus remains on the present instant where grace is available.
Christians can trust that no moment is wasted or overlooked by God. The brevity of time reminds us to stay grounded in what matters eternally. Rather than worrying about distant outcomes, we find peace in knowing that each instant is held within His care and purpose for our lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a moment1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- στιγμῇ1×
Key Verses
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Luke 4:5
The devil, leading him up on a high mountain, showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
This verse uses the word to describe the sudden, brief nature of the devil's vision of worldly kingdoms, contrasting temporal power with eternal reality.